Nicholas Financial expands

CLEARWATER — Nicholas Financial Inc. recently expanded its Midwest presence by opening new branches in Chicago, St. Louis and Kansas City.

According to a news release, the new branches are its second in all three metropolitan areas. With the openings, the consumer financial services company now has 63 locations in 15 states.

“Having multiple branch operations in our larger markets affords us opportunities of scale and increase market share,” Kevin Bates, vice president of marketing for Nicholas, says in a release. “It is the intent of the company to continue to grow our branch network as business opportunities allow.”

Headquartered in Clearwater, Nicholas Financial Inc. primarily works in securing and servicing loans for consumers buying new and used automobiles and light trucks. The company is publicly traded (symbol: NICK, recent price: $12.98).