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In a deal poised to reshape the specialty insurance landscape, Texas-based Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. announced Thursday plans to acquire private equity-backed Vantage Group Holdings Ltd. for $2.1 billion. The transaction is expected to accelerate Howard Hughes’ growth and diversify its long-term value streams.

Howard Hughes is represented by Latham & Watkins LLP, while Vantage is advised by Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.

A Milestone Acquisition

“This acquisition of Vantage is a milestone event in the transformation of Howard Hughes into a diversified holding company,” said Executive Chairman Bill Ackman. “Through Vantage, we gain a top-tier specialty insurance and reinsurance platform, led by an exceptional, highly experienced team.”

Vantage, backed by private equity firms Carlyle Group and Hellman & Friedman, offers a global portfolio of property and casualty insurance products supported by advanced analytics and modern infrastructure.

Strategic Growth and Capital Strength

Howard Hughes’ ownership is designed to provide permanent capital, strengthening Vantage’s credit profile and underwriting flexibility. “With Howard Hughes’ long-term vision, we expect to expand opportunities in specialty insurance, reinsurance, and partnership capital,” said Vantage CEO Greg Hendrick.

Hendrick added that the deal will fuel profitable growth, innovation, and enhanced value for brokers and clients.

Financing and Closing

The acquisition will be funded through cash on hand and up to $1 billion of non-interest-bearing, nonvoting preferred stock to Pershing Square Holdings Ltd., which will manage Vantage’s assets fee-free to optimize investment returns and align the interests of policyholders and shareholders.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending customary regulatory approvals.

Legal Teams

Howard Hughes’ Latham team is led by corporate partners Gary Boss, Kirsten Gaeta, Andrew Elken, and Michael Haas, supported by specialists in debt finance, tax, employee benefits, data privacy, trade controls, antitrust, and representations and warranties insurance.

Vantage’s Debevoise advisors include Emily Huang, Alexander Cochran, Jonathan Levitsky, J. Michael Snypes, and Michael Bolotin, covering M&A, employee benefits, executive compensation, and tax matters.

The Howard Hughes to Acquire Vantage deal signals a transformative step for both firms, combining financial strength, global insurance expertise, and analytical sophistication to drive growth in a competitive specialty insurance market.