FirstAm Title to Buy Private Title Firm

First American Title Insurance Co., Santa Ana, Calif., has announced an agreement to acquire the privately held TransContinental Title Co., Clearwater, Fla., for an undisclosed amount.TransContinental, a licensed title insurer in 36 states, is headed by chief executive officer William Baumgart, the sole shareholder in the company. It will continue to operate under its current name and management structure. "This acquisition will increase First American's exposure among mortgage originators through a well-recognized and highly respected brand," said James J. Dufficy, executive director of First American Title's National Lenders Advantage Division. "TransContinental has a strong management team and a progressive approach to title and settlement services that parallels First American's philosophy." The companies can be found online at http://www.firstam.com and http://www.tctitle.com.