QUESTION 47 Simpson Inc. is considering a vertical merger with The Lachey Company Simpson currently has a required return of 11%, while Lachey's required return is 15%. The market risk premium is 5% and the risk-free rate is 5%. Assume the market is in equilibrium If Simpson is going to make up 67% of the new firm (and Lachey will comprise the remaining 33%), what will be the beta of the new merged firm? There will be no additional infusion of debt in the merger. O a. 1.46 O b. 1.54 O c 1.61 O d. 1.69 O e. 1.78