Compass Inc. unveiled a blockbuster move Monday, announcing it will acquire rival Anywhere Real Estate for $1.6 billion, a deal advised by Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz. Once the transaction closes in the second half of next year, the combined company is expected to command a staggering $10 billion valuation.

The deal represents one of the most dramatic consolidations in the real estate sector in years, uniting Compass’ tech-driven brokerage model with Anywhere’s legacy brands.

Bringing Icons Under One Roof

Anywhere’s extensive brand portfolio—Century 21, Coldwell Banker, Corcoran, Sotheby’s International Realty, and Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate—will now fall under Compass ownership. The merger brings together household names in property markets across the globe, forming a titan that spans both modern innovation and established prestige.

Compass CEO and founder Robert Reffkin, who will lead the combined company, framed the deal as an industry-defining moment. “By uniting two of the best companies in our field, while preserving the independence of Anywhere’s iconic brands, we’re building a platform where real estate professionals can thrive for decades,” Reffkin said.

Stakes and Shareholders

Once finalized, the deal will leave Compass shareholders controlling 78% of the merged entity, with Anywhere investors holding about 22%. To support the acquisition, Compass secured $750 million in post-closing debt financing from Morgan Stanley.

The financial institutions behind the deal underscore its high stakes: Morgan Stanley served as adviser to Compass, while Goldman Sachs guided Anywhere.

Global Reach, Local Power

The combined force of Compass and Anywhere is set to reshape the global property map. According to the companies, the new entity will operate in every major U.S. city and across 120 countries and territories, employing 340,000 real estate professionals worldwide.

This transaction follows Compass’ earlier consolidation efforts, including its $444 million acquisition of Christie’s International Real Estate and @properties, also guided by Kirkland.

Legal Titans Steering the Transaction

The high-powered legal rosters reflect the magnitude of the deal. Compass turned to a Kirkland & Ellis team led by Joshua Kogan, Rachael Coffey, Heath Mayo, and Andrea Murino. Anywhere was advised by a Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz squad including Steven A. Rosenblum, Hannah Clark, Anna M. D’Ginto, Nicole Hovatter, Ilene Knable Gotts, Amelia R. Wrigley, Adam J. Shapiro, Michael J. Schobel, Jonathan C. Nickas, Gregory E. Pessin, Luke F. Porcari, Nicole D. Sharer, T. Eiko Stange, and Clayton S. Hackney.