"Compass Inc. finalized its $1.6 billion acquisition of Anywhere Real Estate on January 9, 2026, after Justice Department leaders reportedly overruled staff recommendations for a more extensive antitrust review. This accelerated closing, occurring months ahead of the initial schedule, has prompted questions from news organizations and federal legislators about potential impacts on competition. Read the full analysis at The Wall Street Journal."
"Antitrust Concerns: The central issue is that career antitrust enforcers at the DOJ were concerned the merger of the two largest U.S. residential brokerages would create a market concentration exceeding federal guidelines (over 30% in some metro areas like New York and Chicago), which could harm consumers by increasing broker fees and limiting listing access. Political Influence: The report suggests that Compass, through its lawyers, appealed the antitrust staff's recommendation to higher-ranking political appointees within the DOJ,"
Compass finalized a $1.6 billion acquisition of Anywhere Real Estate on January 9, 2026 after senior Justice Department leaders reportedly overruled antitrust staff recommendations for a deeper review. The deal closed months ahead of the initial schedule. Career antitrust enforcers warned the combined firm could exceed federal market-concentration guidelines, topping 30% in metros such as New York and Chicago. Regulators cautioned that higher concentration could raise broker fees and limit listing access, harming consumers. Compass appealed staff recommendations to higher-ranking DOJ appointees and the merger closed without the extended investigation staff sought, intensifying consolidation concerns.
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