First American will get the coveted direct operations it has long wanted in Colorado. With the financial difficulties facing the Mercury parent, First American can offer some sort of financial bailout. Plus, now there's no need to pay the agent commission, which is the largest expense for underwriters. Result: Mercury's 30 percent market share in Colorado now goes in First Am's back pocket. There's also ongoing litigation that First American accuses Mercury of owing nearly $100 million in loans -- that will probably push down the amount First Am has to pay.