FTC Requests Public Comments on SCI’s Application to Approve Sale of Funeral Home in Auburn, 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 replaces a prior petition to the FTC to approve the divestiture of the Lassila Funeral Chapel in Auburn, California to Wagemann Holdings, Inc., which withdrew its offer. The new application petitions the FTC to approve the divestiture of the funeral home to Claney Oatmeyer Semenyuk Inc.. This company has extensive experience in operating funeral homes, which will assure that this property remains a strong and effective competitor in the local market, according to the new application.

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 December 2, 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 Claney Oatmeyer Semenyuk Inc. (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.