Business, Regional Events, Software

Dark Matter Technologies unveils Horizon User Conference agenda

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Dark Matter Technologies (Dark Matter), an innovative new leader in mortgage technology backed by time-tested loan origination software and leadership, today announced the agenda for its Horizon User Conference. Open to Dark Matter clients and partners, the conference will take place at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel on April 24-25, 2024.

Focusing on the "horizon" of mortgage lending and technology, the user conference features two days of networking events and sessions led by industry leaders and Dark Matter's team of mortgage technology experts.

Highlights from the Horizon User Conference agenda include:

* Preparing for a Brighter Future: Insights from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac & the MBA

* AI Unleashed: Transforming Business in 2024

* Staying Secure: Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges ft. experts from AWS

* The Dark Matter Ecosystem: Empower, API, and the Portals - Today and plans for Tomorrow

"This year, we are thrilled to bring together the brightest minds in the industry at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel to share insights, foster innovation and shape the future of mortgage lending," said Dark Matter CEO Rich Gagliano. "Our carefully curated program is designed to empower our clients and partners with the knowledge, tools and connections needed to navigate the evolving landscape of mortgage technology. Together, we will dive deep into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, exploring how cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to excellence can transform the way we do business."

In addition to opening remarks from Gagliano, the conference will kick off with a welcome reception, and it will conclude with the Horizon Party, which will take place at Wynwood Walls, a street art museum renowned for its mural art.

Sponsors of the Horizon User Conference include CoreLogic, Docutech, Enact Mortgage Insurance, Equifax, Experian, First American Data & Analytics, Global Payments, Halcyon Still Water, Informative Research, KensieMae, Lenders One, Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation, National MI, The Mortgage Collaborative and Wolters Kluwer. Exhibitors include ArchMI, Argyle, CoreLogic, DataVerify-Factual Data, DocMagic, Docutech, Newbold Advisors, Optimal Blue, Truework, Truv, Wolters Kluwer and Xactus.

To register for the event or for more information, please email Dark Matter Chief of Client Engagement, Tony Fox at tony.fox@dmatter.com.

About Dark Matter Technologies:

Operating with the nimble nature of a startup and the disciplined maturity of one of the industry's leading providers, Dark Matter Technologies delivers cutting-edge technology, unparalleled automation and relentless innovation to leading mortgage lenders and companies nationwide. For more information, visit https://www.dmatter.com/.

Related link: https://www.dmatter.com

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Product Launches

ACES Quality Management Releases Call Monitoring Audit Pack to Enhance Mortgage Quality Control and Compliance Programs

DENVER, Colo. -- ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, has announced its newest product offering, ACES Call Monitoring Audit Pack. The pre-built, configurable Call Monitoring Audit Pack enables lenders and servicers to establish an additional layer of protection quickly and seamlessly within their QC program. ACES Call Monitoring Audit Pack includes custom data fields, ACES managed questionnaires and custom reports configurable to the individual organizations' business needs.

"With the rise in higher escrow charges from insurance and property taxes, we expect banks and mortgage servicers will see an uptick in consumer calls, thus creating a clear need for a call monitoring tool as part of their overall quality control program," said ACES CEO Trevor Gauthier. "With so many guidelines to adhere to, a robust Call Monitoring program is critical to identifying where improvements are needed to protect your organization from regulatory and reputational risk."

Call Monitoring is essential to any substantial risk management program as required by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPFA) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, as well as state-specific laws. While ACES users have always been able to perform call monitoring audits by leveraging ACES' robust customization capabilities, the new ACES Call Monitoring Audit Pack gives our customers a starting point to quickly and easily leverage the pre-built features. As part of the ACES technology ecosystem, ACES Call Monitoring Audit Pack comes pre-built with the necessary data fields, requirements, and reporting functions to make auditing seamless and will allow servicers to:

* Improve service quality and enhance the customer experience;

* Identify agent skill gaps as input for coaching and training needs;

* Increase productivity; and

* Ensure regulatory compliance to avoid high penalty fines.

"Given all the economic and environmental change in recent years, servicers have felt the brunt of it all. From COVID-19 to natural disasters, they have been on the frontlines of borrower communications. As regulators turn their attention to call monitoring to ensure consumer protection, at a minimum, servicers need to take action through QC tech to show regulators they are utilizing their resources effectively," added Gauthier.

To learn more about ACES Call Monitoring Audit Packs or schedule a demo, visit: https://www.acesquality.com/demo.

About ACES Quality Management:

ACES Quality Management is the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry. The nation's most prominent lenders, servicers and financial institutions rely on ACES Quality Management & Control Software® to improve audit throughput and quality while controlling costs, including:

* 60% of the top 50 independent mortgage lenders;

* 8 of the top 10 loan servicers;

* 11 of the top 30 retail banks; and

* 3 of the top 5 credit unions in the United States.

Unlike other quality control platforms, only ACES delivers Flexible Audit Technology, which gives independent mortgage lenders and financial institutions the ability to easily manage and customize ACES to meet their business needs without having to rely on IT or other outside resources. Using a customer-centric approach, ACES clients get responsive support and access to our experts to maximize their investment. For more information, visit https://www.acesquality.com/ or call 1-800-858-1598.

Related link: https://www.acesquality.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, IRS Solutions Software, Product Launches, Software, tax software, Taxes and Accounting

IRS Solutions Releases IRS Advance Notice, Innovative Tax Resolution Platform Feature that Tracks and Alerts Users to IRS Transcript Changes

VALENCIA, Calif. -- IRS Solutions® announces the addition of IRS Advance Notice™ (IAN) to the industry's favorite tax resolution platform. The new feature detects and alerts tax professionals to changes on client IRS transcripts, often months in advance of official notification by mail. CPAs, Enrolled Agents, Attorneys and other tax specialists can work less, earn more, and enjoy steady year-round income with IAN.

The Need for IRS Advance Notice

Former IRS agent David Stone and his wife Suzanne founded IRS Solutions in 2011. A practicing Enrolled Agent, company CEO David Stone uses his insider understanding to develop software that effortlessly generates dependable year-round income by meeting the unique needs of tax professionals.

Speaking about IAN, David Stone says, "Merely reacting to IRS maneuvers isn't enough to provide an exceptional level of service. We must be proactive advocates on behalf of our clients. IAN's transcript monitoring provides clients with a sense of security, protecting them against identity theft, fraud, and other potential risks associated with their tax information."

"No more wasting hours manually sifting through complex transcripts and hoping you don't miss anything," adds Suzanne Stone. "IAN automatically spots tiny but critical changes and lets you know they've occurred."

How IRS Advance Notice Works

Included in every IRS Solutions membership at no additional charge, IRS Advance Notice is software that peers into the IRS system for any updates to transcripts; eliminating the need for constant checking and preventing unpleasant surprises. After a simple, one-time setup, users securely connect to the IRS Transcript Delivery System (TDS) through a proprietary and agency-approved integration, then select from a list of IRS transaction codes they want to be notified about.

In addition, weekly transcript updates are fed directly into your client's profile. IAN observes and alerts to changes like:

* Approvals of Form 2848 (Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative) and Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization)

* Impending audit

* Federal tax lien

* Installment Agreement modifications

* Offer in Compromise activity

* Passport holds

Annual transcript monitoring with IAN creates an additional year-round revenue stream and cultivates long-term business relationships by positioning tax pros as trusted advisors. Enrolled Agent Emily VanCamp is leading the way.

"We have had lots of interested people signing up for IAN since we started introducing it," she says. "We think we can realistically expect a 20-30% revenue increase by implementing a full-scale IAN plan this year." Promotional materials including website badges and ready-to-use social media images are provided to all members in an exclusive Marketing Toolbox.

About IRS Solutions:

IRS Solutions is specialized tax resolution software that is designed by tax pros for tax pros. With a monthly or yearly subscription, members gain full access to all features; including comprehensive tax resolution tools like IAN, automated analysis with solution recommendations, bulk transcript downloads, and a custom-branded secure client portal.

Learn more at https://www.irssolutions.com/.

Related link: https://www.irssolutions.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Business

MCT Awarded HW Tech100 Mortgage Award for the 5th Consecutive Year

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Mortgage Capital Trading, Inc. (MCT®), the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology, was announced as a 2024 HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage Winner for the 5th consecutive year. For more than a decade, HousingWire's Tech100 program has identified and recognized the most innovative technology companies serving the mortgage and real estate industries.

The Tech100 Mortgage Award spotlights the most innovative and impactful organizations that are making the housing economy better and more sustainable by increasing efficiency, improving borrower experience, and bringing elasticity to mortgage origination and servicing processes.

MCT has redefined secondary marketing through MCT Marketplace, where buyers and sellers can connect regardless of counterparty approval status. It facilitates optimal execution in every scenario by removing barriers across various execution types and counterparties. MCT Marketplace also offers a greater variety of execution types with enhanced transparency and superior automation compared to alternative exchanges. Distinguishing itself as the sole platform featuring live bids from unapproved counterparties, MCT introduces its patent-pending Security Spread Commitment, converting shadow bidding into real-time executions.

"At MCT, we strive for innovation to simplify capital markets. The MCT Marketplace is reshaping the buy/sell process, and we are proud that its technological advancements are acknowledged for their significant market impact," said Curtis Richins, President and CEO of MCT. "This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team, highlighting their hard work and invaluable contributions. We are grateful for HousingWire's recognition of innovation within the capital markets sector and are privileged to be among such esteemed organizations on this prestigious list."

Since it's inception, MCT Marketplace has averaged around 4,300 commitments per month for $3b a month in cash window commitments and facilitated an average of 1.5B+ in AOT's every month. Those interested in learning more about the features and benefits of MCT's award-winning technology and services are encouraged to contact MCT for more information.

About MCT:

For over two decades, MCT has been a leading source of innovation for the mortgage secondary market. Melding deep subject matter expertise with a passion for emerging technologies and clients, MCT is the de facto leader in innovative mortgage capital markets technology. From architecting modern best execution loan sales to launching the most successful and advanced marketplace for mortgage-related assets, lenders, investors, and network partners all benefit from MCT's stewardship. MCT's technology and know-how continues to revolutionize how mortgage assets are priced, locked, protected, valued, and exchanged - offering clients the tools to thrive under any market condition.

For more information, visit https://mct-trading.com/ or call (619) 543-5111.

RELATED LINKS:
https://mct-trading.com/software/marketplace/

Related link: https://mct-trading.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, mortgage origination data, Optimal Blue, Reports and Studies

Optimal Blue Originations Market Monitor: Lock Volume Rises 36% Month Over Month in January, Falling Rates and Slowing Decline in Purchase Counts May Signal Lending Relief in 2024

PLANO, Texas -- Today, Optimal Blue announced the release of its Originations Market Monitor report, looking at mortgage origination data through January month-end. Leveraging daily rate lock data from the Optimal Blue PPE - the industry's most widely used product, pricing, and eligibility engine - the Originations Market Monitor provides a comprehensive and timely view into origination activity.

"The new year kicked off with continued rate relief and a 36% month-over-month gain in total lock volume, driven by a seasonal 38% increase in purchase lock volume," said Brennan O'Connell, director of data solutions, Optimal Blue. "We also saw the smallest year-over-year decline in purchase lock counts since May 2022, which may foreshadow a stabilizing market and friendlier lending environment in 2024."

In addition to the month-over-month climb in purchase lock volume, cash-out and rate/term refinance volumes rose 30% and 20%, respectively. The Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Indices (OBMMI) 30-year conforming rate dropped 4 basis points (bps) in January to finish the month at 6.53% after a mid-month peak at 6.7%. FHA and VA rates also fell in January, dropping 4 bps and 3 bps, respectively, while jumbo rates moved in the other direction with an 11-bps increase since year-end.

Mortgage rates fell despite a month-over-month 15-bps increase in the 10-year Treasury yield in January, leading to a 19-bps narrowing of the mortgage-to-Treasury spread. At approximately 250 bps, the January spread reached levels unseen since mid-2022. While still elevated relative to historical averages, the spread has narrowed significantly since eclipsing 300 bps on multiple occasions in 2023.

Conforming products gained market share to start the year, rising 72 bps to account for 57.3% of total volume. Non-comforming products - including jumbo and non-QM - rose 27 bps to make up 9.7% of total volume. Ginnie Mae-eligible products moved inversely, however, with the FHA share dropping 87 bps and the VA share falling 13 bps, each representing 20.7% and 11.7% of total volume, respectively. The share of adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) products stayed consistent at just above 5% of total volume. Improving rate conditions and an inverted yield curve have limited the demand for ARM loans.

The rise in lock volume coincided with a January climb in average credit scores across all products and loan purposes. The average loan amount also rose, increasing from $349.5K to $355.6K. Finally, after six consecutive months of decline, the average home purchase price rebounded, jumping from $435.9K to $444.9K.

Each month's Originations Market Monitor provides high-level origination metrics for the U.S. and the top 20 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) by share of total origination volume. View the Optimal Blue Originations Market Monitor report for more detail on January activity.

Nothing herein shall be construed as, nor is Optimal Blue providing, any legal, trading, hedging, or financial advice.

About Optimal Blue:

Optimal Blue is a market leader in mortgage secondary marketing technology. The company facilitates transactions among mortgage market participants through its Marketplace Platform, actionable data, and technology vendor connections. The platform supports a range of functions for originators and investors to automate and optimize core processes related to product, pricing, and eligibility, hedge analytics, MSR valuation, loan trading, social media compliance, and counterparty oversight. The company's premier products are used by 68% of the top 500 mortgage lenders in the U.S. For more information on Optimal Blue's end-to-end secondary marketing automation, visit OptimalBlue.com.

Related link: https://www2.optimalblue.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, e-Commerce, Government Payment Solutions, Justice and Payments market

Avenu Insights & Analytics Announces Strategic Acquisition of Judicial Innovations

CENTREVILLE, Va. -- Avenu Insights & Analytics ("Avenu"), the global leader in revenue recovery and administrative solutions for state and local governments, is excited to announce its acquisition of Judicial Innovations, a pioneering provider of cloud-based payment and case management solutions. This acquisition marks Avenu's second payment solution acquisition in 2024, underscoring its commitment to investing in government payment technologies and expanding its Justice Solution set including Avenu | Court, Avenu | Jury, and Avenu | Payments.

Judicial Innovations is recognized for its innovative approach to simplifying government payment processes through its fully integrated, user-friendly platform. This strategic acquisition not only aligns with Avenu's dedication to enhancing its service offerings but also represents a significant step forward in combining powerful technology with practical, government-focused solutions.

Empowering Modern Government with Integrated Solutions

The integration of Judicial Innovations into Avenu's suite of services creates unparalleled synergy, especially within Avenu's Justice Solution suite. Judicial Innovations' platform, known for its accessibility, robust reporting, and seamless integration capabilities, perfectly complements Avenu's mission to provide comprehensive solutions that meet the dynamic needs of government agencies and their constituents.

A Future Focused on Innovation and Efficiency

Avenu's acquisition of Judicial Innovations not only signifies a commitment to advancing government operations through technology but also highlights the importance of modern, secure, and efficient payment processing systems.

"This acquisition is a testament to our strategic vision of creating a more cohesive, user-friendly experience for government agencies and the communities they serve," stated Paul Colangelo, CEO of Avenu Insights & Analytics.

"We are truly excited to partner with Avenu Insights & Analytics," said Jarrett Gorlin, CEO of Judicial Innovations. "As a leader in the Justice and Payments market, this partnership represents a tremendous opportunity to further enhance our innovative solutions and expand our impact on government operations nationwide."

About Judicial Innovations

Judicial Innovations stands at the forefront of government payment solution providers, offering a cloud-based platform that simplifies and streamlines the payment and case management process for government agencies nationwide. Its focus on modernization, security, and efficiency has made it a preferred choice for agencies looking to improve their operations and service delivery.

About Avenu Insights & Analytics

Over 4,500 state and local governments have partnered with Avenu to drive positive results for their communities through software administration and revenue recovery solutions. Avenu's comprehensive software solutions digitally transform government by modernizing processes, providing online access to records, and reducing costs. Avenu also provides a robust ecosystem of revenue management services that identify and recover untapped revenue. State and local governments work closely with Avenu to increase revenue without raising taxes, streamline internal operations, and improve services by enhancing connectivity for constituents. Avenu is a portfolio company of Arlington Capital Partners. Visit https://www.avenuinsights.com/.

About Arlington Capital Partners

Arlington Capital Partners is a Washington, DC-area private equity firm that has raised $8 billion in limited partner commitments since inception. Arlington is focused on middle market investment opportunities in growth industries including aerospace & defense, government services and technology, healthcare, and business services and software. The firm's professionals and network have a unique combination of operating and private equity experience that enable Arlington to be a value-added investor. Arlington invests in companies in partnership with high quality management teams that are motivated to establish and/or advance their company's position as leading competitors in their field. For more information, visit Arlington Capital's website at https://arlingtoncap.com/ and follow Arlington on Linkedin.

Related link: https://www.avenuinsights.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Business

MMI Earns Second HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage Award

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah -- Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI), a leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries, announced its inclusion in the 2024 HousingWire Tech100 Mortgage list. This year marks MMI's second appearance on the HW Tech100 list, which serves as a guide for identifying partners and solutions that address the daily challenges mortgage lenders and real estate professionals face every day.

MMI diligently gathers, organizes, and standardizes data from diverse mortgage and real estate sources, presenting it to clients in an easy-to-access database format. MMI's approach equips businesses with the tools necessary for analysis and actionable insights. This enables lenders of all stripes to identify growth targets and recruiting strategies to scale their businesses more efficiently.

"Even though lenders faced challenges last year, we take pride in serving as a guiding force for our customers during unpredictable markets like this. In fact, LOs using MMI continued to produce 1.9X the volume of their peers, resulting in a 5-million-dollar difference compared to LOs not using MMI," said Ben Teerlink, Founder and CEO of MMI. "MMI methodically harnesses multiple data sources to put unique data intelligence and insights into the hands of each user. We've built MMI so that everyone from large banks to individual brokers is able to utilize our data to find more loans. While it's an honor to earn another slot on the HW Tech100, it's an even bigger one to be a valued resource to the mortgage industry."

"The technology capabilities and solutions that this year's Tech100 winning organizations have developed are an absolute testament to the relentless innovation within the real estate and mortgage technology landscape," HW Media Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler said. "These past few years have been transformative for the industry and these honorees are continuing to bring long-awaited solutions to the challenges that mortgage and real estate professionals have struggled with for decades."

Each year, the Tech100 program has continued to expand, and the applicants increase in caliber and innovation as the demand for technology in housing continues to progress. For another year, the Tech100 program has been presented in two groups - Tech100 Mortgage and Tech100 Real Estate - to highlight the innovation and achievements of organizations from both sectors.

To view the complete list of HW Tech100 winners, visit https://www.housingwire.com.

About MMI:

Mobility Market Intelligence (MMI) is a market leader in data intelligence and market insight tools for the mortgage and real estate industries. Headquartered in Salt Lake City, the company's signature product, MMI, provides actionable intelligence for lenders, real estate agents, brokerages, title companies and others in the real estate industry. MMI is currently used by more than 450 enterprise customers, including 20 of the top 25 lenders in the country. To learn more, visit https://mmi.io or contact sales@mmi.io.

Related link: https://mmi.io

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Business

ACES Quality Management Achieves a Decade of Distinction on HousingWire TECH100

DENVER, Colo. -- ACES Quality Management® (ACES), the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry, has been selected for the tenth consecutive year by HousingWire magazine for its annual TECH100 awards program. The magazine chose ACES for the continual innovation of its flagship quality control (QC) auditing platform, ACES Quality Management & Control® software.

"Loan quality is an ever-shifting goal. The challenges of the past year emphasized the critical importance of upholding quality and managing risk, prompting many lenders to seek refuge in mortgage servicing amidst the decline in origination volume," stated Trevor Gauthier. "ACES remains steadfast in its commitment to render this target achievable and seamless, providing cutting-edge QC tools to empower lenders in safeguarding the integrity of their origination and servicing portfolios and other integral parts of their business. The enduring recognition of ACES in HousingWire's Tech100 list affirms our dedication to driving innovation in quality control."

In the past year, ACES introduced ACES PROTECT, a suite of automated regulatory compliance tests aimed at simplifying the auditing procedures for lenders. The company further expanded its commitment to industry knowledge communication by publishing over 450 articles and 160 calendar items on its complimentary Compliance NewsHub. Additionally, ACES continued to provide valuable insights through its quarterly Mortgage QC Industry Trends report. Recognizing the diverse requirements of businesses in consumer lending, servicing, specialty, and mortgage origination, ACES offers an enterprise-wide solution with customizable audit packs tailored to meet specific needs.

"The technology capabilities and solutions that this year's Tech100 winning organizations have developed are an absolute testament to the relentless innovation within the real estate and mortgage technology landscape," HW Media Editor in Chief Sarah Wheeler said. "These past few years have been transformative for the industry and these honorees are continuing to bring long-awaited solutions to the challenges that mortgage and real estate professionals have struggled with for decades. Congratulations to all the deserving winners for their outstanding contributions to our ever-evolving industry."

HousingWire's TECH100 award seeks to highlight the most innovative technology companies across the housing sector. To view the complete list of winners, visit https://www.housingwire.com/articles/announcing-the-2024-tech100-mortgage-winners/

About ACES Quality Management

ACES Quality Management is the leading provider of enterprise quality management and control software for the financial services industry. The nation's most prominent lenders, servicers and financial institutions rely on ACES Quality Management & Control® software to improve audit throughput and quality while controlling costs, including:

* 60% of the top 50 independent mortgage lenders;

* 8 of the top 10 loan servicers;

* 11 of the top 30 retail banks; and

* 3 of the top 5 credit unions in the United States.

Unlike other quality control platforms, only ACES delivers Flexible Audit Technology, which gives independent mortgage lenders and financial institutions the ability to easily manage and customize ACES to meet their business needs without having to rely on IT or other outside resources. Using a customer-centric approach, ACES clients get responsive support and access to our experts to maximize their investment. For more information, visit www.acesquality.com or call 1-800-858-1598.

About HousingWire

HousingWire is an information services company that provides unique data and research, respected business journalism and must-attend events for housing leaders to use to advance their understanding and business outcomes. Our vision is a world in which housing leaders have a complete view of the housing market, and a broad community of peers with whom they can connect. We are committed to delivering the data, analytics, media, and events that advance this vision.

Because housing is too important for narrow perspectives and missed connections. Informed housing leaders are better housing leaders. A connected housing industry is a better housing industry. And the full picture always reveals new opportunities.

Explore more at www.housingwire.com.

Related link: https://www.acesquality.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Manufacturing

Matrix Advises on the Sale of Hicks Oils’ Lubricants Business to Schaeffer Manufacturing Company

RICHMOND, Va. -- Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. ("Matrix"), a leading, independent investment bank, announces that it has advised Hicks Oils & Hicksgas, Incorporated ("Hicks" or the "Company") on the sale of its Hicks Oils lubricants business to Schaeffer Manufacturing Company ("Schaeffer"). Hicks Oils is a premier independent lubricant blending and packaging business in southern Illinois that produces automotive and industrial lubricants. Schaeffer, founded in 1839 and based in St. Louis, produces and sells a broad range of synthetic motor oils, industrial lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and other related products.

Based in Du Quoin, Illinois, Hicks Oils was formed in 1978 by C. W. Hicks as a further expansion of his integrated petroleum operations, with the initial goal of providing products and services to the local coal mining industry. In 1989 upon the passing of Mr. Hicks, his grandsons Todd and Shawn Coady joined the Company and took over running the lubricants business and the family's multiple other companies. Shawn Coady currently serves as President of the business and Todd as Vice President. Throughout the 1980's and 1990's as markets changed, the business evolved and expanded to include contract packaging, private label, and company branded products. Today, Hicks Oils blends and packages motor oil, hydraulic fluid, gear lubes, transmission fluids and various specialty lubricants for distributors, major oil companies, OEMs, and after-market providers.

Matrix provided merger and acquisition advisory services to the Company, which included valuation advisory, marketing the business through a confidential, structured sale process, and negotiation of the sale. The transaction was managed by John Underwood, Managing Director; Vance Saunders, CPA, Managing Director; Andrew LoPresti, CPA, CFA, Vice President; Jared de Perio, Analyst.

Dr. Shawn Coady, President of Hicks said, "When I decided to sell the business, I had significant experience with Matrix from various propane market transactions and was confident they were the right company to handle the transaction. Hicks Oils is a unique business, and they did an exceptional job handling the sale. I am very pleased with Schaeffer as the buyer. I believe the strategic and cultural fit of the two companies will provide significant growth opportunities, as well as a great work environment for Hicks' employees."

Mr. Underwood added, "We have valued our relationship with Dr. Coady for many years and we were honored when he chose Matrix to sell the Hicks' lubricants blending and packaging business. We very much appreciate the trust that Shawn placed in the Matrix team and the contributions from him and his operating team during the sales process."

Bill Scott of Allen & Korkowski & Associates served as legal counsel for Hicks.

About Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group:

Matrix's Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group is recognized as the national leader in providing transactional advisory services to companies in the downstream energy and multi-site retail sectors including convenience retailing, petroleum marketing & distribution, propane distribution, heating oil distribution, lubricants distribution, petroleum logistics, terminals, car washes and quick service restaurants. Group members are dedicated to these sectors and draw upon complementary experiences to provide advisory services to complete sophisticated merger and acquisition transactions, debt and equity capital raises, corporate valuations, special situations and strategic planning engagements. Since 1997, our Downstream Energy & Convenience Retail Investment Banking Group has successfully completed over 300 engagements with a total transaction value of more than $15 billion.

About Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc.:

Founded in 1988, Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. is an independent, advisory focused, privately-held investment bank headquartered in Richmond, VA, with additional offices in Baltimore, MD and New York, NY. Matrix provides merger & acquisition and financial advisory services for privately-held, private-equity owned, not-for-profit and publicly traded companies. Matrix's advisory services include company sales, recapitalizations, capital raises of debt & equity, corporate carve outs, special situations, management buyouts, corporate valuations and fairness opinions. Matrix serves clients in a wide range of industries, including automotive aftermarket, building products, car washes, consumer products, convenience retail, downstream energy, healthcare and industrial products.

For additional information or to contact our team members, please visit https://matrixcmg.com/.

Securities offered by MCMG Capital Advisors, Inc., an affiliate of Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc., Member FINRA & SIPC

Related link: https://www.matrixcmg.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Awards and Honors, Business

NotaryCam makes its 6th appearance on HousingWire’s annual Tech100 list of innovative technology

HOUSTON, Texas -- NotaryCam®, a Stewart-owned company and a pioneering provider of remote online notarization and identity verification/authentication technology for real estate and legal transactions, today announced its inclusion in the prestigious Tech100 awards program by HousingWire, a leading industry publication.

Over the past year, NotaryCam executed more than 180,000 RON transactions. The company also grew its independent notary platform customer base by 46% and increased the number of loss mitigation-related RON transactions by 115%. In addition, the company expanded its nationwide footprint by becoming an approved RON provider in North Carolina, Delaware and Illinois. With the passage of California's RON bill this year, NotaryCam has also prepared its platform to support RON transactions in that state.

Now in its 12th year, the Tech100 program provides housing professionals with a comprehensive list of the most innovative and impactful organizations in the industry. The list can be leveraged to identify partners and solutions to the challenges that mortgage lenders and real estate professionals face every day.

"We're honored to secure a spot on the HousingWire Tech100 list for the sixth consecutive year, alongside exceptional companies," expressed Brian Webster, President of NotaryCam. "For years, NotaryCam has led the way in the Remote Online Notarization (RON) domain, an area we consistently enhance. It remains an essential tool in the ongoing global shift towards digitalization."

"One of the most exciting parts of my role at HousingWire is having a front row seat to witness stunning innovation in mortgage and real estate," said Clayton Collins, CEO of HW Media. "HousingWire is dedicated to serving housing professionals with the full picture, and the full picture isn't complete without deep and insightful coverage and resources to help mortgage and real estate professionals uncover the innovators and solutions that drive growth and efficiency in the housing sector."

About NotaryCam, a Stewart Company:

NotaryCam, a Stewart-owned company, is the leader in online notarization and mortgage eClosing solutions, having notarized documents worldwide for more than a million customers in all 50 states and more than 146 countries. The company's eClose360® platform delivers the "perfect" online mortgage closing in every jurisdiction and supports all eClosing scenarios with a flexible workflow for document recording and unparalleled identity verification, security and customer convenience. In addition to real estate transactions, NotaryCam provides RON services to many Fortune 500 companies as well as small and midsize businesses. The company also proudly maintains an industry-leading 99.8 percent customer satisfaction rating and the highest Net Promoter Score (NPS) amongst the best global tech brands.

Visit https://www.notarycam.com for additional information or to get a document notarized today.

About HousingWire:

HousingWire is the most influential source of news and information for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets. Built on a foundation of independent and original journalism, HousingWire reaches over 60,000 newsletter subscribers daily and over 1.0 million unique visitors each month. Our audience of mortgage, real estate and fintech professionals rely on us to Move Markets Forward. Visit www.housingwire.com or www.solutions.housingwire.com to learn more.

Related link: https://www.notarycam.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022