Merrill Lynch & Co. today announced it has enhanced its capital position by reaching agreements to issue US$6.6 billion of mandatory convertible preferred stock in private placements to long-term investors.

The capital infusion is coming primarily from the sovereign wealth funds, the Korean Investment Corporation and the Kuwait Investment Authority, and Mizuho Corporate Bank. TPG-Axon Capital, The New Jersey Division of Investment, The Olayan Group, and T. Rowe Price Associates Inc. on behalf of various clients are also investors. All the new investors will be passive investors in Merrill Lynch and none of them will have any rights of control or role in the governance of Merrill Lynch.

“I am very pleased with today’s announcement,” said John Thain, the new chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch. “One of my main priorities over the last several weeks has been to ensure Merrill Lynch’s balance sheet is strong, and these transactions make certain that Merrill Lynch is well-capitalized. In addition, the benefits of Merrill Lynch’s collaboration with these high quality, long-term investors are significant. Through their global reach and diverse client relationships, we are looking forward to more strategic opportunities around the world.”

“Kuwait Investment Authority is one of the oldest and most successful sovereign investors in the world, and we are very pleased to be partnering with them,” Thain said. “The Middle East is one of the world’s fastest growing regions, and we look forward to our relationship with Kuwait Investment Authority providing Merrill Lynch with additional opportunities to grow its presence there.”

“Merrill Lynch has a long-standing relationship with Mizuho Corporate Bank and this investment provides us with significant strategic advantages. Because of their extensive corporate client base in Japan and their deep network in China, the Pacific Rim and globally, we expect future collaboration with Mizuho to be very productive,” added Thain.