AllianceBernstein, a global investment management and research firm, and Societe Generale, a European bank, formed a joint venture. "This partnership with one of the most recognized firms in research and cash equities, combined with our global leadership in equity derivatives, would create an indisputable leader across the equity business for the benefit of our issuer and investor clients," Slawomir Krupa, Societe Generale Head of Global Banking and Investor Solutions.