Co-op crematoria sold to Dignity

The Co-op Group‘s Funeralcare division has agreed the sale of its five crematoria, as it continues to focus on its core funeral homes business. The crematoria, based in Craighton...

The Co-op Group‘s Funeralcare division has agreed the sale of its five crematoria, as it continues to focus on its core funeral homes business.

The crematoria, based in Craighton (Glasgow), Emstrey (Shropshire), Grenoside (South Yorkshire), Lichfield (Staffordshire) and Stockport (Greater Manchester), will be transferred to Dignity Plc for an agreed £43m, following a competitive bidding process. The sites in Stockport and Emstrey are subject to successful agreement through a public consultation process.

The proceeds will be reinvested in the Group’s 900-strong funeral home estate and will strengthen its customer offer through new products and services. The move is part of the three-year £1.3bn investment being made by the mutual to improve the products and services available to members and their communities.

“I would like to personally thank our crematoria colleagues for their ongoing professionalism and hard work in serving bereaved families. I wish them the very best for the future as they continue to provide excellent levels of service within their local communities,” said Richard Lancaster, managing director of Co-op Funeralcare.

Co-op Funeralcare welcomes 1,500th (and oldest) apprentice

As part of the conditions of the sale, which is expected to be fully completed by early August, all colleagues will TUPE transfer, resulting in no planned redundancies.

“This agreement is key in allowing us to further invest in providing essential funeral services to our members and customers in communities across the UK as we have done for over 100 years,” added Mr Lancaster.

“With a limited presence in the overall market, our crematoria operation is a small part of our business, operating distinctly and separately from our funeral homes. The sale will enable us to invest in making our funeral home services more accessible, both in terms of our presence in new communities and by enhancing our customer proposition and services.”

In this article


Join the Conversation