Bank of America Corporation operates through its banking and non-banking subsidiaries as a provider of financial services and products throughout the United States and in selected international markets. As of December 31, 2003, the Company operated its banking activities primarily under two charters: Bank of America, National Association and Bank of America, N.A. (USA). Bank of America manages its operations through four business segments: Consumer and Commercial Banking, Asset Management, Global Corporate and Investment Banking and Equity Investments. On October 27, 2003, the Company and FleetBoston Financial Corporation announced they had signed an agreement and plan of merger. The merger agreement has been approved and is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory and stockholders approvals. Closing is expected in April of 2004.