Key facts
- Compass faces a class action lawsuit filed by former Anywhere shareholders.
- The suit alleges Compass downplayed regulatory risks and antitrust concerns ahead of the Anywhere acquisition.
- Investors claim Compass falsely stated efforts to obtain regulatory approvals and compliance with antitrust laws.
- Senators Warren and Wyden raised antitrust concerns about the merger to the DOJ and FTC.
- Compass allegedly hired lobbyist Mike Davis to expedite the merger's approval.
- A Compass spokesperson called the allegations "without merit".
Compass is facing a class action lawsuit filed by former shareholders of Anywhere, alleging that the company downplayed regulatory risks and antitrust concerns leading up to its acquisition of Anywhere. The suit, filed by shareholder rights law firm Robbins LLP, claims that Compass and Anywhere falsely assured investors about their efforts to secure necessary regulatory approvals and their compliance with antitrust laws.
Prior to the merger's closure, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden had contacted the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to scrutinize the deal, citing potential harm to homebuyers through increased broker fees and limited property listing access. The lawsuit contends that Compass hired lobbyist Mike Davis to bypass standard antitrust reviews. Reports indicated that former assistant attorney general for antitrust Gail Slater considered an extended review, but Compass allegedly appealed to her superiors, including Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, to avoid a full-scale investigation.
In February 2026, Senator Warren, along with Representative Becca Balint and 16 other Democrats, sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi seeking details on the DOJ's antitrust review of the Compass-Anywhere merger. Investors interested in serving as lead plaintiff in the suit have until December 7 to contact Robbins LLP. A spokesperson for Compass stated that the allegations are without merit and the company will defend itself against the claims.