Richmond, Virginia and Three Rivers, Michigan, May 21, 2001- Tranzon, L.L.C. announced today that Bippus & Co. has joined Tranzon as one of its member companies. Bippus & Co., which will begin to trade under the name Tranzon Bippus, is the first Tranzon Company based in the Upper Midwest. Tranzon Bippus operates primarily in Michigan and northern Indiana. Tranzon is a national firm whose member companies specialize in selling real estate and significant business assets at auction.

Bippus & Co. was founded by John Bippus in 1991 and has grown into one of the leading real estate auction company’s in Michigan. Based in Three Rivers, Tranzon Bippus also has offices in metropolitan Detroit and the Upper Peninsula. In connection with this announcement, John Bippus has been named a Regional President of Tranzon L.L.C. and has been elected to Tranzon, L.L.C.’s Executive Committee. Jeff Levin, President of Richmond, Virginia-based Tranzon, L.L.C., remarked, “We are thrilled to associate with John and his team. I am confident that Tranzon Bippus’ regional expertise combined with the resources that Tranzon provides will produce great results for our clients.”

John Bippus has been Broker and President of Bippus & Co. since it’s founding. Bippus is a holder of the Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI) and Accredited Auctioneer of Real Estate (AARE) professional designations. He also currently serves as Chairman of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners and President of the Michigan Guardianship Association. “Tranzon combines some of the most successful and highly respected real estate auction company’s in the country. The depth of experience, expertise and track record of success that we can take to our markets through Tranzon Bippus is very exciting. We now have the resources to effectively address virtually any real estate or major business asset disposition need.”

Tranzon currently consists of eight member companies with 18 offices throughout the eastern United States and Texas. Last year, the Tranzon companies conducted approximately 1,000 auctions in 27 states. The Tranzon companies specialize in providing real estate and significant business asset auction services to institutions, trustees and individuals throughout the US. The Tranzon companies have successful auction experience in all types of real estate. Tranzon combines the market savvy and expertise of its regional companies with the resources of a national organization to provide a unique service offering to its clients.

For more information, contact:
John Bippus, Phone (800) 686-6416