What Recent Funeral Home Sales Reveal About Today’s Succession Market

Succession planning in the funeral service industry is no longer a theoretical exercise reserved for “someday.” For many independent owners, it has become a timely and strategic conversation shaped by real-world pressures: from staffing challenges and rising administrative demands to a buyer market that has grown more selective and disciplined.

While overall acquisition activity has slowed, a smaller group of well-capitalized, service-driven organizations remains actively engaged. These buyers are focused on quality funeral homes with strong community ties, stable operations, and dedicated staff. When those elements align, transitions are still moving forward – and often with outcomes that prioritize legacy, continuity, and long-term stability.

The following recent transactions offer a closer look at how thoughtful succession planning can work in practice, highlighting partnerships that protected staff, preserved trusted names, and positioned these businesses for continued service in their communities.

Cape Girardeau, MO – August, 2025

McCombs Funeral Home, serving families in Jackson and Cape Girardeau, Missouri, was also acquired by Rollings Funeral Service in August. The partnership brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to compassionate care and community service.

Similar to many funeral homes, McCombs began as a furniture store and undertaking business in 1906. Over the past century, the firm has grown to become one of the most respected funeral service providers in Southeast Missouri. Today, McCombs serves more than 250 families each year from their two locations.

The McCombs name will remain, and its current staff and leadership will continue serving families just as they always have. Through this partnership, Rollings is providing operational support, allowing the McCombs team to focus on serving families and being involved in their communities.

Charlottesville, VA – October 2025  

Rollings Funeral Service, one of the nation’s largest privately-owned funeral service operators, acquired Preddy Funeral Homes, which serves three communities just north of Charlottesville, Virginia.

The Preddy businesses were founded more than 100 years ago and serve more than 500 families each year.  They are known regionally as one of the most respected funeral service providers in the greater Charlottesville area.

The Preddy businesses immediately gained access to Rollings accounting, legal, and human resources support services. The staff, who all remained in their current roles, also gained tremendous operational support and will be able to benefit from career training and bonus programs. Rollings is committed to supporting the business to continue to provide the same high-quality care they have always received, now backed by one of the nation’s leading private funeral service organizations.

Dothan, AL – November 2025 

Ward Wilson Funeral Home purchased Southern Heritage Funeral Home, a nearby competitor. 

Ward Wilson, one of Dothan’s largest funeral providers, saw the opportunity to expand the service to the community and strengthen its impact by joining forces with the Southern Heritage team. Together, the businesses will serve about 400 families annually.

Green Bay, WI – December, 2025

Pinnacle Funeral Service recently acquired Malcore Funeral Home & Crematory and Simply Cremation in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The business, founded over 100 years ago, was owned and operated by the Malcore family for multiple generations.  So, when the time came to plan for a succession, choosing the best buyer was extremely important.

The Malcore family has been a leader in cremation services in the region, having installed their first on-site crematory nearly 50 years ago. Their business is one of the largest in northern Wisconsin, serving more than 750 families annually.  They will also be supported by Pinnacle’s accounting, legal, and human resources teams.  The staff, who will remain in their current roles, will also gain tremendous operational support and be able to participate in career training and bonus programs. 

Matt Malcore is continuing to manage day-to-day operations, ensuring continuity for the families they serve. His wife, Lisa, will remain as a preneed advisor, and both of Matt’s parents will also stay actively involved in the business.

Why Owners Are Exploring Succession Planning Now

Across the industry, we are seeing a clear pattern among owners who are achieving the best outcomes:

• The Buyer universe is narrowing. Fewer buyers do not mean lower values for strong firms—but they do mean fewer second chances.
• The strongest buyers are selective. Firms with stable volume, good reputations, and solid teams are attracting the most interest today.
• Planning early preserves leverage. Engaging an advisor before a transition is important to retain more control over timing, structure, and legacy.
• Waiting carries real risk. Staffing pressure, regulatory changes, or unexpected life events can quickly shift negotiating power away from owners.

Exploring your options does not require a decision to sell. Many owners begin with a confidential valuation discussion or a market check to understand how today’s conditions compare to what may be available in the future.

NewBridge Group works exclusively for funeral home owners, with a focus on identifying the right buyer fit while preserving the integrity of the business, the staff, and the community it serves. If you would like a confidential conversation about valuation or succession planning, please contact todd@newbridgegroup.com.