So what ultimately led to the demise of one of Wall Street's top banks? While CEO Alan Scwartz is taking a lot of heat for the freefall of Bear Stearns, few can argue he was a sitting duck when he replaced embattled former CEO Jimmy Cayne in January. Below is a look at the company's last six months.

 

 

Sept. 27 – Bear Stearns in talks with Buffett [2]

 

Oct. 17 – China bank to bid for Bear Stearns [2]

 

Oct. 17 – Behind the Bear Stearns hedge fund fiasco [2]

 

Oct. 24 – Is Citic the answer for Bear Stearns? [2]

 

Nov. 15 – Who’s next? Jimmy Cayne, perhaps? [2]

 

Nov. 29 – Bear Stearns joins the layoff parade [2]

 

Dec. 19 – Feds looking at inside action at Bear Stearns fund [2]

 

Dec. 20 – Rumor: Bear Stearns looking to replace Cayne [2]

 

Jan. 8 – Cayne joins rogues list [2]

 

Jan. 9 – The future of Bear Stearns [2]

 

Jan. 10 – Can Bear Stearns be salvaged? [2]

 

Jan. 11 – Fortress and Bear Stearns deal talks to revive soon? [2]

 

Jan. 24 – No spate of outright bank failures expected [2]

 

Feb. 15 – The credit outlook for banks [2]

 

Feb. 21 – ALSO NOTED: Bear Stearns faces legal action over hedge funds [2]

 

March 12 – ALSO NOTED: Rumors about Bear Stearns liquidity heat up [2]

 

March 14 – What’s up with Bear Stearns [2]

 

March 17 – Update: Bear Stearns finally falls [2]

 

March 18 – JP Morgan bets big on Bear Stearns [2]