The Federal Trade Commission is currently accepting public comments on an application by Service Corporation International (SCI) to sell certain cemetery assets, as required under the FTC's April 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 application petitions the FTC to approve the divestiture of Greenwood Cemetery and New Gray Cemetery, both located in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Alliance Funeral Group Inc.
According to the application, Alliance's extensive experience in acquiring and operating cemeteries will assure that these two cemeteries remain strong and effective competitors in the Knoxville market.
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 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. 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.
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