ROTHCHILD BANKING GROUP UNIFIES AFTER 200 YEARS!
THE French and English branches of the fabled Rothschild banking family announced their unification overnight, ending a separation that dates from the 19th century. Under an agreement announced overnight the two will unify their shareholdings under a single holding company, the French group Paris-Orleans. Symbols of big money and finance, the Rothschild dynasty, which includes media personalities, amateurs of horse racing and owners of prestigious vineyards, is best known for its capital management activities. The two branches were created at the beginning of the 19th century when the founder of the dynasty, Frankfurt-based Meyer Amschel, sent his sons on a mission throughout Europe to develop the bank he had created. Mr Amschel was renamed Rothschild by his neighbours because of the red shield which adorned his house. Of the four sons who left Germany, Nathan settled in London and founded NM Rothschild and Sons. Jacob Meyer, who was nicknamed James, settled for Paris. Jacob Meyer'