YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY

Springfield, MO

Log in Subscribe

Jeremy Burcham operates 38 Meridian Title closing offices in Missouri and Kansas, with his sights set on growth in Arkansas.
SBJ File
Jeremy Burcham operates 38 Meridian Title closing offices in Missouri and Kansas, with his sights set on growth in Arkansas.

Meridian Title expands into Joplin, Carthage

Posted online

Springfield-based Meridian Title Co. has expanded its footprint into new markets in the Ozarks with the acquisition of Joplin-based Abbey Title Co.

Meridian Title owner Jeremy Burcham said his company closed today for an undisclosed price on the purchase of Abbey Title and its two offices, 2902 Arizona Ave. in Joplin and 120 E. 4th St. in Carthage, previously owned by Jim and Barbara Hicklin since 1994.

“We were looking to expand into this market. Rather than go into the market cold, I will put feelers out for acquisition opportunities,” Burcham said, noting he and the Hicklins began discussions through a mutual connection. “They were the only locally owned title company.”

Burcham said all 25 employees of Abbey Title are now part of his company via the transaction, which gives Meridian Title roughly 160 local workers. Approximately 200 are employed companywide, he said, noting Meridian Title now has 38 closing offices in Missouri and Kansas.

Meridian Title Co. was the second largest title company in the Springfield area as of June 13, according to SBJ list research. Great American Title Co. ranked No. 1 with 160 local employees.

In Joplin, Meridian Title occupies roughly 7,500 square feet of the company-owned 12,500-square-foot building, Burcham said. The remaining 5,000 square feet are leased to home health care agency CoxHealth at Home. The 12,000-square-foot building in Carthage has roughly 50% of its capacity used for storage, he said, adding World Finance Corp. also leases roughly 2,500 square feet.

Office growth for Meridian Title is far from done, Burcham said.

“We don’t anticipate it slowing down for us,” he said. “There’s no issue for us in continuing the pace.”

The company has plans to open its first office in Republic within the next 90-120 days, he said. Harrison, Arkansas, is on the radar for next year, and this would be Meridian Title’s office debut in the state.

“It’s a strategic move into Arkansas because of the proximity to Branson,” he said, noting the addition of the Joplin market was another key link to entering the Natural State. “That puts us about 40 minutes into the northwest Arkansas metropolitan area.”

Comments

No comments on this story |
Please log in to add your comment
Editors' Pick
From the Ground Up: Republic Intermediate School

The Republic School District is on track to open its Intermediate School for fifth- and sixth-grade students for the 2025-26 academic year.

Most Read
Update cookies preferences