The announcement that Compass will acquire Anywhere for $1.6 billion marks one of the largest consolidations in real estate history. The all-stock deal, revealed on Monday, will give Compass control of Anywhere’s iconic brands, including Century 21, Sotheby’s, and Coldwell Banker. The merger values the combined companies at around $10 billion, instantly creating the world’s largest residential brokerage.
Compass, which also operates Christie’s, has already held the top spot in the United States by sales volume. Anywhere ranked second, making the deal a union of industry giants. The merger will bring together a workforce of 340,000 real estate professionals across every major U.S. city and 120 countries. According to Compass CEO Robert Reffkin, the deal creates a platform designed to support agents long into the future while preserving the independence of Anywhere’s established brands.
The timing of this megamerger is notable. The U.S. housing market has faced significant weakness in recent years, with sales volumes hitting three-decade lows due to affordability concerns. However, Compass has bucked the trend by reporting a 21% year-over-year increase in transactions for the second quarter. Company revenue rose to $2.06 billion, also up 21% compared to a year earlier, proving that scale and strategy can overcome market challenges.
By absorbing Anywhere, Compass expects to cut about $255 million annually in operating costs through integration and reduced redundancies. The deal also strengthens Compass’s revenue mix by adding over $1 billion from Anywhere’s franchise, relocation, title, and escrow services. With the ability to complete 1.2 million home sales each year after the merger, Compass gains ample opportunities to embed these additional services into future transactions.
The Compass to Acquire Anywhere merger showcases how megabrokerages continue to outpace small independent firms. In a market defined by fewer transactions and intense competition, large brokerages gain advantages in marketing reach, technology, and operating efficiency. For clients, it means access to a wider range of services under one corporate roof. For agents, it offers new opportunities within a global network that stretches across 120 countries.
The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals. Reffkin will continue to lead the combined company. Market reaction showed sharp contrasts: Compass shares fell more than 12% after the news, while Anywhere stock surged over 50%. These moves underline the financial and strategic stakes of a merger set to redefine the global real estate landscape.
