Real Brokerage REMAX Merger Clears Antitrust Review

The proposed merger between The Real Brokerage and REMAX has cleared a significant antitrust review, with the Department of Justice granting early termination of the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Act waiting period on Monday night. This development, announced by REMAX in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, removes a key regulatory hurdle for the transaction. The HSR Act of 1976 requires companies to notify the DOJ and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of large mergers and acquisitions, initiating a mandatory waiting period for government review to assess potential competitive harm. Typically lasting 30 days, this period allows agencies to scrutinize deals before they can be finalized. With the early termination, both companies are now closer to completing their merger, which is subject to other customary closing conditions. These include the satisfaction of other conditions specified in the Merger Agreement, such as obtaining the requisite approvals from the stockholders of REMAX and the securityholders of Real. Shareholder votes are scheduled for August 14 at both firms, indicating a potential closing in the second half of 2026. Although the HSR waiting period has concluded, the DOJ and FTC retain the ability to investigate antitrust concerns even after a merger closes. This is highlighted by the ongoing scrutiny of Compass's acquisition of Anywhere, which closed in early January 2026, despite initial lack of HSR review, following urging from federal lawmakers.