Funeral Partners Limited starts acquisition trail for 2013

FP has purchased the John Nodes Funeral Service in North London as part of a strategic programme of growth.

Funeral Partners Limited (FP) has taken over a London-based business, signalling the acceleration of its acquisition programme of independent funeral directors.

John Nodes has been a family business for six generations, having been established around 1828 in Ladbroke Grove in North London. It has developed into a thriving, well respected funeral directors with four branches locally but still also retaining the original premises as a central office and garage facility.

John Whigham, Managing Director at Funeral Partners Limited, commented: “We are delighted to welcome the new teams from John Nodes Funeral Service and I am very much looking forward to working with them, understanding the local needs and delivering a sensitive but professional service to grieving families and setting new standards in this honourable and historic profession.”
All of the existing employed staff will transfer with the sale and continue to deliver the high standards of service and care to the families and friends in the local communities they serve.

Mr Whigham added: “We will be working closely with the teams to understand the local needs and putting in investment, training and improved processes to build further on the strong foundations laid down by the Nodes family to build a brand with a reputation for reliability, trust and quality.”
The new senior management team at FP will bring their combined experience of integrating acquired businesses, strengthening and developing the service and working with and supporting the existing teams.

Phillip Greenfield, FP’s Chief Executive echoed John’s comments and added: “This is the first in a number of planned acquisitions that will see Funeral Partners Limited continue to grow its footprint across the country. The John Nodes business provides us with a strategic position in North London to complement our existing funeral businesses in South London. Mr Nodes has built an impressive business and I am pleased that he has provided us with this opportunity to further develop the business.”
The legal and property aspects of the transaction were handled on behalf of FP by Freeth Cartwright Birmingham office and the financial due diligence exercise carried out by Cooper Parry from their Nottingham office.