Guild Mortgage Strategically Expands with Acquisition of Academy Mortgage

Guild Mortgage (NYSE: GHLD), a growth-oriented mortgage lending company originating and servicing residential loans since 1960, has agreed to acquire the retail lending assets of Academy Mortgage Corporation, a privately held Utah-based lender. Academy boasts approximately 200 branches and more than 1,000 employees who will transition to Guild, including more than 600 licensed mortgage originators.

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The addition of Academy Mortgage will extend Guild’s market share across its national footprint. Academy’s loan volume represents an approximate 25% increase in annual origination volume for Guild, based on results from both organizations through the third quarter of 2023, and the combined company would be the 8th largest non-bank retail lender in the country¹. Guild is currently the 10th largest non-bank retail lender. Both Guild and Academy Mortgage are licensed to originate loans in 49 states and Washington, D.C.

“Guild and Academy share a commitment to the purchase mortgage market and believe in local sales and fulfillment that builds on our customers for life strategy. Our aligned core values attract employees dedicated to serving their communities and delivering on the promise of homeownership,” said Guild Chief Executive Terry Schmidt. “This transaction represents two like-minded organizations joining forces to continue to grow stronger together. Each acquisition we’ve completed has brought new talent to Guild, making us a better company. We’re excited to extend a warm welcome to our new Academy teammates and build on their talent with the support of Guild behind them.”

Founded in 1988, Academy Mortgage has earned a reputation as a values-based organization that serves customers, communities, and employees, above all. Academy has grown into one of the top independent lenders in the U.S., with approximately 200 branches across the West, Central, and Southeast regions. In 2023, Academy generated $5.59 billion in loan originations. The company was recently named the #1 Top Rated Mortgage Lender on Zillow.

Academy Mortgage Chief Executive Adam Kessler will join Guild’s senior leadership team through the transition and newly combined organization. Academy branches will operate as a division within Guild and transition to the Guild brand.

“Academy has always led the industry in its commitment to Inspiring Hope, Delivering Dreams, and Building Prosperity – for our homeowners, partners, and employees. Joining forces with Guild Mortgage will allow us to accelerate our collective desire to preserve and promote that vision as we work together to become the nation's best independent mortgage lender,” said Kessler. “I’ve known Terry and the Guild team for a long time, and our common mission, vision, and values made it clear joining forces would be a win-win for both companies. Joining Guild provides new opportunities for our team to access Guild’s industry-leading product suite and leverage Guild’s robust reputation, technology, and servicing platform while strengthening both organization’s focus on people, purpose, productivity, and prosperity.”