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Kennedy Wilson to Be Taken Private for $1.65 Billion by McMorrow–Fairfax Consortium

Backers say private ownership will cut reporting costs to refocus on long-term strategy.

Overview

  • Consortium will acquire remaining shares for $10.90 in cash, valuing the real estate firm at roughly $1.6–$1.65 billion.
  • Fairfax is expected to hold a majority stake and is funding the deal without financing contingencies, while CEO William McMorrow’s KW Management Group will lead operations.
  • An independent special committee unanimously recommended the transaction and the board approved it, with closing targeted for the second quarter of 2026 pending a shareholder vote.
  • The merger agreement permits up to two additional $0.12 quarterly dividends before completion, and shares jumped nearly 10% toward the offer price after the announcement.
  • Consortium members held about 31% of outstanding stock before the proposal; Moelis is advising, and Latham & Watkins and Ropes & Gray are legal counsel.