FNF Buys Mercury's Colorado Title Ops

A week after Mercury Cos., Denver, closed its title agency businesses in Arizona, Texas, and California, the company sold its Colorado operations to Fidelity National Financial Inc., Jacksonville, Fla. The various operating units -- Security Title, First American Heritage Title, Title America, and United Title -- have a 30% market share in Colorado. A letter on Mercury's website blamed rising economic pressures and a declining real estate market for the closures. In the news release announcing the sale, Jerry Hauptman, chairman and chief executive of Mercury, said FNF "is an exceptionally strong, stable and well-run title company. Its financial strength and operational acumen will allow our Colorado operations to continue to provide the service and performance that our customers have come to expect for so many years." Mercury is the parent of Guardian Mortgage Documents and USA Digital Solutions. It can be found online at http://www.mercurycompanies.com.