Stewart Expands Portfolio with MCS Acquisition
SISCO Holdings, LLC, a Delaware company fully owned by Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC), has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the mortgage services division of Mortgage Contracting Services (MCS), a leading provider of property preservation services in the United States. The acquisition will transfer to Stewart the full suite of operational infrastructure and technology systems that support mortgage servicers and lenders in managing and preserving properties, particularly those involved in default servicing.
This strategic move strengthens Stewart’s position within the mortgage and real estate services sector by adding property preservation to its portfolio of offerings. It also expands Stewart’s capabilities in working with mortgage lenders and servicers, enabling the company to deliver a more comprehensive range of services spanning the entire mortgage process—from origination and underwriting to servicing and post-default property management.
“We are pleased to announce our intent to acquire MCS and look forward to being able to offer property preservation, which supports default servicing, as a new service for our lender and servicer customers,” said Fred Eppinger, Chief Executive Officer of Stewart. “This acquisition confirms our dedication to bettering our lender services and allows us to introduce our products and services to a broader audience of customers. MCS is a well-respected leader in the industry, and our shared vision of excellence makes MCS a perfect addition to our Real Estate Solutions business.”
For nearly four decades, MCS has built a strong reputation as a reliable and technology-driven property services provider. It works with mortgage servicers, government-sponsored enterprises, investors, and financial institutions to maintain, secure, and manage properties throughout the United States. MCS’s offerings are particularly critical when properties fall into delinquency or default, as proper upkeep is required to maintain value, comply with regulatory standards, and protect surrounding communities.
“MCS has built a reputation over nearly four decades as an award-winning property services provider, trusted by industry leaders across all markets,” said Chad Mosley, President of Mortgage Services at MCS. “Our commitment to providing our customers with the highest level of service backed by leading technology-driven solutions has enabled us to protect and preserve communities nationwide. By joining Stewart, we are aligning with a company that is one of the oldest and most respected in the industry. Together, we are poised to elevate mortgage service standards and deliver meaningful impact across the property services industry.”
The acquisition also aligns with a broader growth strategy Stewart has been pursuing in recent years to expand its lender-focused service offerings. The company has invested in building a more integrated suite of solutions that supports lenders and servicers through multiple stages of the mortgage process.
“Stewart Lender Services has thoughtfully built a portfolio of services, solutions, and technologies these last few years to support lenders and servicers with lead generation, valuation, origination, and underwriting to closing services,” said Beth Fowler, President of Stewart Lender Services. “I’m thrilled to welcome the MCS team and am excited that with MCS we are adding another complementary and core capability that’s critical to the mortgage ecosystem. We look forward to supporting MCS’s momentum, innovation, and collaboration with current and future customers.”
The transaction is valued at approximately $330 million and will be funded using Stewart’s available financial resources. The company expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive, meaning it should positively contribute to Stewart’s earnings without delay. Following completion of the purchase, the MCS mortgage services division will continue to function as a standalone business unit under the Stewart umbrella. This approach is expected to ensure continuity for current clients and employees while also enabling the business to leverage Stewart’s broader operational network and industry relationships.
The closing of the transaction is anticipated to take place before the end of the year, pending customary regulatory approvals and the expiration or termination of the waiting period required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.
Several professional advisory firms played key roles in the transaction. Troutman Pepper Locke served as outside legal counsel to Stewart. Macquarie Capital acted as exclusive financial advisor to MCS, while BakerHostetler provided legal counsel to MCS.
Founded more than a century ago, Stewart Information Services Corporation is a global provider of real estate services, offering title insurance, settlement and closing services, and a suite of specialized solutions designed for the mortgage and lending sectors. The company operates through a combination of direct operations, a national network of Stewart Trusted Providers, and a family of subsidiary businesses. Stewart positions itself as a partner-driven organization committed to mutual success with customers across the real estate transaction lifecycle.
Through the acquisition of MCS’s mortgage services division, Stewart continues to execute on its strategy to expand its capabilities, strengthen its competitive position in the real estate services market, and better meet the evolving needs of mortgage lenders, servicers, and property investors.
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