As of 1 March, Hygeco International will be wholly-owned by ‘the Facultatieve Group’

As of 1 March 2009, ‘the Facultatieve Group’ will own 100% of the shares in Hygeco SA. ‘The Facultatieve Group’ already took a majority stake in 2007. March 1st next the Marette family will step down their position held within Hygeco. “This move reflects perfectly our strategic ambitions,” stated Henry Keizer, President & CEO of ‘the Facultatieve Group’, “Hygeco International is a fantastic company that has much in common with the Group’s other divisions. With Hygeco becoming a wholly-owned part of the Group, it means we can further utilize and build on the international benefits of this union.” Patrick De Meyer, Vice President Sales & Marketing and CCO of ‘the Facultatieve Group’, is just as excited: “We see various synergies flourishing across the globe that are playing an ever greater role within the Group. Hygeco International has a wealth of experience in many different areas that reflect the Group’s core business. Recent events have proven how valuable Hygeco International is for us and vice versa. The fact that Hygeco will shortly be a wholly-owned member of the Group will enable us to more effectively and intensively exploit the benefits of scale. Benefits that will ultimately profit our clients in terms of customer service and product development.” Hygeco was founded in 1887 by Louis Marette and grew into one of the leading suppliers in the international funeral industry. Its eight sites in France and seven international branches ensure a wide range of products and services across the globe. Every year Hygeco Post Mortem Assistance transports around 10,000 deceased persons and carries out roughly 70,000 thanatopraxy treatments. For more information: www.hygeco.co.uk