“UBS Group’s Mega Bank Deal: Years of Preparation Culminate in a Controversial Takeover of Credit Suisse”

Colm Kelleher, a Corkman with a relentless work ethic and a strategic mindset, played a pivotal role in one of the biggest bank deals in history. Most people were unaware of the countless hours of preparation and hard work that went into making the deal possible. This behind-the-scenes story sheds light on Kelleher’s secret preparations that helped pull off the historic merger, and how his approach made all the difference.


UBS Group successfully completed a major bank deal in a few days, though groundwork for the takeover of Credit Suisse by UBS had been in progress for several years. Predecessor Axel Weber had been conducting feasibility studies as far back as 2020. After tens of billions of dollars were removed by clients this year, Corkman Colm Kelleher called on some top advisers from Morgan Stanley to step up contingency planning. On March 15, as confidence crisis spread to Switzerland, UBS was ready to take action. Negotiations followed creating a rescue deal that wiped out bondholders and infringing on traditional shareholder rights. The acquisition creates a megabank double the size of Switzerland’s economy.


Colm Kelleher’s meticulous preparation and secret strategies proved to be instrumental in the success of one of the biggest bank deals in history. His dedication and hard work paid off, leading to a groundbreaking outcome that elevated him to the top of the banking industry. Kelleher’s story is a testament to the power of preparation and the importance of having a solid plan in place. As we look to the future, may we all draw inspiration from his journey and embrace the power of preparation to achieve our own goals and aspirations.