VISTAinfo markets data and services to the real estate industry. Under the agreement, Fidelity National, the nation's largest provider of title insurance and real estate products and services, will contribute the assets and operations of its tax, credit, flood, appraisal and property records businesses in exchange for VISTAinfo stock.

Fidelity National, based in Irvine, will own 77% of the new company. VISTAinfo stockholders will own the remaining 23%. The combined company is expected to have revenues of about $230 million in its first year, and the executive management team will be chosen from existing managers of both companies.

The companies expect to refinance VISTAinfo's existing bank facility and repurchase its series F preferred stock. They also plan to repay a $5-million bridge financing note provided by Fidelity with proceeds of a new bank credit facility that will be in place at or near closing.