FTC Requests Public Comments on SCI’s Application to Approve Sale of California Funeral Assets and Related Facilities Agreement

The Federal Trade Commission is currently accepting public comments on an application by Service Corporation International (SCI) to sell certain funeral and cremation assets, as required under the FTC’s December 2013 proposed order settling charges that SCI’s acquisition of Stewart would be anticompetitive. In total, the proposed order requires the combined SCI/Stewart to divest 53 funeral homes and 38 cemeteries to ensure competition is maintained in 59 communities throughout the United States.

In its application, SCI has petitioned the FTC to approve the divestiture to Angeleno Mortuaries, Inc. (Angeleno) of the following two businesses located in Lancaster, California: Halley-Olsen-Murphy Funerals & Cremations and Antelope Valley Cremation Service. In the application, SCI also requests FTC approval of a facilities agreement between Angeleno and S.E. Funeral Homes of California. According to SCI’s application, Angeleno has extensive experience in the death care industry, owns no competing assets in the Lancaster area and has the financial capability to be a strong and effective competitor in the market.

The Commission will decide whether to approve the proposed divestiture and separate facilities agreement after expiration of the 30-day public comment period. Public comments may be submitted until April 11, 2014. Written comments should be sent to: FTC Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20580. Comments also can be submitted electronically. 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. 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, 601 New Jersey Ave., N.W., Room 7117, Washington, DC 20001. 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.