Total of 18657 firms and businesses for sale today Friday 29th March 2024
Time to Sell or Time to Buy !

Sold. Long Established Independent Funeral Directors

LISTING DETAILS
Firms For Sale ID:
34765
Vendor reference:
CQ196
Vendor website:
     
Printer Friendly
      
Contact Seller
      
Goto Website
More Like This
      
Email Search
      
Add Notes
BUSINESS DETAILS
Location:
Primary sector:
Secondary sector:
Asking price:
£375,000  
Turnover / revenue:
£240,000
Net profit / cashflow:
Undisclosed
Years established:
50
Number of employees:
5
Employees / staffing:
The vendor works full time in the business. He also has two full time drivers/office staff who can multi-task. In addition to this the vendor has a pool of trusted and experienced sub-contractors whom he can call upon as and when is necessary. This team is highly experienced and should help to make a smooth transition of ownership possible.

OTHER DETAILS
Reason for selling:
After working in the business for over 50 years, the current owner is keen to now enjoy his well-earned retirement. However he is prepared you stay on for a further period if need be to provide a seamless transition of ownership.
Support and training:
The current owner will provide a full handover and will offer any support possible to a new owner to ensure that the business continues to prosper. He may also be prepared to stay on in a consultative role for a further period subject to negotiation.
Business is relocatable:
No
Business is web-based:
No
Business is home-based:
No
PROPERTY DETAILS
Living accommodation:
both with their own reception area, offices, chapels of rest (one has one chapel the other has two), preparation and storage areas (inc. cold stores), together with toilets etc. The third site is non High Street and this is where the main preparation work is done, as well as where the vehicles are stored internally. This third site also has a chapel of rest, offices, kitchen, toilets etc. as well as workshop area.
 
Image Not Found
 
 
 
Image Not Found
BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
Long Established Independent Funeral Directors
Ref. CQ196
Asking Price : OIRO GBP 375,000
Location : North Wales/Chester
This business was established by the vendor over 50 years ago and in that time has built up a sterling reputation in the region for providing a comprehensive funeral and undertaking service to clients in a highly personal yet professional manner. It has served the local communities impeccably and the company name is very well known throughout the area.
The business currently operates from three different leasehold properties. Two of the sites are located on the High Street in adjacent towns and are highly visible to the community. These two sites have receptions, offices and beautifully appointed chapels of rest, together with cold store, preparation areas, toilets, kitchen areas and ample staff/customer parking.
The third site is ideally based between the two above High Street locations and also has reception area, chapel of rest and offices, toilets, kitchen etc. This site also has large internal storage facility for the fully owned limousines, hearse and van to be housed, not to mention a mortuary, cold store, preparation area and workshop (for engraving, coffin preparation etc.)
All three properties are located within easy reach of each other. The business has built up an impressive infrastructure over the years so it can provide a complete funeral service to clients and take away much of the stress and worry for what is a difficult experience for most clients families.
The business is well known within the area it serves and enjoys an excellent reputation with local hospitals, town hall and cemeteries. Typically it carries out 100 funerals a year..
The business has been successful for many years mainly as a result of the wonderful level of service that it offers. As an independent, family run business, the personal touch and a friendly, caring attitude are what separate this business from much of the competition.
The business provides all the services that are normally associated with a company of its standing. They will make all necessary arrangements using their excellent relationships to organize all of their client s requirements with the local churches, ministers, cemeteries and cemetery superintendents. All legally required documents are arranged. The business owns several vehicles that provide different options to meet their client s needs, and can hire further vehciles at short notice if need be. Musical requests are taken care of as well as supply of flowers, urns etc. The business will provide order of service booklets. Obituaries and official notices are organised. The business can also provide repatriation services.
This business would be an ideal acquisition for either an existing operator looking to expand or indeed for an investor with no background in this sector to date.

Expansion Potential
The business operates from three properties and this provides plenty of options for new management, with plenty of spare capacity to accommodate growth.

The current owner has actually been with the business since it started over 50 years ago. By his own admission the vendor would agree the business would probably benefit from a new injection of energy and business acumen to increase future revenues. The current pricing policy is due an update which could certainly increase new revenues.

New owners may well find opportunities for future expansion by exercising a more proactive marketing strategy.

The area in which the business operates has seen its population grow over the years. This trend is continuing as the area is benefiting from further development.

Market / Competition / Non-Competition Agreements
This is a business that traditionally has relied on referrals and brand recognition as well as generations of family and friends recommending and using this business’s services. Very little in the way of advertising has been required. Historical advertising in the local press and church magazines has been effective. There is currently no proprietary website. A more up to date approach to marketing would be a positive move and would help the business step up to a new level.