PRESS RELEASE Bastrop County, Texas – Bastrop Abstract - TopicsExpress

PRESS RELEASE Bastrop County, Texas – Bastrop Abstract Company is joining forces with locally-grown and Austin Texas-based Independence Title Company. Based on county recording data, the move will establish Independence Title as the most active title insurance company in Bastrop County while also giving it the largest presence in Bastrop County with offices in Bastrop and Elgin. Independence Title has held the top spot in market share in Travis, Hays and Williamson counties since the latter part of 2005 and this acquisition will add Bastrop County to that list. Since Independence Title opened its doors almost ten years ago, the company has grown from 18 to more than 350 employees, and is currently the #1 Austin area title company according to the Austin Business Journal’s Book of Lists. Independence Title is also San Antonio’s highest-ranked independent title company on the San Antonio Business Journal’s list, and has recently expanded into the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth markets. Independence Title is the largest independently owned title insurance agent in the State of Texas and was recently included in the Inc. 5000 List, which recognizes the fastest-growing private companies in the United States as compiled by Inc. Magazine. Independence Title’s President and COO Brian Pitman said the deal with Bastrop Abstract Company is the next logical step in striving to give the very best information and service to the Central Texas area. “By combining resources with Bastrop Abstract Company, we can now offer customers both the highest standards of service and technology. We will also have the very best title information in Bastrop County, which dates back more than 100 years to Texass sovereignty,” said Pitman. “Bastrop County will see significant growth in the coming years and we are glad to be able to support that process with this acquisition.” Pitman and ITC Chairman and CEO Jay Southworth founded Independence Title in 2005 on the belief that Central Texas needed a return to local title service providers. “We all know Central Texas is a unique business and cultural environment, and we are able to reflect that as a locally owned company with local knowledge and Bastrop Abstract Company is a natural fit for us that will complement our local approach very well.” said Southworth. Bastrop Abstract Company has a venerable history and is one of the oldest businesses in Bastrop, established in 1883. Current Bastrop Abstract Company president Ed Rivers said, “We’re excited to work with Independence Title in bringing our great Bastrop County services to customers all over Central Texas. Our customers will benefit from continuing to work with the same familiar staff in our offices, and will enjoy the extra resources that Independence Title brings to the table.” Rivers will make the move to Independence Title, along with all of their current personnel. The acquisition gives Independence Title additional offices in Bastrop and Elgin. All told, Independence Title boasts combined title plants covering 24 counties across Texas, and with the new additions, 55 branch offices. Independence Title Company transactions are supported by several national title insurance underwriters, including all major national brands. In 2013, Independence Title and Bastrop Abstract Company had combined gross revenues of over $64 million. CONTACT: Kara McGregor, Senior VP Business Development, Independence Title Company (512) 454-4500/kmcgregor@independencetitle independencetitle