Compass acquires Charlotte-based Cottingham Chalk

Compass is closing out July with another acquisition. The brokerage announced Tuesday that it has acquired Charlotte, North Carolina-based independent brokerage Cottingham Chalk. 

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The company had previously been affiliated with the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World network. 

“We’re proud to welcome Cottingham Chalk,” Robert Reffkin, the founder and CEO of Compass, said in a statement. “Their deep roots in the Charlotte community, well-established reputation for service, and collaborative culture focused on unlocking the talents of real estate agents make them an ideal fit for Compass.”

Founded in 1983 by Dan Cottingham and John D. Chalk, the brokerage’s team of over 70 agents closed $589.16 million in sales volume in 2024, according to RealTrends Verified Data. Over the years, Cottingham Chalk has grown considerably, including the 2009 acquisition of Bissell-Hayes Realtors, another local independent brokerage. 

The company is currently led by Dan Cottingham’s son, Daniel Cottingham, who serves as president. Additionally, Dan Cottingham’s daughter, Leigh Cottingham Corso serves as vice president of branding & engagement. 

“By joining Compass, we get to maintain the key parts of our culture – integrity, collaboration, and commitment – that we’ve worked so hard to build, while gaining additional resources and tools that will help our agents stay ahead of the curve and continue to thrive for many years to come,” Daniel Cottingham said in a statement.

Earlier this month, Compass announced its acquisition of Denver-based PorchLight Real Estate Group. In the past year, Compass has made three other notable acquisitions, including those of Louisiana-based Latter & Blum, Tennessee-based Parks Real Estate and @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. Additionally, in March of this year, Compass was rumored to be in discussion with Berkshire Hathaway about a potential acquisition. HomeServices of America has denied these rumors.

Reffkin has been vocal about his goal of establishing 30% market share in his firm’s 30 top markets and acquisitions are certainly part of that strategy.