First Union Corporation was a major financial services company based in the United States. Founded in 1908, it grew through a series of mergers and acquisitions, becoming one of the largest banking institutions in the country. The corporation offered a wide range of services, including commercial banking, investment banking, and asset management. In 2001, First Union Corporation merged with Wachovia Corporation, rebranding itself as Wachovia. This merger expanded its reach and services, allowing it to compete more effectively in the financial sector. Eventually, Wachovia was acquired by Wells Fargo in 2008, marking the end of First Union as a standalone entity.