Merger Creates Leading Technology and Credit Provider for the Mortgage IndustryPHILADELPHIA – October 5, 2021 — UniversalCIS, a market-leading, technology-enabled provider of credit data and related origination solutions in the mortgage industry, and Credit Plus, a leading provider of mortgage verifications and business credit reports, today announced the merger of their companies. As a result of the merger, the new company will become the largest in the industry and serve over 6,500 clients in the North American mortgage market including banks, non-bank mortgage lenders, credit unions and mortgage brokers.
Credit Plus brings over three decades of experience assisting more than 2,700 lenders with its information and verification services throughout the mortgage origination process. UniversalCIS has over 4,000 clients and utilizes an innovative, proprietary technology platform that offers credit data and origination solutions and serves as the first interaction point for clients in the loan application process. The merger represents UniversalCIS’ latest milestone as the company continues to execute its growth strategy following the acquisitions of Universal Credit, CIS Credit, Avantus, DataFacts and SharperLending as well as an investment from Lovell Minnick Partners earlier this year.
The combined business will have over 750 employees and will maintain all of its current operations centers in 12 states. UniversalCIS and Credit Plus will initially retain their brands and gradually combine their operations with plans to rebrand the new company in the future. The business will be headquartered in Philadelphia and led by the combined executive teams of UniversalCIS and Credit Plus, who will all maintain leadership roles going forward. UniversalCIS Chairman Perry Steiner will become Chairman and CEO of the business, Jerry Haftmann will become Vice Chairman and Credit Plus’ CEO Greg Holmes will become Chief Revenue Officer.
“Credit Plus and UniversalCIS are widely recognized in the mortgage industry for providing best-in-class service and support during every stage of the mortgage origination life cycle,” said Perry Steiner, Chairman and CEO of the combined company. “This merger emphasizes our commitment to providing our clients with the best technology, service and solutions to meet all of their needs, and we look forward to working with the Credit Plus team as we continue to accomplish this mission.”
“We are extremely proud of all that Credit Plus has achieved and believe that UniversalCIS’ culture and values align well with our company. Better together, we share a common vision for transforming verifications and insights to better serve all lenders and their borrowers. This transaction accelerates our shared focus of becoming the leading market provider,” said Greg Holmes, Chief Revenue Officer of the combined company. “We look forward to continuing to provide excellent customer service and prioritizing our ability to deliver innovative solutions alongside the UniversalCIS team.”
“UniversalCIS has demonstrated its unique and impressive ability to scale and execute against its growth objectives,” said Jason Barg, Partner at Lovell Minnick. “This merger with Credit Plus, another impactful player in the mortgage industry, positions the combined company for continued growth and success, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Perry, Greg, Jerry and the senior management team.”
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About UniversalCIS
UniversalCIS is a market leader in mortgage technology, credit reporting, and related products and solutions for mortgage originators. UniversalCIS has over 4,000 clients ranging from the largest bank and non-bank mortgage originators to credit unions and mortgage brokers. UniversalCIS prides itself on the best technology, solutions, and service in the industry. UniversalCIS was created through the merger of Universal Credit Services, CIS Credit Solutions, Avantus, DataFacts, and SharperLending. For more information, please visit: UniversalCIS.
About Credit Plus, Inc.
Credit Plus provides reliable verification services from pre-application to post-close that give mortgage professionals greater confidence when making lending decisions. With the Credit Plus Collection, its comprehensive suite of verification services, lenders can successfully close more loans and better manage their risk. Credit Plus’ expertise in the residential and commercial mortgage industries enables it to quickly assess current and future needs and provide new solutions for a rapidly changing environment. Credit Plus moves mortgage professionals forward. For more information, please visit Credit Plus.
Media Contact
Allison Devaney
646-818-9040
Company Contact
Perry Steiner
Chairman and CEO
