Copyright euroweeklynews
Landmark deal creates Europe’s largest independent UK-regulated funeral plan provider. October 2025, London, UK – Golden Leaves Funeral Plans, one of the UK’s most trusted and long established pre-paid funeral plan providers, has announced the acquisition of Avalon Funeral Plans in a landmark deal that reshapes the funeral-planning sector across Europe. The transaction positions Golden Leaves as one of the largest independent funeral-plan providers operating across Spain, Portugal, the UK, and Cyprus – and the only UK-regulated company dedicated to serving both domestic and international customers. Both Golden Leaves and Avalon are authorised and regulated in the UK, meaning all plans purchased through either provider – including those bought across Europe – benefit from the same consumer protections as UK plans. This includes coverage under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), the UK’s statutory protection scheme that safeguards customers’ money in the unlikely event that a regulated provider could no longer meet its obligations. This is the same scheme that protects up to £85,000 of savings held in UK bank accounts. With shared values centred on customer care, responsible investment, and long-term sustainability, the combined business will deliver greater stability, scale, and value for consumers, partners, and funeral directors across Europe. Following completion, the new group will manage over 150,000 active plan holders, supported by approximately £325 million held in trust. This enhanced scale brings stronger financial security, operational efficiency, and purchasing power, while reinforcing relationships with local funeral directors and improving customer outcomes. The acquisition also consolidates Golden Leaves’ European operations, integrating Avalon’s established local networks with Golden Leaves’ international reach. Avalon’s European operations will continue to serve customers as part of the combined group, ensuring continuity and maintaining the same trusted local teams and service standards during the transition period. The unified group will operate under a single strategic vision, delivering consistent service standards, enhanced governance, and improved resilience within an increasingly complex regulatory environment. Barry Floyd, CEO of Golden Leaves Funeral Plans, commented: “This acquisition marks a significant milestone for both Golden Leaves and the wider funeral-planning industry. By bringing together two trusted, UK-regulated providers with shared values and a joint commitment to customers, we are creating a stronger, more resilient organisation capable of delivering greater value and peace of mind to families across Europe. “Together, Golden Leaves and Avalon will continue to protect customers’ futures and provide a trusted choice for both expatriates and UK residents alike.” Jason Gardner, Europe Director of Avalon Funeral Plans, added: “Avalon has built a strong, UK-regulated business with a loyal customer base across Europe. We’re proud of our reputation for trust, growth, and service excellence. “Both Avalon and Golden Leaves firmly believe that every funeral plan purchased in the EU should come from a regulated provider, ensuring the highest level of financial protection for customers through the FSCS. “Joining Golden Leaves is a natural next step that strengthens both organisations, and I’m delighted to remain part of the combined group to ensure continuity for our customers, partners, and teams as we move forward together.” Both Golden Leaves and Avalon operate trust-backed funeral plans designed to ensure transparency, financial protection, and quality service delivery. With complementary business models, shared customer bases, and offices in both the UK and Spain, the integration creates one of the largest independent, non-integrated providers in the market. The enlarged group will continue to invest in service excellence, innovation, and long-term customer value, reinforcing Golden Leaves’ position as a leading force in Europe’s evolving funeral-planning landscape. For customers, all existing plans and payments remain exactly the same, with no changes to terms, benefits, or contact details. Golden Leaves – (0034) 966 493 082 • Avalon – (0034) 966 799 070
