Reps of both companies declined to comment on talk of a potential deal, but the chatter had Douglas Elliman's price per share up 34.5% over the past 5 days
Lorber had served as chairman since 2003 but in the months leading up to his retirement faced scrutiny following a pattern of financial losses and the Alexander brothers scandal
The CEO of Douglas Elliman was elected a director of the company alongside David K. Chene and Patrick J. Bartels, much to the dismay of some disgruntled stockholders
The company's improved financial results no doubt came as a sigh of relief, as Elliman faced increasing pressure from shareholders because of its shaky performance in recent quarters
Shareholder Bradley Tirpak said in a letter to investors that Lorber's leadership had fallen short as the firm has continued to see financial losses and scrutiny amid the Alexander brothers scandal