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Exclusive-US watchdog probes real estate firm Douglas Elliman over Anywhere bid
Yahoo Financeยท2025-09-24 10:12

Core Viewpoint - A Wall Street watchdog, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), is investigating trading activities related to a failed takeover bid for Douglas Elliman, focusing on who had prior knowledge of the offer before it became public in late May [1][2]. Group 1: Investigation Details - FINRA is conducting a routine review of trading in Douglas Elliman's shares surrounding the news of a takeover bid by Anywhere Real Estate, which caused a 50% surge in the company's share price on May 23 [2][3]. - The inquiry is in its early stages, and FINRA has requested a detailed written chronology of events leading up to the reports of the takeover bid [3][4]. - The investigation includes requests for board minutes, a list of individuals privy to the offer, communication details with advisers, and clearance requests for trades in the month prior to May 23 [4]. Group 2: Company Response - In response to FINRA's request, Douglas Elliman disclosed that on May 7, board director Patrick Bartels sought permission to purchase $250,000 worth of Douglas Elliman stock, which was subsequently cleared by the company [5]. - Bartels' trade was reported in an SEC filing after its completion, and it was the only trade highlighted by Douglas Elliman in their response to FINRA [5][6]. Group 3: Context and Implications - FINRA oversees trading in U.S. markets and refers numerous suspected insider trading cases to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission annually [2]. - The inquiry does not imply that FINRA has determined any violations have occurred [4].