CHARLEVOIX ABSTRACT & TITLE COMPANY SELLS INTERESTS TO MICHIGAN FIRM

 Charlevoix, Michigan (September, 1999) – Charlevoix Abstract & Title Company has been purchased by Metropolitan Title Company of Howell, Michigan.  The announcement was made jointly by Grant Elowsky, Manager of Charlevoix Abstract & Title and Ken Lingenfelter, President/CEO of Metropolitan Title.

 According to Elowsky, the sale of the 100-year old company, originally called Charlevoix Abstract & Engineering, has only had a positive effect on the staff and the community.  "We are excited to become a part of the Metropolitan Title Company team.  Metropolitan's impressive resources, combined with our ability to offer services in Charlevoix, Antrim, Emmet, Cheboygan, and Mackinaw Counties from one single source, made it a natural to join the Metropolitan Title team."

 "Charlevoix Abstract & Title is a great company with an outstanding reputation," noted Lingenfelter.  "This acquisition further compliments our Michigan operation and expands our service area in northern Michigan.  We now service 44 counties in Michigan with 70 offices.  We can now also offer an enhanced line of title products and services, such as 1031 tax deferred exchanges, and cutting edge technology, to our northern Michigan customers."

 Metropolitan Title is the largest independent title agency in the Midwest with offices in Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.  Its corporate headquarters are in Howell, Michigan with regional offices in Rochester and Holland, Michigan, South Bend, Indiana and Lombard, Illinois.