RE/MAX Holdings acquisition of North American regions from RE/MAX Integra a strategic move. Nick Bailey named President of RE/MAX LLC. INC.
Big news from RE/MAX! RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. announced that RE/MAX, LLC, has entered into an agreement to acquire the North America regions of RE/MAX INTEGRA. Once completed, the acquisition will bring nearly 19,000 agents (approximately 12,000 in Canada and 7,000 in the U.S.) and more than 1,100 independently owned and operated RE/MAX offices under the RE/MAX, LLC company-owned region (COR) umbrella. The RE/MAX acquisition independent RE/MAX regional franchises has long been a key pillar of the company’s growth strategy and a capital allocation priority. Nick Bailey, former chief customer officer, has been promoted to president of RE/MAX LLC. Adam Contos remains CEO of RE/MAX Holdings Inc.
Largest deal in RE/MAX history
The RE/MAX acquisition of RE/MAX Integra’s North American franchise territory is the largest deal in RE/MAX LLC history and now gives RE/MAX significant control over a large swath of North America. “It’s a crowning achievement for Walter Schneider and Frank Polzler who, nearly 40 years ago, took a chance on investing in Dave and Gail Liniger’s young franchise system and built it the largest RE/MAX master franchise in the world,” says Steve Murray, senior advisor to RealTrends.
The elevation of Nick Bailey to President of RE/MAX LLC marks a milestone in his career which started as a real estate agent and investor nearly 25 years ago. “RE/MAX LLC now has two of the youngest and most experienced executives in the industry in Bailey and CEO Adam Contos, who will undoubtedly use both to guide RE/MAX for years to come,” says Murray.
“We are thrilled to announce this regional acquisition, which is by far the most significant in the history of our company in terms of the size of territory and number of agents,” said Adam Contos, RE/MAX Holdings CEO. “The addition of these strategic and geographically desirable regions enhances our ability to continue to scale, brings many attractive growth opportunities and simplifies our operational structure by creating greater efficiencies. I wish to thank RE/MAX INTEGRA co-founders Frank Polzler and Walter Schneider – and their amazing families – for their dedication and passion in growing the RE/MAX brand over the 40-year tenure with our network. Their RE/MAX story moves forward with INTEGRA’s RE/MAX Europe region, where they’ll continue to have a positive impact on region owners, franchisees, sales associates and consumers.”
The North America regions being acquired by RE/MAX, LLC include five Canadian provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island) and nine
U.S. states (the New England states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont, plus Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin).
“Frank and I knew RE/MAX was special from the very beginning in 1980,” said Walter Schneider, RE/MAX INTEGRA President and Co-Founder. “We were excited about taking an incredibly solid concept that we could help build from the ground up. It’s been a wonderful journey and the friendships we’ve made along the way will last a lifetime. We are confident in the leadership of Adam Contos, Nick Bailey and the entire RE/MAX, LLC team, as well as in their ability to facilitate a smooth transition and ensure a bright future for our Affiliates in North America. We thank RE/MAX Co-Founders Dave and Gail Liniger for their vision, partnership, and friendship during these past four decades, and we look forward to continuing to represent the RE/MAX brand in Europe.”
“Helping grow RE/MAX into the industry’s premier brand and network has been the experience of a lifetime,” said Frank Polzler, RE/MAX INTEGRA Chairman and Co-Founder. “Our North American regions will be in excellent hands and I have no doubt that this new leadership will build on our foundation and take these regions to even greater heights.”
Nick Bailey Promoted to President
With the RE/MAX acquisition, Bailey is being promoted. As President, Bailey will lead all aspects of the RE/MAX brand and business globally, focusing on the growth and success of its membership. Prior to rejoining RE/MAX in 2019, Bailey served as President and CEO of Century 21 Real Estate LLC, a subsidiary of Realogy, and as a Vice President at Trulia/Zillow. Earlier in his career, he spent over a decade at RE/MAX, LLC, where he led the growth and development for numerous regions. With more than 25 years of experience within the real estate industry, Bailey has worn many hats, including those of real estate agent and broker.
“Adding almost 19,000 agents to our company-owned regions gives us the opportunity to scale faster than we have been able to in the past. It means more agents on the same systems, using the same products, combining resources, and delivering a more consistent customer experience,” Bailey said. “This, coupled with our revamped technology stack, which is just beginning to gain traction, creates the perfect time to bring our biggest client back under the tent so that even more RE/MAX agents will have unfettered access to our tools, training and technology.”
Strategic Rationale
- Execution of Strategy – Acquiring Independent Regions has been a key component of the Company’s long-term growth strategy. The acquisition of INTEGRA’s North American businesses is the biggest manifestation of that strategy.
- Growth – The acquisition of these Independent Regions brings additional growth opportunities with more brokers actively recruiting agents to the COR network.
- Prudent Allocation of Capital – The acquisition of Independent Regions has long been a capital allocation priority given the inherent attractive economics unique to the Company as the acquirer. The acquisition is expected to be accretive in the first year and to materially increase the Company’s revenue, profit, and free cash flow.
- Efficiency and Scale – The similarity of the Company’s and INTEGRA’S North American operations will further simplify and scale the Company’s operations through identified cost and operational synergies.
Transaction Details
The RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. Board of Directors has unanimously approved the RE/MAX acqusition, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including antitrust review. RE/MAX, LLC is acquiring RE/MAX INTEGRA’s North American operations for approximately $235 million in cash. RE/MAX has secured commitments of $235 million in aggregate additional debt financing to fund the purchase price. The closing of the transaction is contingent on completion of the financing. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter.
