UniversalCIS, a market-leading, technology-enabled provider of credit data and related origination solutions in the mortgage industry, acquired the Lending Solutions and Appraisal Management Divisions of Data Facts, a national and international consumer reporting company, according to a release.
The acquisition will enhance UniversalCIS’ customer-centric origination solutions platform while expanding its foothold in new geographic regions. The transaction also marks UniversalCIS’ fifth acquisition and its first since receiving an investment from Lovell Minnick Partners in March 2021. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“This acquisition marks UniversalCIS’ expansion into key client regions and reinforces our position as a market-leading technology solutions provider to the mortgage industry,” UniversalCIS Chairman Perry Steiner said in the release. “Data Facts is a well-known, longstanding player in the market, and we are excited to leverage the company’s expertise as we continue to enhance our technology offerings and bring value to current and future clients.”
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Cordova, Tenn., Data Facts provides information lenders and employers rely on to make lending and hiring decisions. In addition to bolstering UniversalCIS’ origination solutions, the acquisition will expand UniversalCIS’ appraisal management capabilities and increase the business’ presence in this market.
Data Facts President Julie Wink will join the UniversalCIS executive team, and it will continue to be led by founder and CEO Daphne Large.
“Daphne Large and Julie Davis Wink have built an incredible company that shares our commitment to providing high quality solutions and services, as well as our vision for growth,” UniversalCIS CEO Jerry Haftmann said. “We see a strong alignment of values with Data Facts and believe this is a natural next step in UniversalCIS’ growth journey. We also look forward to welcoming Julie and all of the lending solutions and appraisal management employees to the UniversalCIS team.”
Large founded Data Facts three decades ago.
“We recognized an opportunity to build a leading solutions provider in the consumer reporting industry, and it’s extremely validating to see our Lending Solutions and Appraisal team’s and company’s success recognized,” she said. “We know the Lending Solutions and Appraisal divisions will enjoy continued growth with UniversalCIS and have every confidence this is a great move for our customers and our team as part of UniversalCIS.”
“Data Facts has seen immense growth over the last few years, and I am thrilled to lead its Lending Solutions and Appraisal Management divisions as we integrate with UniversalCIS and are able to offer a greater depth of technology and resources for our clients,” Wink said.