The UK’s third largest funeral directors, Funeral Partners, have acquired two more businesses: Solihull-based Thomas Bragg & Sons Limited and Robert Nuttall Funeral Service, based in Oldham, Lancashire.
Thomas Bragg was founded in 1869 as a builder and undertaker and was passed down the generations as a partnership until 1975 when it was incorporated as Thomas Bragg & Sons Limited.
The current shareholders – Malcolm, Gordon and Richard – are 4th generation and either have or will be retiring. General Manager Bruce Bragg, son of Malcolm, is 5th generation and will continue with the business as an Area Development Manager with Funeral Partners.
Robert Nuttall Funeral Service was established over 60 years ago by Clifford Ayres and the company name was changed when Robert Nuttall took over in 1978. It serves Shaw, Oldham and Rochdale and was the first funeral company in the area to have a private Chapel of Rest.
Funeral Partners’ Chief Executive Phillip Greenfield said: “We are delighted to have acquired these well-respected businesses and are confident they will continue to flourish as part of the Funeral Partners family.
“These are extremely important additions for us as it will give us excellent coverage in areas where we don’t currently operate.”
Funeral Partners, based near Reading, now employ over 500 staff in more than 130 locations around the country.
Funeral Partners’ Managing Director John Whigham added: “We are looking forward to working closely with our new staff as we continue to develop Funeral Partners as an organisation with a reputation for reliability, trust and quality and set new standards in this honourable and historic profession.”
