Shareholders of First Republic Bank, a US-based provider of wealth management, private banking and private business banking services, have approved the company’s merger with Merrill Lynch. Under the terms of the transaction, which was announced in January 2007, First Republic stockholders will receive $55 for each share of First Republic common stock. Stockholders may elect to receive cash or shares of Merrill Lynch common stock (or a combination of cash and Merrill Lynch common stock). The completion of the merger remains subject to the receipt of regulatory approval but is expected to be completed in the third quarter.