Reported by Anirban Sen

(Excerpt shared below. To read full report, go to: https://www.reuters.com/world/us-watchdog-probes-real-estate-firm-douglas-elliman-over-anywhere-bid-2025-09-24/)

 A Wall Street watchdog is probing trading activity ahead of a failed takeover bid for Douglas Elliman (DOUG.N) and has asked the luxury real estate brokerage who knew about the offer before it became public in late May, according to letters seen by Reuters and three people familiar with the matter.

The inquiry by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, reported here for the first time, is in the early stages, according to screenshots of the two letters and the sources.

ANYWHERE TALKS FIZZLE OUT IN JUNE

On March 5, Douglas Elliman received an offer from Anywhere worth $5 per share, according to the sources and Douglas Elliman’s June 25 response to FINRA, which reveals new details about Anywhere’s approach.

In the following days, Douglas Elliman and its advisors evaluated the bid and decided to move ahead, but on April 16 Anywhere backtracked, leading Douglas Elliman to scrap the talks, according to the letter.