The acquisition creates a unified source for near real-time closing-cost data
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Black Knight has acquired Ernst Publishing to create a unified source for near real-time closing-cost data through its suite of origination tools.
Ernst is a provider of technology and closing-cost data for the real estate and home finance industries. For more than 29 years, the company has been providing fee information to the mortgage industry, offering fee results for loan estimates and closing disclosures in near real-time through web, XML, mobile, and custom fee-engine technology.
Black Knight said it plans to integrate Ernst’s capabilities into its origination tools, including recording fees, transfer taxes, inspection fees, property taxes, and title premium fees to create a unified access point for all fee-related needs. The fee suite will integrate with Black Knight's Origination Solutions suite, which includes loan-origination software, regulatory compliance, and eClosing capabilities.
Black Knight will make the technology and data available to companies who do not currently use the Black Knight Empower loan-origination system. The company will also continue to work with Ernst's current industry partners and clients.
"Without a doubt, Ernst is the leading provider of fee and tax data in the industry," said Rich Gagliano, president of Black Knight's origination technologies division. "By tightly integrating this technology and data into our origination product suite, we are able to better serve our existing clients. This is another step forward in our mission to provide a truly end-to-end origination solution, which will be unparalleled in the industry."
