Sutton Coldfield-based Dignity - Britain's biggest funeral services group - yesterday reported a surge in operating profit.
In a first quarter trading statement, the group saw sales up 5.9 per cent to £41.4 million. Operating profit rose 10.2 per cent in the 13 weeks to March 31 to £14 million. This compared to £12.7 million last year.
Peter Hindley, chief executive of Dignity, said the company continued to trade in line with expectations.
"The death rate was down seven per cent during this quarter and, with this as a backdrop, I am pleased with the strong trading performance in the first quarter," he said.
"This has been the result of some acquisitions, an increase in our market share and a continued tight control on costs."
Mr Hindley said the company continued to remain on the acquisition trail with several planned for the next quarter.
"We anticipate acquiring between five and ten family businesses a year," he said. "Around 60 per cent of the industry in still in the hands of independents, so there is still room for consolidation."
