Stewart Title Co. acquired a majority interest in San JuanAbstract Co. San Juan Abstract provides title guaranty and escrowservices for buyers and sellers of residential and commercialproperty in Puerto Rico. Malcolm S. Morris, chairman and co-CEO ofStewart says the partnership "with a dynamic company...isconsistent with our growth strategy. Not only should this groupenhance our bottom line, but it is indicative of our continuingexpansion from North America."

San Juan Abstract, owned by the Dardet family, is an integralpart of the commonwealth's economy, according to Harold Hickman,Stewart's group president. Vice president Nick Dardet says he theaffiliation with Stewart will bring a new level of technologicalexpertise to the business.

Stewart Title Guaranty de Mexico is the first licensed titleinsurance underwriter approved by the government of Mexico for theissuance of title insurance policies in Mexico. Jaime Ysita ispresident of Stewart Title Guaranty de Mexico. The Mexicosubsidiary's goal is to facilitate the title investigation processfor issuing policies.