Exhibit 23(b)



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
of Merrill  Lynch & Co.,  Inc.  on Form S-8 related to the 1986  Employee  Stock
Purchase Plan of our reports dated February 26, 2001,  included or  incorporated
by reference in the Annual  Report on Form 10-K of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. and
subsidiaries for the year ended December 29, 2000.



July 5, 2001

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP