New Partnership Provides the Strategic Foundation for Anthem’s Growth in Canada
December 16, 2021 Anthem Partners, a premier operator of funeral homes and cemeteries, has announced that it has partnered with the Speers Group of Companies to launch Anthem Partners in Canada. The Speers Group includes Speers Funeral and Cremation Services Regina, SK; Cropo Funeral and Cremation Services in Winnipeg, MB; Brockie Donovan Funeral and Cremation Services and Rosewood Memorial Gardens in Brandon, MB; and Carscadden Funeral Chapels in Virden and Reston, MB and Moosomin, SK.
Owner and President of Speers Funeral and Cremation Services and CEO of the Speers Group, Todd Lumbard will assume the role of Co-Founder and Vice-Chair, Anthem Partners. Jeff Christiansen, Vice President of Operations at both Speers Funeral and Cremation Services and Carscadden Funeral Chapels, has been appointed President, Anthem Partners, Canada.
“We have established an exceptional team across our companies here in Canada and I look forward to working with the Anthem team to contribute to the Anthem Partners network and to expand our proud tradition of caring, responsive service and innovative leadership,” commented Lumbard. “Joining with Anthem makes perfect business sense for the Speers organization.” Mr. Lumbard added, “Jeff Christiansen has provided exceptional leadership to our organization over the past ten years and possesses a wealth of experience in both the private and public sector. I can think of no one better suited to lead our efforts in Canada.”
“We are delight to welcome the Speers Group of Companies in Canada to Anthem’s rapidly growing network of funeral homes and cemeteries,” said Will Andrews, President of Anthem Partners in the United States. “The dedicated and caring staff members throughout the Anthem Partners family will continue to be the key to the success as we dedicate ourselves to serving future generations of families.”
As highly respected service providers in their markets and acknowledged innovators within funeral service, the five organizations that comprise the Speers Group will form the foundation for the expansion of Anthem Partners in Canada. Together they care for more than 2000 families annually and they have a collective history of nearly 450 years of service to their communities.
“We’ve built a great foundation of innovation in Canada and this partnership will provide expanded opportunities for our team and help us to accelerate our growth process,” added Christiansen. “We are fortunate that both organizations share the same guiding principles: empowerment, accountability, respect, kindness, and transparency. This will serve as a real competitive advantage moving forward.”
About Anthem Partners: Anthem Partners is a privately held operator of cemeteries and funeral homes. Founded by a group of industry professionals and backed by long-term, patient investors, Anthem Partners is actively seeking opportunities to grow with like-minded professionals and firms who share their vision. Respecting the unique history of the family businesses and acknowledging the lives lived in the communities that they serve are the founding principles of Anthem Partners. To learn more, visit anthempartners.com.
Contact: Joe Weigel
weigelstrategicmarketing@gmail.com