FTC Requests Public Comments on SCI’s Application to Approve Sale of Funeral Home in California

The Federal Trade Commission is currently accepting public comments on an application by Service Corporation International (SCI) to sell a funeral home located in Auburn, California, as required under the FTC’s May 2014 order settling charges that SCI’s acquisition of Stewart Enterprises, Inc. would likely be anticompetitive. In total, the order requires the combined SCI/Stewart to divest 53 funeral homes and 38 cemeteries, to ensure that competition is maintained in 59 communities throughout the United States.

SCI’s current application petitions the FTC to approve the divestiture of the Lassila Funeral Chapel in Auburn, California to Wagemann Holdings, Inc.

According to the application, Douglas Wagemann, owner of Wagemann Holdings, Inc., has extensive experience in operating funeral homes, which will assure that this property remains a strong and effective competitor in the local market. This petition replaces a prior petition submitted by SCI to divest Lassila Funeral Chapel to Heritage Oaks Memorial Group, Inc., which has been withdrawn.

The Commission will decide whether to approve the proposed divestiture after expiration of a 30-day public comment period. Public comments may be submitted until September 29, 2014. Written comments should be sent to: FTC Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20580. Comments can also be filed electronically regarding the proposed divestiture to Wagemann Holdings, Inc. Copies of the application can be found on the FTC’s website and as a link to this press release. (FTC File No. 131-0163, Docket No. C-4423; the staff contact is Elizabeth A. Piotrowski, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2623)

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action. To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail to antitrust{at}ftc{dot}gov, or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Room CC-5422, Washington, DC 20580. To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read Competition Counts. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.