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Cinven, the private equity firm, is plotting a takeover of one of Britain's biggest funeral providers in a deal which could value it at more than £500m.
Sky News has learnt that Cinven, a former owner of the fashion brand Kurt Geiger, is among the private equity firms expected to table bids this week for Pure Cremation.
Bankers at Houlihan Lokey are running a sale process which insiders say could value Pure Cremation at anywhere between £500m and £700m.
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Epiris, which acquired the business from its founders in 2023, is expected to choose a preferred bidder before the end of the year.
Pure Cremation was founded in 2015 by Bryan and Catherine Powell, with the aim of meeting growing demand for so-called direct cremations, which involve a simple service without mourners in attendance.
The company offers pre-paid plans, which the company is understood to believe represents a significant growth opportunity for a future owner.
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Pure Cremation is now run by Dean Lamble, the former chief executive of SunLife Insurance.
A decline in the number of religious funerals taking place in Britain each year has fuelled growth in lower-cost alternatives.
Pure Cremation operates the UK's busiest crematorium, located in Andover, Hampshire.
Cinven declined to comment.
