Three North Coast branch offices of Fidelity National Title Co. merged with Ticor Title Insurance & Escrow Co. on Feb.1.
The two Real Estate title companies are owned by the same holding company, Fidelity National Financial in Jacksonville, Fla.
Peter Harris, district manager for Ticor and Fidelity branches in Clatsop and Tillamook counties, told the Coast River Business Journal that Fidelity operated offices in Astoria, Seaside and Tillamook. The Seaside and Tillamook offices were closed Feb. 1.
Fidelity’s Astoria branch at 1355 Exchange St., Suite 4, has become a Ticor branch – the second Ticor branch to be located in Astoria. Ticor’s original branch office is located at 630 Bond St.
"The mix of business warranted a second (Ticor) office in Astoria," Harris said.
The merger resulted in the elimination of three jobs, while three other positions were retained at the new Ticor branch, he said.
Harris said the decision to merge the two companies was the result of "current market conditions within the two counties."
All three North Coast Fidelity branches were located in leased buildings. Harris said the lease on the Seaside building was nearly up and will not be renewed, while Ticor will seek a sublease for the Tillamook building.
Ticor Title Insurance & Escrow is the largest title company in Clatsop County based on recorded, insured transactions, Harris said.