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Downing portfolio company Lighthouse Funerals announces new acquisition and appoints Chair
22/9/25
5 min
Private Equity
News
Lighthouse Funerals, a funeral directors platform established by investment manager Downing’s private equity team in October last year, has announced the acquisition of Churcher & Tribbeck and Taylor & Wallis Funeral Directors. With branches in Gosport, Stubbington, and Fareham, these well-established firms have been providing dedicated, compassionate care to families across Hampshire for over 200 years. The acquisition sees the integration of Ian Parker and his experienced team to Lighthouse Funerals.
Lighthouse Funerals now comprises of 11 funeral directors and a separate masonry business.
The company has also announced the appointment of Michael O’Donnell as its Chair. Michael brings a wealth of experience to the role, following a distinguished career in private equity and over 15 years as a serial Chair and Non-Executive Director. Since 2009, he has supported companies undergoing significant change, often serving as a catalyst for strong and sustained growth.
In 2022, Michael led the successful exit of Dental Partners, a leading UK dental practice chain, after overseeing an ambitious roll-up of individual practices and small groups. His strategic insight and hands-on leadership were instrumental in achieving a strong outcome for all stakeholders.
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Lighthouse Funerals, a funeral directors platform established by investment manager Downing’s private equity team in October last year, has announced the acquisition of Churcher & Tribbeck and Taylor & Wallis Funeral Directors. With branches in Gosport, Stubbington, and Fareham, these well-established firms have been providing dedicated, compassionate care to families across Hampshire for over 200 years. The acquisition sees the integration of Ian Parker and his experienced team to Lighthouse Funerals.
Lighthouse Funerals now comprises of 11 funeral directors and a separate masonry business.
The company has also announced the appointment of Michael O’Donnell as its Chair. Michael brings a wealth of experience to the role, following a distinguished career in private equity and over 15 years as a serial Chair and Non-Executive Director. Since 2009, he has supported companies undergoing significant change, often serving as a catalyst for strong and sustained growth.
In 2022, Michael led the successful exit of Dental Partners, a leading UK dental practice chain, after overseeing an ambitious roll-up of individual practices and small groups. His strategic insight and hands-on leadership were instrumental in achieving a strong outcome for all stakeholders.
Share
Lighthouse Funerals, a funeral directors platform established by investment manager Downing’s private equity team in October last year, has announced the acquisition of Churcher & Tribbeck and Taylor & Wallis Funeral Directors. With branches in Gosport, Stubbington, and Fareham, these well-established firms have been providing dedicated, compassionate care to families across Hampshire for over 200 years. The acquisition sees the integration of Ian Parker and his experienced team to Lighthouse Funerals.
Lighthouse Funerals now comprises of 11 funeral directors and a separate masonry business.
The company has also announced the appointment of Michael O’Donnell as its Chair. Michael brings a wealth of experience to the role, following a distinguished career in private equity and over 15 years as a serial Chair and Non-Executive Director. Since 2009, he has supported companies undergoing significant change, often serving as a catalyst for strong and sustained growth.
In 2022, Michael led the successful exit of Dental Partners, a leading UK dental practice chain, after overseeing an ambitious roll-up of individual practices and small groups. His strategic insight and hands-on leadership were instrumental in achieving a strong outcome for all stakeholders.
Ed Motley, Investment Director at Downing said: “We are delighted to continue to support the growth of Lighthouse Funerals, bringing a high-quality business into the group.
We are also very pleased to bring in Michael as Chair, his experience and track record with growing founder-led multi-site businesses will add huge value to our Management team.”
Steven Wilton, CEO of Lighthouse Funerals, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support given to us by Downing and will continue to work closely with them to grow our business.”
About Downing Private Equity
Downing's award-winning Private Equity team partners with exceptional management teams to help realise their growth ambitions and maximise the potential of their business by providing flexible funding solutions, strategic support, and access to its networks.
Typically, Downing looks for initial investments of between £5 million and £50 million and focuses on sectors including healthcare, education, housing, and other specialist sectors.
Downing integrates analysis of sustainability factors into its investment decision-making and supports companies to achieve positive outcomes in corporate governance, natural capital and societal factors.
Find out more information about the Downing Private Equity team.
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Lighthouse Funerals, a funeral directors platform established by investment manager Downing’s private equity team in October last year, has announced the acquisition of Churcher & Tribbeck and Taylor & Wallis Funeral Directors. With branches in Gosport, Stubbington, and Fareham, these well-established firms have been providing dedicated, compassionate care to families across Hampshire for over 200 years. The acquisition sees the integration of Ian Parker and his experienced team to Lighthouse Funerals.
Lighthouse Funerals now comprises of 11 funeral directors and a separate masonry business.
The company has also announced the appointment of Michael O’Donnell as its Chair. Michael brings a wealth of experience to the role, following a distinguished career in private equity and over 15 years as a serial Chair and Non-Executive Director. Since 2009, he has supported companies undergoing significant change, often serving as a catalyst for strong and sustained growth.
In 2022, Michael led the successful exit of Dental Partners, a leading UK dental practice chain, after overseeing an ambitious roll-up of individual practices and small groups. His strategic insight and hands-on leadership were instrumental in achieving a strong outcome for all stakeholders.
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