Vonovia and Deutsche Wohnen combine to create a giant landlord

ROLF BUCHDWDWLEGDWDW, chief executive of Vonovia, Germany’s biggest residential-property company, says he has learned a lot since he tried and failed to buy Deutsche Wohnen (), the second-biggest, in 2015. Back then Mr Buch’s hostile bid was an attempt to prevent from combining with third-ranked . Neither deal came to pass.On May 24th Vonovia said it is having another go, with the acquiescence of ’s management. “This time we will do better,” Mr Buch promises. If the €18bn ($22bn) all-cash deal wins the approval of ’s shareholders, it will create by far the biggest residential-property firm in Europe.