The merger, however, just made the financial problems worse, at least for the short run.

Experts were divided about whether the merger would make sense.

"We think a merger makes much more sense than breaking up Chase."

But the merger will make it more competitive for the networks.

This new merger, they say, will make them feel even more powerless.

"A merger would make us a much more effective competitor with the two giants."

But whether the merger would make much difference to the average citizen is not yet clear.

But today, the two companies said a full merger made more sense because it would save an estimated $257 million a year.

"The merger makes them more of a major player," he said.

The merger made it easier to cut costs and to marshal resources.