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In a high-stakes play that could reshape the mortgage lending landscape, Bayview Asset Management LLC is set to acquire Guild Holdings Company in a $1.3 billion deal that promises to supercharge innovation and scale in home financing.

The transaction, announced Wednesday, sees Bayview — advised by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP — agree to purchase all outstanding shares of Guild it does not already own for $20 per share, marking a hefty 56% premium over Guild’s May 23 closing price. It’s a move akin to grabbing the steering wheel of a high-powered engine that’s already in motion.

A New Mortgage Giant in the Making

Once completed, the deal will see Guild transformed into a privately held, independent entity, operating in tandem with Bayview’s affiliate, Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC, one of the nation’s largest mortgage servicers.

“Teaming up with Lakeview forms one of the most formidable mortgage origination and servicing ecosystems in the U.S.,” said Terry Schmidt, CEO of Guild. “We bring to the table a strong balance of retail loan origination and long-term servicing, backed by a business model focused on lifetime customer relationships.”

Guild, a San Diego-based company with a legacy of relationship-driven mortgage lending, emphasized that its growth agenda remains firmly intact. The merger will serve as a launchpad for new employee opportunities and expanded customer offerings, according to the company’s statement.

Leadership Remains, Strategy Accelerates

Despite the change in ownership structure, Guild’s executive and management teams will remain intact, ensuring continuity across its operations and culture. From a strategic standpoint, Guild promises to remain fully operational and customer-focused throughout the transition.

“This partnership strengthens our combined capabilities and extends our reach,” said Juan Gonzalez, CEO and Managing Director at Lakeview Originations. “Together, we’re crafting one of the most dynamic and resilient platforms in the mortgage industry — one that blends agility with scale.”

Closing on the Horizon

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending the usual regulatory and shareholder approvals. Behind the scenes, legal heavyweights are steering the deal: Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is advising Guild, while Simpson Thacher’s team, led by partners Lee Meyerson and Ravi Purushotham, is representing Bayview.

The deal marks yet another bold maneuver by Bayview, doubling down on its vision of vertical integration in the mortgage space. If successful, this acquisition won’t just change Guild’s fate — it may very well set a new benchmark for what the modern mortgage ecosystem looks like.