 At the time of the merger, Shearson Loeb Rhoades, with $260 million of combined assets and approximately $550 million of revenue, was among the largest investment banking houses.By most measures, Shearson became the second largest brokerage firm in the U.S. trailing only Merrill Lynch.The merger with Loeb Rhoades was more notable for introducing a stronger investment banking business to Shearson.