METROPOLITAN TITLE COMPANY ACQUIRES SUMMIT TITLE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

   (Howell, Michigan – June 4, 2002) Metropolitan Title Company, America’s Premier Independent Title Agency headquartered in Howell, Michigan, announces that it has agreed in principle to bring Summit Title Services, Inc. of Bedford, New Hampshire under common ownership. This will mark Metropolitan Title’s entry into its eighth and ninth states, and bring its total number of affiliated offices nationwide to 134.

   Summit Title is the largest title company in New Hampshire with eight offices in New Hampshire and one office in Wells, Maine. “The Summit offices and are well known and respected in the New Hampshire market. This affiliation of two well-known and respected companies will only improve the level of services and benefits Summit Title can extend to their customers,” noted Metropolitan Title president/CEO, Ken Lingenfelter. “This agreement to acquire Summit Title will benefit Metropolitan Title in that it will expand our service area to our customers nationwide,” Lingenfelter also said. Lynne Paul, Lynne Martin and Chuck Marquis, former Summit Title owners feel that, “this agreement insures Summit Title’s continued strength in New Hampshire and Maine.”

   Founded in 1979 in Howell, Michigan by Ken Lingenfelter, Metropolitan Title has an impressive history of growth. The company currently has offices in seven states, including, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Ohio and Florida, with over 1,400 employees. They offer a full inventory of title and closing services including, 1031 tax deferred exchanges, National Services and Relocation divisions, and appraisal and flood certification service, to name a few. A hallmark for the company has been its progressive approach to technology and service to its customers nationwide.

   Summit Title, although affiliated with Metropolitan Title Company, will continue to operate under the same name and with the same friendly and knowledgeable staff that its customers have come to rely on since 1996.