"The lawmakers say the letter comes after reports that former assistant attorney general for antitrust Gail Slater wanted to undertake an extended review of the merger to consider any potential anticompetitive impacts. However, reports claimed that Compass and its attorneys appealed to Slater's superiors including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, telling his office that any antitrust concerns could be addressed without a full-scale investigation."
"Allowing this merger will make it easier for these firms to exert greater control over the real estate market, limit consumer access and choice and ultimately exacerbate the housing crisis that has put homeownership out of reach for millions of Americans. The lawmakers argue that due to the potential impact on costs and markets, mergers must face an evenhanded review process especially in cases like the Compass-Anywhere merger, where consolidation may raise risks of reduced competition, diminished transparency and higher housing costs for millions of Americans."
Lawmakers allege that former Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Gail Slater sought an extended review of the Compass-Anywhere merger to assess potential anticompetitive impacts. Reports indicate Compass and its attorneys appealed to Slater's superiors, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, asserting antitrust concerns could be resolved without a full-scale investigation. Lawmakers characterize Blanche's approval despite calls for deeper inquiry as suggestive of corruption and improper industry access to high-level DOJ officials. Lawmakers warn that allowing the merger would increase firm control over the real estate market, limit consumer choice, reduce competition and exacerbate housing affordability and higher costs for millions of Americans.
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