Takeover targets?

Market cap: $46 billion (as of 8/29)

Advantages:
A deal with American Express is less likely than one with an ailing bank, but the company should be attractive to Dimon because of its lucrative high-end credit card franchise. The chief of the Chase credit card business is an Amex alum.

Disadvantages:
A deal would be huge and present integration risks, including melding technology platforms for billing and pricing. And it might not be the bargain Dimon is looking for -- American Express' stock is not as cheap as that of other targets, despite the hits it has taken this summer, as the company reported lower earnings than expected, and Moody's raised the specter of a ratings cut.

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