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Century 21 CEO links brokerage consolidation to rising tech costs
Century 21 said it completed 16 M&A deals so far in 2026, up from 24 transactions last year and 17 in 2022, as acquisitions expand beyond state lines.
Century 21 said rising technology costs are accelerating brokerage consolidation, driving a surge in merger and acquisition activity, according to HousingWire. Chief Operating Officer Greg Sexton described M&A as a strategy that started after the pandemic and has since become central to the brand’s identity.
Sexton said enhanced technology, national expansion capabilities, and operational support are helping brokers pursue acquisitions, while Century 21’s M&A coaching supports franchisees looking to grow. He also noted that deals are increasingly not limited by geography, with examples of acquisitions being coordinated across states.
Century 21 reported 16 completed M&A deals so far in 2026, after 24 transactions last year, versus 17 in 2022, which the company characterized as roughly a 40% increase from 2022. Among the 2026 acquisitions, it cited firms in South Carolina, Illinois, Florida, California, Wisconsin, Arizona, and Georgia.
HousingWire reports the brand’s momentum has been supported by its integration under the Compass International Holdings umbrella following Anywhere Real Estate’s acquisition. Sexton said the combined technology offering, particularly the Compass platform expected to be available for Century 21 agents, has pushed broker-owners to engage in conversations about keeping pace with technology expenses that he said are likely to keep growing.