MC Companies and Bridge Founders Group merge to form The Founders Group

MC Companies and Bridge Founders Group completed a strategic merger on June 11, 2026, creating The Founders Group, a vertically integrated multifamily investment and operating platform. The new firm combines more than 200 years of leadership experience and a portfolio of about 7,900 units as it targets growth in markets with strong housing demand.

Why it matters: - The merger creates a larger multifamily platform at a time when housing shortages, capital market resets and demographic trends are reshaping investment opportunities. - The Founders Group is positioned to pursue larger and more complex deals that can benefit from scale, operating depth and access to capital. - The combination also affects investors, employees, residents and communities through a single integrated operating model.

What happened: - MC Companies and Bridge Founders Group announced the completion of their strategic merger on June 11, 2026. - The combined company is now The Founders Group, or TFG. - The new platform is built around multifamily investment, development and property operations. - TFG is headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The details: - The principals of both firms have together acquired more than 75,000 units. - The firms have executed more than $13 billion in transactions over 37 years. - TFG currently owns and operates about 7,900 multifamily units across 35 communities. - The platform uses a vertically integrated model spanning acquisitions, asset management, development and property management. - TFG is pursuing growth across Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Georgia and Missouri. - The company is also expanding into additional high-opportunity markets. - Bridge Founders Group principals Russ Minnick, Dan Stanger, Chris Young and Rich Stayner bring more than 150 years of combined multifamily experience. - That team includes co-founding experience at Bridge Investment Group. - MC Companies principals Ken McElroy and Ross McCallister have completed more than $2 billion in transactions since 2001. - MC Companies currently operates about 6,500 units across the Western U.S. - TFG leadership now brings more than 200 years of combined multifamily experience. - The firm’s strategy includes value-add investing, institutional-quality acquisitions and ground-up development. - TFG says the platform is designed to perform across market cycles.

Between the lines: - The merger reflects a bet that scale and disciplined execution matter most when multifamily markets are under pressure or dislocation creates buying opportunities. - The leadership team is pitching the new platform as both institutional in capability and entrepreneurial in speed. - The message to investors is that the combined balance sheet, relationships and deal pipeline should improve access to larger opportunities. - The message to employees and residents is that the merger is intended to improve resources, continuity and service standards.

What’s next: - TFG plans to keep expanding within its current footprint while moving into new markets with durable fundamentals. - The firm expects to lean into market dislocation and opportunities that require scale and deep operating expertise. - Management says the company will continue to prioritize fiduciary standards, investor capital and risk-adjusted returns.

The bottom line: - The Founders Group is launching as a larger, more integrated multifamily platform designed to buy, operate and develop through the next phase of the housing cycle.