Fidelity National Near Completing Acquisition

Fidelity National Financial Inc. said Friday that the California Department of Insurance approved its purchase of Chicago Title Corp., a combination that would create the largest U.S. insurer of property titles. Fidelity said it is still awaiting approval from the Oregon Department of Insurance. Once that is received, all required regulatory approvals will have been received, Irvine-based Fidelity said. The purchase is expected to close mid-month. Fidelity’s stock fell 50 cents a share to $15.31. Chicago Title shares were unchanged at $51.75. The announcement came after the close of U.S. markets. Fidelity also said it completed its acquisition of Northwest Mortgage Services Inc. in Minnesota for $5.65 million in cash and stock.