Fiserv, Fidelity Integrating Real Estate Settlement Units.(mergers in insurance industry)

New York -- A pair of the nation's largest settlement services providers have made internal mergers each says will help enhance service levels provided to mortgage lender customers.

First, Brookfield, Wis.-based Fiserv Inc. combined Integrated Loan Services, Rocky Hill, Conn., with General American Corp., Pittsburgh, to form the Fulfillment Services Division of Fiserv Lending Solutions.

Then, First American Title Insurance Co., Santa Ana, Calif., said it combined its Lenders Advantage and Equity Loan Services divisions into a single unit which under the name Lenders Advantage Division.

Back in October 2004, ILS merged its valuation services with the operations of Case Shiller Weiss and Lenders Financial Services to market a complete array of property valuation services.

GAC is known for its GATORS settlement management system. The current chief executives of both firms, ILS's Jerry Smith and GAC's Rich Snedden will be co-chief executives, while Lee Howlett will be division president and chief operating officer.

"This combination of organizations brings together two leaders in fulfillment services with strengths in different markets. ILS has succeeded in the prime equity market by offering innovative solutions, while GAC's strength has been in the subprime and traditional markets. Together they will offer ...