A fund managed by Bayview Asset Management is to acquire all outstanding shares of Guild Holdings Company not already owned by Bayview, in an all-cash transaction valuing the residential mortgage lender at approximately $1.3bn in equity.
Under the terms of the agreement, Guild shareholders will receive $20.00 per share in cash, representing a 56% premium to the company’s unaffected share price as of 23 May, 2025, and a 27% premium to tangible book value as of 31 March, 2025.
Upon closing, Guild will become a privately held, independent entity, operating in strategic alignment with Lakeview Loan Servicing, a leading mortgage servicer and Bayview affiliate. The company’s executive leadership and operational teams will remain in place, with no expected changes to brand, customer experience, or strategic priorities.
Guild’s retail origination and servicing platform – a coast-to-coast distribution model with a focus on customer lifetime value – will continue to operate under its current structure. The partnership with Lakeview is expected to enhance Guild’s recapture capabilities and support its growth trajectory through increased capital access and product innovation.
The company’s board intends to declare a special dividend of up to $0.25 per share in 2025, and additional quarterly dividends of the same amount if the transaction does not close within the year. These payments will not affect the $20.00 per share merger consideration.
The transaction has received requisite stockholder approval via written consent from McCarthy Capital Mortgage Investors, and is expected to close in Q4 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. The deal is not contingent on financing.
Guild Holdings is advised by Morgan Stanley and legal counsel Sullivan & Cromwell. Bayview Asset Management is advised by Goldman Sachs and legal counsel Simpson Thacher & Bartlett.
