Stewart to Expand Real Estate Services Portfolio with the Acquisition of Mortgage Contracting Services’ Mortgage Operations
SISCO Holdings, LLC, a Delaware-based entity fully owned by Stewart Information Services Corporation (NYSE: STC), has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire the mortgage services division of Mortgage Contracting Services (MCS). MCS is a longstanding provider of property preservation services, serving mortgage servicers and lenders across the United States. Through this strategic acquisition, Stewart will assume ownership of the operational platforms and technology infrastructure that supports property preservation processes for mortgage lenders and servicers, thereby expanding its range of real estate and mortgage-related service offerings.
Expanding Stewart’s Service Capabilities
The acquisition represents a significant milestone in Stewart’s continued journey to broaden its footprint within the real estate services sector. Historically known for its title insurance, closing, and settlement services, Stewart has steadily expanded into adjacent markets that support the full lifecycle of mortgage activities. With the addition of MCS’s mortgage services, Stewart will now be able to offer property preservation services that play a critical role in default servicing and asset protection.
Fred Eppinger, Chief Executive Officer of Stewart, stated that the agreement aligns closely with the company’s strategic growth priorities. “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,” Eppinger said. He emphasized that this move not only reinforces Stewart’s commitment to enhancing its lender services portfolio but also introduces Stewart’s integrated service platform to a broader market. “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.”
MCS: A Legacy of Industry Leadership
Founded nearly four decades ago, Mortgage Contracting Services has established a strong reputation for reliability, customer service, and operational excellence. The company provides a wide spectrum of property preservation and maintenance services that ensure residential properties—often those in foreclosure or default—are secured, maintained, and protected. These services are vital in safeguarding asset value and preserving communities impacted by distressed property conditions.
Chad Mosley, President of Mortgage Services at MCS, stated that joining Stewart marks an important step forward for the company and its clients. “MCS has built a reputation over nearly four decades as an award-winning property services provider, trusted by industry leaders across all markets,” Mosley noted. He highlighted the company’s commitment to service excellence and technology-driven solutions designed to protect properties and neighborhoods nationwide. “By joining Stewart, we are aligning with a company that is one of the oldest and most respected in the industry, and together, we are poised to elevate the mortgage service standards and deliver meaningful impact across the property services industry.”
Strengthening the Stewart Lender Services Platform
The acquisition also strengthens the strategic direction of Stewart Lender Services, which has invested in building an end-to-end suite of solutions that support lenders throughout the mortgage lifecycle. These offerings include lead generation, collateral valuation, origination and underwriting support, and closing services. Adding property preservation enhances the company’s ability to support customers after loan origination, particularly during default and foreclosure processes.
Beth Fowler, President of Stewart Lender Services, expressed enthusiasm about the integration of MCS’s capabilities into the Stewart ecosystem. “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,” Fowler stated. “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.”
Transaction Structure and Financial Considerations
The purchase price for the mortgage services business of MCS is approximately $330 million. Stewart has confirmed that the acquisition will be funded through existing company resources, illustrating confidence in its balance sheet and financial resilience. The company expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive to earnings upon completion.
The closing of the transaction remains subject to standard regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, including compliance with the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. Stewart anticipates the acquisition will close before the end of the calendar year. Once finalized, the newly acquired operations will continue to function as a standalone division under the Stewart corporate structure, ensuring continuity and operational stability for existing MCS customers and partners.
Advisors to the Transaction
Troutman Pepper Locke served as outside legal counsel to Stewart in the execution of the agreement. Macquarie Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor to MCS, with BakerHostetler serving as its legal advisor.
This acquisition marks a strategic advancement for Stewart as it continues to strengthen and diversify its real estate services portfolio. By integrating MCS’s respected property preservation capabilities, Stewart deepens its value proposition to lenders, servicers, and the broader mortgage ecosystem. The alignment in operational philosophy, service quality, and market reputation positions both organizations to jointly create enhanced service efficiency, improved customer reach, and sustained industry leadership.
