HOWELL, MI. (March 21, 2000) -- Metropolitan Title Company, based in Howell, Michigan, has acquired Raisin Valley Title of Monroe, Michigan, giving Metropolitan Title a presence in Monroe County for the first
time. The acquisition became official this past December when Metropolitan Title agreed to terms with Raisin Valley and Central Title Service of Ann Arbor, both of which were controlled by the same group of shareholders.
"We're pleased to add two quality companies to further strengthen our representation in the state of Michigan," said Ken Lingenfelter, President of Metropolitan Title. "Central Title's history and reputation in Ann
Arbor will be a tremendous asset to our company while representation in Monroe County is extremely important in our efforts to better serve our southeastern Michigan clients."
Central Title was founded in 1972 by Ron
Fletcher, who has served as President and Chairman of the Board of the company for the past 28 years. Despite the corporate transition, Central Title will retain their name at both Ann Arbor locations. The area now has
three Metropolitan branches as the two Central Title locations join a previously established Metropolitan branch south of town.
"Faced with a changing marketplace, I think both parties made the right decision," said
Fletcher. "We're looking forward to the added resources Metropolitan brings to our customers while continuing a friendly rivalry with them in the Ann Arbor area. I'm also pleased that Ken (Lingenfelter) allowed us to
keep the 'Central' name and maintain the brand identity we've worked so hard to establish."
Raisin Valley Title was founded in 1963 by a group of 16 local attorneys and businessmen which included Harry Seitz, Sr. and Harry
Seitz, Jr. After changing to Peoples Savings Bank and, later, Standard Federal Bank, in the 70's, Seitz, Jr., and partner jack Hohman regained ownership in the early 1980's. In 1990, a group of shareholders, which
included Ron Fletcher, purchased 50% of Raisin Valley before assuming full ownership in September of 1997.
"We're very happy to be working with Metropolitan Title," said Jeff Seitz, son of Harry Seitz, Jr., who served as
President of Raisin Valley. "We had our choice of suitors and went with Metropolitan Title in part because of ken's reputation in this business." "This obviously allows us to grow," continued Seitz. "In the past,
many commercial customers have asked us to work with them in other counties, and even other states. Now, that will be something we can do."
Founded in 1979 by Lingenfelter, Metropolitan Title Company has a history of
consistent growth. Key to their impressive growth over the last two decades is a dual emphasis on both human resources and advanced technology. A hallmark of the company has been progressive adaptation of technological
innovation for title agency customers. These innovations have created a more efficient system for all customer real estate transaction needs – from professional real estate closings to 1031 tax deferred exchanges.
Metropolitan Title Company is the largest independent title agency in the State of Michigan and in the Midwest. It is the second largest agency in the nation. Headquartered in Howell, Michigan, Metropolitan Title
also has regional centers in Rochester and Holland, Michigan; Mishawaka, Indiana and Lombard, Illinois.
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