What will happen if WFC, or HSBC or somebody buys them? Most likely remain the same name and locations?
It's very likely that they won't have to close any retail banking branches. The name would probably get changed, but that's rather inconsequential. I don't think WM will go the way of IndyMac. As I know it, JPM has no presence in California and the exposure to that market through an acquisition of WM might be tempting to them. It's up to them to decide if the mortgage risks are worth it.
They have $110b of really bad assets. buyers balked at LEH because of that. if we take that as a guide then WM is likely to sell branches instead of the whole thing