METROPOLITAN TITLE COMPANY ANNOUNCES PROMOTIONS

HOWELL, MI. (August 01, 2003) – Metropolitan Title Company, America’s Premier Independent Title Agency and Settlement Services Company, headquartered in Howell, Michigan announces the following:

Ken Lingenfelter, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Title Company announced on July 16, 2003 the appointment of three new executive positions within the company.

Terry Brown, currently East Michigan Regional Manager and Senior Vice President, has been promoted to President of Metropolitan Title Company. As President, Terry Brown will report directly to the Chairman and will be responsible for the growth and development of the company within its existing operations. Mr. Brown has worked for Metropolitan Title since 1984 and was instrumental in the company’s growth and position in East Michigan.

Dennis Lintemuth, currently West Michigan Regional Manager and Senior Vice President, has accepted the position of Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Senior Vice President. As COO, Dennis Lintemuth will report to the President, Terry Brown and the Chairman. Dennis will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the company’s field operations. Reporting to Dennis will be the company’s Regional Managers. Mr. Lintemuth has worked for Metropolitan Title since 1988.

David Smessaert, currently Indiana Regional Manager and Vice President, has accepted the additional assignment of Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the company. As CIO, Dave will be responsible for Information Services and Technology Deployment. He will continue in his role of Indiana Regional Manager and Vice President. Mr. Smessaert has worked for Metropolitan Title since 1997.

As Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Ken Lingenfelter will continue in his role of establishing the vision, goals and policies of the company. In announcing these appointments, Mr. Lingenfelter said that his role in the company will not diminish; rather he will be able to expand his involvement in the growth of the company beyond its current 10 states and will be able to work with his new executive officers on new business ventures and business strategies.