Was it a disgruntled employee? A computer glitch? Or does google.com have the inside track on the strategic thinking of Ken Lewis, chairman and CEO of Bank of America?
Last month, according to the search engine, BofA and ABN Amro were one and the same. All you had to do to get Google to leak its scoop was to type "Bank of America International" in the search box and click on the tab "I'm feeling lucky". At the end of July it would take you directly to ABN Amro's site.
There's been much speculation this year that Lewis is seeking acquisitions, and that he reckons Europe is a good starting point. His recent UK visit, for example, prompted gossip that he was eyeing Barclays.
Could it be that the Dutch bank has been his target all along? There wouldn't be much overlap bar a couple of fights for the top slot in European debt capital markets. And BofA would pick up a decent US retail bank in the Chicago area.
But ABN's executives don't need to worry about an invasion from Charlotte. Or do they?