FTC Requests Public Comments on SCI’s Applications to Approve Sale of Funeral Home and Cemetery Assets in California and Florida

The Federal Trade Commission is currently accepting public comments on two applications by Service Corporation International (SCI) to sell certain funeral home and cemetery assets, 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 competition is maintained in 59 communities throughout the United States.

SCI’s current applications petition the FTC to approve the divestiture of three mortuaries in Southern California to Guerra & Gutierrez, LLC,  and the divestiture of five funeral homes and cemeteries in the Miami, Florida area to Miami Memorial, LLC.

According to the applications, Guerra & Gutierrez’s extensive experience in acquiring and operating funeral homes, and Miami Memorial, LLC’s extensive experience in acquiring and operating both cemeteries and funeral homes will assure that these properties remain strong and effective competitors in the local markets.

The Commission will decide whether to approve the proposed divestitures after expiration of 30-day public comment periods. Public comments may be submitted until September 11, 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 divestitures to Guerra & Gutierrez and Miami Memorial, LLC. Copies of the applications 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.