THE world's biggest funeral service is behind the buy-out of six East Lancashire undertakers.
But Texan company Service Corporation International has denied that it is trying to create a monopoly and force up prices.
Affected by the takeover are Rosehill funeral service, Burnley; Kirby and Hughes, of Padiham, Accrington and Oswaldtwistle; Calverley's, Clitheroe; and Langshaw's, Whalley.
SCI already owns undertakers in East Lancashire and one crematorium in the county.
It is also the second largest funeral service in the country, with 15 per cent of the market.
But the firm dismissed fears that it was trying to create a monopoly.
A spokesman said: "We own 600 funeral homes across the country, constituting 15 per cent of the market. The Co-op owns 25 per cent and the rest are owned by independents. Fears of a monopoly are unfounded.
"We are certainly not the most expensive funeral service and do not intend forcing up prices. We intend to improve our service and wherever possible will retain former owners as proprietors."
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