FNF Boosts Stake in LendingTree

Fidelity National Financial Inc., Irvine, Calif., has increased its stake in LendingTree Inc., Charlotte, N.C., by purchasing 1.84 million shares of preferred stock held by a unit of Capital Z Financial Services Partners.This stock can be converted into 2.0 million shares of LendingTree common stock. The price paid was not disclosed. Prior to the deal, FNF held 1.6 million shares of LendingTree common stock. FNF and its affiliates now own 12.4% of the total voting stock in the company. Capital Z remains LendingTree's largest shareholder, owning 15.4% of the voting stock. "We feel that LendingTree is a compelling strategic partner for our comprehensive suite of real estate settlement products and services," said FNF chairman and chief executive William P. Foley II. Capital Z is also a significant shareholder in Aames Financial Corp., the Los Angeles-based subprime lender. LendingTree can be found on the Web at http://www.lendingtree.com.