Wolverhampton funeral directors in further expansion
A WOLVERHAMPTON funeral directors has expanded its business with the acquisition of two firms.
Laurel Funerals has added London-based Bexley & Crayford Funeral Service and East Sussex-based Payne & Sons Funeral Directors to its expanding portfolio.
The firm said the new acquisitions built on its already-established operations in both areas and provided the company with a platform for further expansion in the South East.
The terms of the deals have not been disclosed.
The latest acquisitions are part of the company’s long-term strategy of purchasing established and reputable funeral businesses in areas adjacent to other brands already part of the Laurel collective.
Established by lifelong funeral directors Bina Leonard and Adrian Goward, Bexley & Crayford serves communities in London and North Kent from four branches and has shown exceptional growth since being founded over 12 years ago.
Having developed the business to its current footing, the vendors have turned to Laurel to nurture the business to the next stage of its development. As part of the acquisition, the current funeral team will remain in place, continuing to oversee the day-to-day operations.
The purchase of the Bexley & Crayford brand will reinforce Laurel’s already strong foothold within the marketplace, complementing the company’s portfolio of brands in the area, which includes Doves Funeral Directors, Steven Mears Funeral Directors, and Nash Funeral Directors.
Russell Trenter, Business Development Director, said: “We are thrilled that we were able to secure the addition of these two strong funeral businesses to our collective. All parties have worked hard over the last few months to bring the deals to fruition. The more we worked with both funeral teams, the more they demonstrated why they are a strong fit with both our business model and our company values.
“While both funeral teams are already leading their respective local markets, we are excited about the future for each brand as we have already identified areas of their businesses that present new opportunities for growth and expansion. I am confident that Bexley & Crayford and Payne & Sons will flourish under the Laurel umbrella.”
Eastbourne’s Payne & Sons are an ambitious and highly reputable funeral business with progressive ideas. The family-run business first opened its doors in 2010 and has already gained a strong reputation and significant market share.
Laurel was attracted to the business due to its extensive modern facilities and an ethos that matches its own. Founder Donna Payne will continue to manage the business, and the key team will remain in place, adopting a ‘business as usual’ approach.
The acquisition of Payne & Sons Funerals will enable Laurel to extend the reach of its services to further families along the south coast in partnership with existing Laurel brands Douglas Mercer & Son Funeral Directors and Banfield & Pomphrey Funeral Directors.
Deborah Kemp, CEO, said: “I am delighted to welcome two strong funeral businesses to our portfolio, especially in a competitive region like the South East. Both funeral teams have achieved a lot in a small amount of time and wanted a trusted associate that not only matched their own aspirations, but one which would develop their business, teams and help secure the future of their businesses.”
