Bonuses boost for Bear Stearns brokers

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is offering bonuses to the top brokers at ailing bank Bear Stearns to get them to stay with the company after it is acquired.

The packages, which would go into effect when JPMorgan’s buyout is completed, are aimed at keeping Bear Stearns’ best-performing brokers from leaving for another investment bank.

“It’s been a challenging time for their brokers, and we want to make sure they know our desire to continue with the business,” says Jes Staley, chief executive of JPMorgan’s Asset Management Group. “Our hope is to keep all the talented Bear brokers who are there.”