Chicago, IL (September 8, 2023) – Bringing together more than 100 years of collective experience from both the real estate and deathcare industries, Big Sky Capital Partners (“Big Sky”) is the leading financier for sale-leaseback solutions dedicated to the funeral industry. As an established real estate firm solely focused on providing funeral home owners and operators with sale-leaseback options, Big Sky deploys its capital exclusively within the industry.

With interest rates on the rise, and banks and and other traditional financial tools becoming more limited, the sale-leaseback is used by many funeral home owners – including independent, regional, and national operators, independently or in concert with these traditional financing options – as part of their growth and succession planning strategy. Big Sky, with its deep understanding of the traditions, customs, and processes of the industry, designs personalized financing solutions specifically to support funeral professionals seeking to expand operations through acquisitions, refinance or restructure debt, or create a liquidity event through the sale of its real estate, while simultaneously entering into what it refers to as a ‘forever lease’, that is a mutually agreed upon long term lease.

“Funeral home real estate is a distinctive asset class, especially since the property is often multi-generational and dedicated specifically to the funeral business operations,” says Big Sky co-founder Michael Crandall.

“In order to be successful, it is critical to understand who you are helping, what value you provide, and how you can deliver on your promise. At Big Sky, we understand that those in the funeral home industry expect a certain level of knowledge, experience, and dedication. Big Sky is devoted to exceeding these, and all, expectations.”

As part of its commitment to going above and beyond for the deathcare industry, Big Sky has entered into a strategic partnership with Sympathy Brands, combining decades of real estate, funeral home operating, and technology experience. Sympathy Brands has an extensive network of trusted partners in the funeral home and cemetery industries, as well as dedicated team members that serve as licensed Funeral Directors, Death Doulas, and end-of-life experts who regularly provide feedback on how to improve engagement and offerings to help support the industry.

About Big Sky Capital Partners

Big Sky Capital Partners works directly with owners and operators of funeral homes to help with liquidity and succession planning. Big Sky Capital Partners purchase real estate assets in locations and markets where demographic trends indicate a sustainable market. To learn more, please visit bigskycapitalpartners.com.

About Sympathy Brands Company

Sympathy Brands is the parent company for shiva.com, JewishFuneralGroup.com, eCondolence.com, SympathyBrands.com, Cemetery.com and others. The company mission is to support families and industry experts through all stages of end-of life mattersTM with its trusted marketplace, leading technology and highly curated network of strategic partners. To learn more, please visit SympathyBrands.com.