First American Acquires Pre-Employment Screening Firm

The First American Financial Corporation, a real estate-related financial and information services firm, has acquired CIC, Inc., a national pre-employment screening company. CIC provides background check services to clients nationwide and will function as a new division within the First American family of companies. Terms of the stock purchase agreement were not disclosed.

"The addition of CIC, Inc. provides the opportunity to further expand First American's financial strength and corporate innovation to the business markets," says John Long, president of First American Real Estate Information Services, Inc. "This acquisition continues First American's planned expansion into less cyclical markets by forming alliances with leaders in complementary industries. CIC has an outstanding national reputation as leader in the pre- employment screening industry. That reputation and CIC's dedication to corporate excellence made the company a particularly attractive addition to the First American family."

CIC, Inc., based in Largo, FL, was established in 1988 to provide pre-employment screening services to employers. The company now offers a comprehensive menu of background screening options including criminal records searches, credit checks, driving records, past employment verification, drug testing and social security number validation. Additionally, the company's innovative HireCheck software allows computer point and click ease to ordering, reviewing and managing background checks on potential employees.

"We have built CIC on the basis that we provide more comprehensive and quality controlled background checks than exists in the market," says Bruce Berg, who will continue his role as division president of CIC. "In addition to allowing clients to select the specific background information they need, CIC has established a nationwide network of criminal court researchers to ensure fast response and control of the accuracy of the information provided."