This Week’s Top Stories: UBS Says Manager Plotted Branch Exodus, Ousted Merrill Star Resurfaces, and More

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1. UBS Sues Ohio Team, Says Manager ‘Shopped’ $20-Mln Branch to Top Bidder
   Move of a branch’s biggest teams to Morgan Stanley triggers suit to bar client solicitation and arbitration claim against Morgan Stanley and manager who allegedly masterminded en masse exodus.
2. Ex-Merrill Star Patrick Dwyer Joins Boston Private After Dismissal
   Miami broker who left Merrill in August over alleged lobbying improprieties, affiliates with New England-based private banking company.
3. Judge Halts Fidelity Suit Against Fleeing Broker Who Claimed Retaliation
   California advisor who joined an RIA claimed Fidelity filed a client-contact lawsuit against her and her new firm in retaliation for her complaint about a manager and work environment.
4. Merrill Reports Record Quarterly Profit on 2% Jump in Client Balances
   Experienced brokers have grown household accounts on average by 27% versus last year, but Merrill is no longer breaking out its “experienced advisor” headcount.
5. Three UBS Brokers in Houston Join Two Independent Firms
   A “President’s Club” member and an associate joined a registered investment advisory firm and another advisor signed up as a Wells Fargo independent broker.