Merrill Lynch’s SEC reporting describes a $1.3 billion acquisition of First Franklin from National City. That transaction concerns the First Franklin mortgage business, not the similarly named Georgia installment lender.
Read the source: SEC EDGAR · Merrill Lynch 2007 report and First Franklin acquisition
Read the transaction in context
An acquisition can include named entities, assets and servicing operations with distinct roles. Use the filing’s wording and period instead of assuming a brand name identifies every company in a transaction.
Continue: First Franklin Mortgage: History and Name Confusion
Why borrowers still need account records
A corporate acquisition is not a complete servicing history for an individual mortgage. Later transfers, securitization and servicing changes may affect which organization handles a loan today.
Continue: Old First Franklin Mortgage? Finding Servicing Records
Keep the names distinct
The 2006–2007 acquisition history should not be used as evidence that Franklin First Financial Ltd. was bought by Merrill Lynch or that 1st Franklin Financial Corporation is its successor.
Continue: Franklin First vs. First Franklin Mortgage: Name Guide
Frequently asked questions
Was the acquisition price $1.3 billion?
That is the amount described in the cited Merrill Lynch SEC report.
Does the acquisition tell me where to pay today?
No. Use current verified servicing instructions.
Sources
Read the original documents and company pages behind this guide.
- SEC EDGAR · Merrill Lynch 2007 report and First Franklin acquisition www.sec.gov · reviewed October 16, 2026
- CFPB · Mortgage lender and servicer: different roles www.consumerfinance.gov · reviewed October 16, 2026
