The Bear Stearns Companies Inc.

The Bear Stearns Companies Inc. was a major global investment bank and securities trading firm based in New York City. Founded in 1923, it was known for its expertise in investment banking, asset management, and trading. However, during the 2007-2008 financial crisis, Bear Stearns faced significant losses due to its exposure to mortgage-backed securities, leading to a loss of investor confidence. In March 2008, it was sold to JPMorgan Chase in a government-backed deal to prevent bankruptcy, marking one of the most notable failures during the financial crisis and highlighting risks in the financial system.