Edmund Fournier Funeral Service

Background Information

This business has been in existence since 1985. The current owner started the business in 1985 and ran it through 1991, sold it, and then took it back in 1997 and has run it ever since. It operates as a Sole Proprietorship. This is an asset sale, with no real estate included as part of the sale. The current owner lives in the building and will continue to do so as the new buyer will lease the commercial space only, located on the first floor, garage, and portions of the basement.

Edmund Fournier Funeral Service takes pride in guiding and serving families through one of life's greatest hardships. Their mission is to provide quality funerals at convenient prices and to comfort and provide support for the families they serve. They are a non-denominational funeral service company located in the heart of the White Mountains, which averages a minimum of 50 events per year. The company services the communities of Lincoln, Woodstock, Campton, Thornton, Plymouth, Rumney, Benton, and Landaff. It is the only funeral service available within a 20 mile radius and commands a major percentage of market share, especially in the Lincoln-Woodstock community.

Full funeral services include the services of the funeral director and staff; visitation; embalming and other preparations; use of funeral home facilities or other facilities for funeral service; and transportation fees.

Memorial and graveside services include the services of the funeral director and staff; embalming and other preparations; a service at the funeral home; church, or at graveside; and transportation fees.

Direct cremation services include all transportation fees; medical examiner fees; a cremation container; private time for family members; all necessary documents and permits; and cremation fees. Services not included in the total cost of a direct cremation are memorial services; graveside services; cash advance items such as opening/closing fees at the cemetery; certified copies of the death certificate; obituary notices; and clergy fees. All of these additional services can be provided if requested, for an additional fee.

The Industry

The funeral industry is not recession proof, but it is recession resistant. The services of a funeral service are always in demand, but the amount of money spent on arrangements can fluctuate with the state of the economy. Edmund Fournier Funeral Service's business has been very consistent over the last few years, with revenues varying by only 3-4% from 2005 to 2008. During tighter economic times customers may look more closely at what they are willing to spend on arrangements, and the increase in the acceptability of cremations, which provide less revenue than traditional funerals, can also negatively impact overall income.

For further information on the Lincoln-Woodstock region and state of the funeral service industry in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire and statewide, contact the following entities:

Lincoln-Woodstock Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 358
Kancamagus Highway
Lincoln, NH 03251
603-745-6621
www.lincolnwoodstock.com

New Hampshire Funeral Director's Association
Mark Cournoyer, Vice President
P.O. Box 522
Keene, NH 03431
603-532-6484
www.nhfda.org

Location

Edmund Fournier Funeral Service is conveniently located on Main Street in North Woodstock. The Lincoln-Woodstock area is the hub of the western White Mountains tourism industry. Myriad hotels, motels, condominiums, service businesses, restaurants, and residents make up the local community, complemented by other residential communities which house workers who commute to Lincoln-Woodstock for employment. These communities extend south to Plymouth, north to Littleton, and west to Haverhill. Consistent, high quality, trustworthy, and reliable service as well as an empathetic approach to the bereavement business have been the keys to repeat and referral business for Edmund Fournier Funeral Service. This reputation has been hard earned since 1985 and will continue to bring in repeat and referral business as the new owner works to establish his own reputation over the next few years.

Physical Condition

All furniture, fixtures, equipment, and vehicles are well maintained and are in good to excellent condition. The chapels and lounges are very well presented and well maintained. The grounds to the funeral home are well kept, neat, functional, and easily accessible. Parking availability along the street and in public lots within close proximity to the facility is abundant.

Reason for Selling & Other Facts

The licensed owner passed away and his wife, who is not licensed, needs to sell the business as she owns and operates a Main Street florist shop in town and needs to concentrate on that business. She is willing to sign a non-compete as she is not licensed in the industry nor does she wish to continue with her husband's legacy.

The current owner is willing to stay on in an advisory capacity for as long as it takes, within reason, for the new owner to get acclimated to the area, its residents, and the realities of the business. Her family is also willing to assist as necessary to ensure a seamless transition of ownership.

Inventory of Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment

Full inventory is available upon request.

Inventory

There is no inventory involved in this transaction that has not been identified in the Inventory of Furniture, Fixtures, & Equipment.

Not Included in the Sale

Personal property and artwork as identified
Cash on hand
Business bank accounts
Accounts Receivable
Accounts Payable
Outstanding loans
Any other security deposits and prepaid expenses

Hours of Operation/Employees

Hours of operation are based upon business demands. Employees: 6 Part-time contract employees

Annual Sales Volume

Available upon completing a Confidentiality Agreement.

Expenses

Available upon completing a Confidentiality Agreement.

2005-2008 Profit and Loss Statements

Available upon completing a Confidentiality Agreement.

Ways to Improve the Business

The current owner believes that by increasing prices, which she believes are low by industry standards, and expanding its reach of services to Holderness and Ashland as well as increasing its reach in Plymouth, positive revenue growth would be greatly impacted.

Recommended Listing Price (RLP)

The RLP justification for this business is as follows:

The business has Gross Revenues in 2008 of:	*
The business has average SDE over the last four years of:	*
Pre-arrangement fund value (over 100 transactions):	*
Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment:	$62,795
	TOTAL RLP: $129,900

*Available upon completing a Confidentiality Agreement.

Ownership Transfer Specifications

The current owner is asking $129,900 total for the business. She is unwilling to offer financing terms unless a qualified buyer is putting down a substantial down payment for a very limited term.

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