MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORP
10-Q, 1996-02-09
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
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<PAGE> 1
               UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           Washington, D.C.  20549

                                  Form 10-Q


[X]  Quarterly report under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
     Act of 1934


For The Quarterly Period Ended December 31, 1995

Commission File Nos. 0-9115 and 0-24494



                      MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
           (Exact Name of registrant as specified in its charter)



         PENNSYLVANIA                                        25-0644320
(State or other jurisdiction of                           (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                           Identification No.)



 TWO NORTHSHORE CENTER, PITTSBURGH, PA                       15212-5851
(Address of principal executive offices)                     (Zip Code)



Registrant's telephone number, including area code         (412) 442-8200



                                NOT APPLICABLE
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
                                    report)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                        Yes [X]                No [ ]


The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common
stock, as of the latest practicable date:

     Class of Common Stock                  Outstanding at January 31, 1996 

   Class A - $1.00 par value                       5,480,434 shares
   Class B - $1.00 par value                       3,369,916 shares

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                            PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                 MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                        CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              December 31, 1995         September 30, 1995
                                                              -----------------         ------------------
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents                                          $ 13,301,874               $ 39,204,010
Short-term investments                                                6,518,027                      - 
Accounts and notes receivable, net                                   26,115,023                 28,515,610
Inventories:
 Materials and finished goods                          $10,374,685                $ 9,209,411
 Labor and overhead in process                             673,705                    812,178
 Supplies                                                  772,399                    618,907
 Less LIFO reserve                                        (298,673)                  (298,673)
                                                        ----------                 ----------
                                                                     11,522,116                 10,341,823
Other current assets                                                  1,196,516                  1,174,796
                                                                     ----------                 ----------
  Total current assets                                               58,653,556                 79,236,239

Investments                                                          19,995,611                      -  
Property, plant and equipment:  Cost                    63,506,312                 62,429,586
 Less accumulated depreciation                         (25,382,099)               (24,407,809)
                                                        ----------                 ----------
                                                                     38,124,213                 38,021,777
Deferred income taxes and other assets                               15,966,978                 15,588,221
Goodwill                                                              5,232,171                  5,360,139
                                                                    -----------                -----------
Total assets                                                       $137,972,529               $138,206,376
                                                                    ===========                ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Long-term debt, current maturities                                      436,564                    433,465
Accounts payable                                                      4,057,076                  5,181,954
Accrued compensation                                                  4,943,319                  7,944,824
Accrued income taxes                                                  3,206,627                  1,165,805
Customer prepayments and other current liabilities                    5,689,021                  8,183,972
                                                                     ----------                 ----------
 Total current liabilities                                           18,332,607                 22,910,020

Long-term debt                                                          159,778                    270,092
Estimated cemetery and finishing costs                                5,125,234                  4,991,476
Postretirement benefits                                              19,951,909                 19,727,632
Deferred revenue and other liabilities                                3,549,073                  3,508,752

Shareholders' equity:
 Common stock:  Class A, par value $1.00                 5,020,250                  4,009,753
                Class B, par value $1.00                 3,830,100                  4,840,597
 Other shareholders' equity                             82,003,578                 77,948,054
                                                        ----------                 ----------
                                                                     90,853,928                 86,798,404
                                                                    -----------                -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                         $137,972,529               $138,206,376
                                                                    ===========                ===========
</TABLE>
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                 MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Three Months Ended
                                                                  December 31,
                                                           --------------------------
                                                              1995            1994
                                                              ----            ----
                                                                                      
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>
Sales                                                    $ 41,185,350    $ 40,085,805

Cost of sales                                              22,602,002      21,722,238

Selling and administrative expenses                        12,131,095      11,999,873
                                                           ----------      ----------

Operating profit                                            6,452,253       6,363,694


Other income (deductions), net                                404,625         170,330 

Interest expense                                               21,359          18,541
                                                           ----------      ----------

Income before income taxes                                  6,835,519       6,515,483

Income taxes                                                2,589,530       2,605,818 
                                                           ----------      ----------

Net income                                               $  4,245,989    $  3,909,665 
                                                           ==========      ========== 



Earnings per share                                             $  .48          $  .44 
                                                                =====           =====

Dividends per share                                            $  .07          $  .06 
                                                                =====           =====

Weighted average number of
  common shares outstanding                                 8,850,350       8,850,350 
                                                            =========       =========

</TABLE>










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<PAGE> 4
                 MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Three Months Ended
                                                                  December 31,
                                                           --------------------------
                                                              1995            1994
                                                              ----            ----
<S>                                                       <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
 Net Income                                              $  4,245,989     $ 3,909,665 
 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
   provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization                             1,249,725       1,119,889
  Deferred taxes                                             (197,098)       (116,007)
  Net increase in certain working capital items            (3,474,422)     (2,898,624)
  Increase in accounts receivable, noncurrent                  29,726         (26,452)
  (Increase) decrease in cemetery inventory                  (199,439)        (18,454)
  Decrease in other noncurrent assets                           9,489           7,627
  Increase in estimated finishing and cemetery costs          133,758          56,077
  Decrease in deferred revenue and expenses and
    other liabilities                                          40,893         (50,903)
  Increase in postretirement benefits                         224,277         264,173
  Net loss on sale of property, plant and equipment             9,474           6,588
  Effect of exchange rate changes on operations               (30,866)         10,721 
                                                           ----------       ---------
    Net cash provided by operating activities               2,041,506       2,264,300
                                                           ----------       ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
 Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment             (1,304,795)       (719,331)
 Proceeds from disposals of property,
   plant and equipment                                          3,931          13,617 
 Purchases of short-term investments                       (6,393,000)          -
 Purchases of investments                                 (20,000,000)          -
 Collections on loans to officers and employees               485,883         352,012
                                                           ----------       ---------
    Net cash used in investing activities                 (27,207,981)       (353,702)
                                                           ----------       ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
 Payments on long-term debt                                  (107,215)       (103,040)
 Proceeds from the sale of treasury stock                       -               -
 Purchases of treasury stock                                    -               -     
 Dividends paid                                              (619,455)       (530,685)
                                                           ----------       ---------
    Net cash used in financing activities                    (726,670)       (633,725)
                                                           ----------       ---------
Effect of exchange rate changes on
 cash and cash equivalents                                     (8,991)        (25,711)
                                                           ----------       ---------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     $(25,902,136)    $ 1,251,162 
                                                           ==========       =========

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
 Cash paid during the period for:
   Interest                                               $    21,359     $    18,541
   Income Taxes                                               745,806         755,334

</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 5
             MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                             DECEMBER 31, 1995


Note 1.  Nature of Operations

Matthews International Corporation, founded in 1850 and incorporated in
Pennsylvania in 1902, is a designer, manufacturer and marketer of custom-made
products which are used to identify people, places, products and events.  The
Company's products and operations are comprised of three business segments: 
Bronze, Graphic Systems and Marking Products.  The Bronze segment is a leading
manufacturer of cast bronze memorial products used primarily in cemeteries. 
The Graphic Systems segment manufactures and provides custom identification-
related products and services used by the corrugated packaging industry and the
flexible packaging industry.  The Marking Products segment designs,
manufactures and distributes a wide range of equipment and consumables used by
customers to mark or identify various consumer and industrial products,
components and packaging containers.  The Company has manufacturing facilities
in the United States, Canada, Australia and Sweden as well as sales and
distribution facilities in France and Germany.


Note 2.  Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial
information for commercial and industrial companies and the instructions to
Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include
all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting
principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management,
all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary
for fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the
three-month period ended December 31, 1995 are not necessarily indicative of
the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1996.
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and
footnotes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended September 30, 1995.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. 
Actual results could differ from those estimates.


Note 3.  Income Taxes

The income tax provision for the period is based on the effective tax rate
expected to be applicable for the full year.  The difference between the
estimated effective tax rate of 37.9% and the Federal statutory rate of 35%
primarily reflects the impact of state and foreign income taxes.


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<PAGE> 6
             MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, continued
                             DECEMBER 31, 1995


Note 4.  Investments

Investment securities are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at
market value at the consolidated balance sheet date.  Short-term investments
consist of securities with purchased maturities of over three months but less
than one year.  Accrued interest on all investment securities, including
purchased interest, is also classified with short-term investments. 
Investments classified as non-current consist of securities with purchased
maturities intended to range from one to five years.

Unrealized holding gains and losses on investment securities are included as
a separate component of shareholders' equity.  Bond premiums and discounts are
amortized on the straight-line method which does not significantly differ from
the interest method.

The amortized cost and market values of investments at December 31, 1995 were
as follows:

                            Book Value      Gross        Gross
                            (Amortized   Unrealized   Unrealized     Market
                               Cost)        Gains       Losses        Value
                            ----------   ----------   ----------     ------
Short-term investments:
  U.S. government and
    its agencies           $ 2,194,047    $ 2,476      $   -      $ 2,196,523
  Corporate obligations      4,196,000        -            -        4,196,000
  Other                        125,504        -            -          125,504
                            ----------     ------       ------     ----------
  Total                    $ 6,515,551    $ 2,476      $   -      $ 6,518,027
                            ==========     ======       ======     ==========

Investments:
  U.S. government and
    its agencies           $ 8,007,114    $28,466      $   -      $ 8,035,580
  Corporate obligations     11,932,362     19,218          -       11,951,580
  Other                          8,451        -            -            8,451
                            ----------     ------       ------     ----------
  Total                    $19,947,927    $47,684      $   -      $19,995,611
                            ==========     ======       ======     ==========


Note 5.  Subsequent Event

On January 5, 1996, Matthews International Corporation sold for cash its
cemetery and mortuary facility (Sunland Memorial Park, Inc.) in Sun City,
Arizona to Service Corporation International.  Sunland Memorial Park, Inc.,
which was purchased in 1982, was the only such facility owned by Matthews.  The
facility had sales in fiscal year 1995 of approximately $5 million,
representing about 3 percent the consolidated sales of the Company.

Matthews International Corporation will realize a pre-tax gain of approximately
$10 million on this sale, which will be recorded in the Company's second
quarter (March 31, 1996) financial statements.
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                   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


Results of Operations

The following table sets forth certain income statement data of the Company
expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated.


                                Three months ended         Years ended
                                   December 31,           September 30,
                                ------------------    --------------------
                                   1995    1994       1995    1994    1993
                                   ----    ----       ----    ----    ----

Sales                             100.0%  100.0%     100.0%  100.0%  100.0%
Gross profit                       45.1    45.8       44.8    45.1    42.4
Operating profit                   15.7    15.9       14.7    15.1    11.6
Income before income taxes         16.6    16.3       15.0    14.9    11.0(1)
Net income                         10.3     9.8        9.3     8.8     6.6(1)

(1)  Excludes the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles for
     the adoptions of SFAS No. 106 and SFAS No. 109.


Sales for the three months ended December 31, 1995 were $41.2 million and were
$1.1 million, or 2.7%, higher than sales of $40.1 million for the first three
months of fiscal 1995.  The increase for the first three months of fiscal 1996
reflected higher sales in the Company's Bronze and Marking Products segments. 
Bronze segment sales were up 5% over the fiscal 1995 first quarter, reflecting
increases in both price and unit volume.  Marking Products sales for the first
quarter of fiscal 1996 were up 2% over the fiscal 1995 first quarter reflecting
higher demand in Europe and Australia.  The segment's international sales
increased 25% over the same period a year ago which more than offset a decline
in North American sales volume.  Graphic Systems sales for the first three
months of fiscal 1996 were relatively unchanged from the first three months of
fiscal 1995 as a result of sluggish demand related to the adverse affects in
the packaging industry from increased linerboard costs.

Gross profit for the three months ended December 31, 1995 was $18.6 million,
or 45.1% of sales, compared to $18.4 million, or 45.8%, for the first three
months of fiscal 1995.  The increase in gross profit of $220,000, or 1.2%, was
attributable principally to the Marking Products segment.  International gross
profit improved with higher sales volume and the current quarter also reflected
a reduction in lower margin sales in Italy.  Gross profit in the Bronze segment
was relatively consistent with the same period a year ago reflecting higher
material (principally bronze ingot) costs.  Graphic Systems gross profit
declined as a result of slightly higher cost of sales.

Selling and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31,
1995 were $12.1 million, representing an increase of $131,000, or 1.1%, over
$12.0 million for the first three months of fiscal 1995.  Although the
Company's consolidated sales increased 2.7% for the period, selling and
administrative expenses were relatively consistent with the same period a year
ago reflecting cost control and the fixed nature of many of these costs.

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Operating profit for the three months ended December 31, 1995 was $6.5 million
and was $89,000, or 1.4%, higher than operating profit of $6.4 million for the
first three months of fiscal 1995.  The operating profit for the first quarter
established a new quarterly operating profit record for the Company.  Increased
sales and related gross profit for the Company's international operations was
the primary factor contributing to the higher operating profit.

Interest expense for the three months ended December 31, 1995 was approximately
$21,000, compared to $19,000 for the first three months of fiscal 1995. 
Interest expense principally relates to the Company's capital lease
obligations.

Other income (deductions), net for the three months ended December 31, 1995 was
$405,000 compared to $170,000 for the first three months of fiscal 1995.  The
increase of $235,000 from the same period a year ago reflects higher investment
income as a result of the Company's increased cash and investment position.

The Company's effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 1996 was
37.9%, compared to 38.4% for the year ended September 30, 1995.  The lower
estimated effective tax rate for fiscal 1996 is primarily the result of a
reduction in the impact of foreign income taxes on the Company's consolidated
tax position.  The difference between the Company's effective tax rate and the
Federal statutory rate of 35% primarily reflects the impact of state and
foreign income taxes.



Liquidity and Capital Resources

Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.0 million for the three months
ended December 31, 1995, compared to $2.3 million for the first three months
of fiscal 1995.  Operating cash flow for the first quarter of both fiscal 1996
and 1995 resulted primarily from the Company's net income of $4.2 million and
$3.9 million, respectively, offset partially by the use of working capital for
the payment of year-end compensation and profit distribution accruals.

Cash used in investing activities was approximately $27.2 million for the three
months ended December 31, 1995 compared to $354,000 for the same period a year
ago.  Investing activities for the first quarter of fiscal 1996 included
investments of $26.4 million in short-term and intermediate-term securities of
the U.S. government and its agencies and corporate obligations.  These
invesments are designed to improve the investment rate of return on the
Company's excess cash position while maintaining a sufficient degree of
liquidity for future cash needs.  Capital expenditures for the three months
ended December 31, 1995 amounted to $1.3 million, representing an increase of
approximately $600,000 from capital expenditures of $719,000 in the fiscal 1995
first quarter.  The increase is due primarily to the timing of capital spending
projects in comparison to the prior period.  Capital spending for property,
plant and equipment has averaged approximately $4.9 million for the last three
fiscal years.  The capital budget of the Company for fiscal 1996 is
$12.7 million.  The Company expects to generate sufficient cash from operations
to fund all anticipated capital spending projects.





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<PAGE> 9

Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended December 31, 1995
was $727,000 principally reflecting the Company's quarterly dividend of $.07
per share and repayments under the Company's capital lease agreements.  Cash
used in financing activities in the first three months of fiscal 1995 was
$634,000 also consisting of dividends and capital lease payments.  Dividends
for the fiscal 1995 first quarter were $.06 per share.  The Company currently
has available lines of credit of approximately $11 million.  There were no
outstanding borrowings on any of the Company's lines of credit at December 31,
1995.  As of such date, the Company's outstanding long-term debt, which
consisted of capital lease obligations, was approximately $600,000.

At December 31, 1995 and September 30, 1995 and 1994, the Company's current
ratio was 3.2, 3.5 and 2.9, respectively.  The Company had cash and cash
equivalents at December 31 and September 30, 1995 of $13.3 million and
$39.2 million, respectively.  Net working capital at December 31, 1995 was
$40.3 million.  The reduction in the current ratio and cash and cash
equivalents balance from September 30, 1995 reflects investments in securities
with longer maturities.  The Company believes that its current liquidity
sources, combined with its operating cash flow and additional borrowing
capacity, will be sufficient to meet its capital needs for the next 12 months.


Subsequent Event

On January 5, 1996, Matthews International Corporation sold for cash its
cemetery and mortuary facility (Sunland Memorial Park, Inc.) in Sun City,
Arizona to Service Corporation International.  Sunland Memorial Park, Inc.,
which was purchased in 1982, was the only such facility owned by Matthews.  The
facility had sales in fiscal year 1995 of approximately $5 million,
representing about 3 percent the consolidated sales of the Company.

Matthews International Corporation will realize a pre-tax gain of approximately
$10 million on this sale, which will be recorded in the Company's second
quarter (March 31, 1996) financial statements.

The sale of Sunland Memorial Park, Inc. will permit Matthews International
Corporation to concentrate on growing its core business profitability.  The
proceeds from this transaction will provide additional resources to fund
internal and acquisition growth in the Company's related businesses.

















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<PAGE> 10

                         PART II - OTHER INFORMATION




Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K


(a)  Exhibits

     The following Exhibit to this report is filed herewith:


     Exhibit
       No.      Description
     -------    -----------

      10.1      Capital Stock Purchase Agreement, Sunland Memorial Park, Inc.
      11        Computation of Earnings Per Share





(b)  Reports on Form 8-K

     A Form 8-K current report was filed by the Company on January 17, 1995
     reporting the following under "Item 5 - Other Events:"

     Matthews International Corporation (the "Company") announced on January 5,
     1996 that it has sold for cash its cemetery and mortuary facility (Sunland
     Memorial Park, Inc.) in Sun City, Arizona to Service Corporation
     International (SCI).  Sunland Memorial Park, Inc., which was purchased in
     1982, was the only such facility owned by the Company.  The facility had
     sales in fiscal year 1995 of approximately $5 million, representing about
     3 percent the consolidated sales of the Company.

     Matthews International Corporation will realize a pre-tax gain of
     approximately $10 million on this sale, which will be recorded in the
     Company's second quarter (March 31, 1996) financial statements.

     The sale of Sunland Memorial Park, Inc. will permit Matthews International
     Corporation to concentrate on growing its core business profitability.
     The proceeds from this transaction will provide additional resources to
     fund internal and acquisition growth in the Company's related businesses.

<PAGE>
<PAGE> 11










                                SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




                                       MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
                                                 (Registrant)           




Date    2/9/96                                     E.J. Boyle 
     -------------                    -------------------------------------
                                          E. J. Boyle, Vice President,
                                             Accounting & Finance




Date    2/9/96                                    J.L. Parker
     -------------                    -------------------------------------
                                      J. L. Parker, Senior Vice President,
                                         General Counsel and Secretary
















<PAGE>

<PAGE>
<PAGE> 1
                                                            EXHIBIT 10.1
                       CAPITAL STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
                          SUNLAND MEMORIAL PARK, INC.
                              Sun City, Arizona

CAPITAL STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT ("Agreement") dated this 5th day of January,
1996, by and among SCI ARIZONA FUNERAL SERVICES, INC., an Arizona corporation
("Buyer"), and MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, a Pennsylvania corporation
and the sole shareholder (the "Shareholder") of SUNLAND MEMORIAL PARK, INC., an
Arizona corporation ("Corporation");

                                  WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, Corporation owns and operates a mortuary, cemetery and crematory
business and conducts such business under the name of Sunland Memorial Park,
Inc., 15826 Del Webb Boulevard, Sun City, Arizona (the "Business"); and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to provide for the sale and transfer of the issued
and outstanding shares of capital stock of Corporation in exchange for cash
upon the terms and subject to the conditions herein set forth;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the covenants and agreements
of the parties hereto as set out in this Agreement and in reliance upon the
respective representations and warranties of the parties set out herein, the
parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                               Purchase and Sale

Section 1.1. Capital Stock of Corporation. Shareholder does hereby agree to
sell, transfer, assign and deliver on the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined)
to Buyer, free and clear of all liens, security interests, claims and
encumbrances whatsoever, and Buyer does hereby agree to purchase from
Shareholder, all of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of
Corporation (the "Shares" ).

Section 1.2. Consideration for Purchase of the Shares. The purchase price
("Purchase Price") for the Shares is the sum of Thirteen Million One Hundred
Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($13,100,000.00) payable in cash on the Closing
Date.

Section 1.3. Share Ownership. The Shares are owned-by the Shareholder.

Section 1.4. Effective Time. The Effective Time of the transfer of the Shares
shall be 12:01 a.m. on the Closing Date.

                                  ARTICLE II

                                   Closing

Section 2.1. The Closing. The closing of the transaction provided for in this
Agreement (the "Closing") shall take place at Phoenix, Arizona, at 1:00 p.m. on
January 5, 1996 (the "Closing Date"), or at such other time, date and place as
the parties shall mutually agree. In the event of any postponement thereof, all
references in this Agreement to the Closing Date shall be deemed to refer to
the time and to the date to which the Closing Date shall have been so postponed
as herein provided.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 2
Section 2.2. Instruments of Conveyance and Transfer. In addition to the
deliveries to be made at the Closing as provided in Article I hereof, there
shall be delivered those items, documents and agreements described in Articles
VI and VII hereof. At the Closing, Shareholder will deliver to Buyer stock
certificates evidencing the Shares duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by
duly executed stock powers in blank, in proper form for transfer, all as may be
reasonably required by counsel for Buyer.

                                 ARTICLE III

                 Representations and Warranties of Shareholder

Shareholder hereby represents and warrants to Buyer as follows:

Section 3.1. Capacity; Standing; Authority; Organization; Capitalization;
Subsidiaries. (a) Shareholder has full legal capacity, standing and authority
to enter into this Agreement and consummate the transaction contemplated
hereby, and no other consent or joinder of any other person or entity is
required. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Shareholder
and constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Shareholder enforceable in
accordance with its terms.

(b) Corporation is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under
the laws of the State of Arizona, with all requisite corporate power and
authority to conduct its business as it is now being conducted.

(c) The Articles of Incorporation of Corporation and all amendments certified
by the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona and the By-Laws as amended to
the date of this Agreement, certified by the Corporate Secretary, are complete
and correct and copies thereof have been delivered to Buyer.

(d) Corporation has all necessary licenses and authority to operate its
business as the same is being conducted in the State of Arizona. The
transaction contemplated hereby will have no adverse effect on the corporate
license or authority of Corporation to continue to conduct such business after
Closing.

(e) The authorized capital stock of Corporation consists of 3,000 shares of
common stock, $1.00 par value per share and all Shares are owned by Shareholder
and are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and not
issued in violation of any preemptive rights of any shareholder of Corporation.
There are no existing options, warrants, conversion rights, calls or
commitments of any character relating to such capital stock.

(f) Corporation has no subsidiaries. Corporation has no investments in any
joint venture, partnership or other business organization.

Section 3.2. Financial Statements; Liabilities. (a) The balance sheet of
Corporation dated September 30, 1995 and the statement of profit and loss for
the twelve month period then ended, together with the related notes and
schedules attached thereto the ("Corporation Financial Statements"), copies of
which are attached hereto as Exhibit A and made a part hereof: (i) are in
accordance with the books of account and records of Corporation; (ii) fairly
present and are true, correct and complete statements of Corporation's
financial position and the results of its operations as of the date and for the
period therein specified; (iii) have been prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied; and (iv) do not include or
omit to state any fact which renders such financial statements misleading.
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<PAGE> 3
(b) Except as and to the extent shown or provided for in the Corporation
Financial Statements or as disclosed in this Agreement, Corporation has no
liabilities or obligations (whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise)
which are or may become a lien or claim against any of the assets or properties
of Corporation.

Section 3.3. Absence of Certain Changes. Since the date of the Corporation
Financial Statements, except as disclosed in Schedule 13 of Exhibit B to this
Agreement, there has not been with respect to Corporation or its business:

(a) Any damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance, which
materially and adversely affects the assets, financial condition or business of
Corporation;

(b) Other than in the ordinary course of business, any increase in the rate of
compensation payable to any director, officer or employee, or any bonus,
percentage compensation, service award or like benefit granted, made or accrued
to any such director, officer or employee;

(c) Any pension, retirement, employee welfare or similar benefit arrangement
made or agreed to;

(d) Any labor trouble or any negotiations with any labor union or employee
association;

(e) Any material and adverse change in the assets, financial condition or
business of Corporation;

(f) Any issuance of, or agreement to issue, any additional securities;

(g) Any declaration, setting aside or payment of a dividend or other
distribution in respect of the capital stock of Corporation or, directly or
indirectly, any redemption, purchase or other acquisition or any agreement to
redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of such capital stock;

(h) The encumbrance of any of Corporation's assets or the incurrence of any
indebtedness or other liabilities (contingent or absolute) by Corporation,
other than those unsecured debts and liabilities incurred in the ordinary
course of business;

(i) Any prepayment of any obligation shown on the Corporation Financial
Statements; or

(j) Any decrease in the amount of shareholders' equity below the amount shown
on the Corporation Financial Statements.

Section 3.4. Ownership of Facilities and Equipment. Corporation owns or leases
all real property including all fixtures and improvements situated thereon and
all equipment used in the day to day operations of its business or which are
necessary to conduct Corporation's business in the manner in which the same has
been conducted in the five (5) years immediately preceding the Closing Date.
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<PAGE> 4
Section 3.5. Tax Matters. (a) As part of its parent's consolidated return,
Corporation has filed all federal, state and local income, sales, ad valorem,
intangible, franchise tax and employee benefit plan returns/reports which are
required to be filed by Corporation, has reported all taxable income and loss,
and paid all taxes required to be paid or taxes due pursuant to any assessment
received by Corporation including both penalties and interest. There are no
agreements for the extension of time for the assessment or payment of any
taxes.

(b) Corporation has properly withheld from employees, officers and directors
compensation all taxes required to be withheld by it and has timely remitted
all such withholdings to the proper taxing authority.

(c) All amounts received by Corporation on sales which are required under
applicable state law to be trusted have been deposited in trust, and all
federal, state and local income tax returns and information returns required to
be filed concerning such trusts and the income from such trusts have been
filed. Corporation has properly reported in income all amounts distributed or
distributable to it by trusts.

(d) The amount accrued as a reserve or liability for taxes in the Corporation
Financial Statements and to be accrued by Corporation through the Effective
Time is and shall be sufficient for payment of all taxes of Corporation,
whether disputed or not, for the period ending on the Closing Date and all
periods prior thereto. The federal income tax returns of the parent of
Corporation have been audited by the Internal Revenue Service through 1993 and
closed.

Section 3.6. Rights of Third parties. Other than as disclosed in Schedules 1 or
4 to Exhibit B to this Agreement, Corporation has not entered into any leases,
licenses, easements or other agreements, recorded or unrecorded, granting
rights to third parties in or with respect to any real or personal property of
Corporation, and other than burial rights, no person or entity has any right to
possession or occupancy of any property of Corporation.

Section 3.7. Inventories; Accounts Receivable. The inventories of Corporation
as shown on the Corporation Financial Statements are reflected at cost. The
accounts receivable of Corporation are valid and legally enforceable
obligations of the respective debtors.

Section 3.8. Title and Condition of Properties. (a) Corporation has good and
marketable title to all of its properties, real and personal, tangible and
intangible, and other assets which it purports to own (including without
limitation, all those reflected in the Corporation Financial Statements or the
Schedules to Exhibit B to this Agreement), subject to no mortgage, lien,
security agreement, easement, right-of-way, or to any other encumbrances except
as disclosed in the Schedules to Exhibit B to this Agreement. All real property
and improvements thereon whether leased or owned are in sound structural
condition (walls and foundation only) and free of any material defects. All
personal property and equipment of Corporation is in good operating condition
and repair subject to ordinary wear and tear.

(b) All leases pursuant to which Corporation leases personal or real property
are in good standing, valid and enforceable in accordance with their respective
terms, and there is not, under any of such leases, any existing default or any
event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 5
(c) All real property of Corporation, whether leased or owned, is in compliance
with all zoning ordinances, building codes and other applicable laws and
regulations.

Section 3.9. Schedules. The following Schedules to Exhibit B to this Agreement
have been delivered by Shareholder to Buyer. Such Schedules are incorporated
herein by reference. Each Schedule sets forth true and correct information
separately with respect to Corporation as of the date of this Agreement unless
otherwise indicated thereon.

(a) Real Property - Schedule 1 to Exhibit B. Legal descriptions of all real
property owned or leased by Corporation (including a description of all liens
and encumbrances related thereto) (attach copies of each lease agreement);

(b) Equipment, Machinery, Furniture, Etc. - Schedule 2 to Exhibit B. A list of
all major items of equipment, machinery, furniture and fixtures owned or leased
by Corporation indicating which items are owned and which are leased (attach
copies of each lease agreement);

(c) Motor Vehicles - Schedule 3 to Exhibit B. A list of all automobiles, trucks
and other vehicles indicating which are owned and which are leased (attach
copies of each lease agreement);

(d) Contracts - Schedule 4 to Exhibit B. A list and description of all
contracts, agreements and commitments, whether oral or written, of Corporation
(except contracts for funeral and cemetery merchandise or services) involving
more than $1,000, including without limitation, mortgages, indentures, and loan
agreements;

(e) Insurance - Schedule 5 to Exhibit B. A list of all insurance currently in
force;

(f) Personnel - Schedule 6 to Exhibit B. A list of the names, current annual
salary rate, rights to bonuses, options and other incentive compensation and
all other compensation in addition to salary for each employee of Corporation;
copies of all Form W-2s issued for calendar year 1994; a list of all employee
welfare and pension benefit plans, agreements or arrangements (including but
not limited to deferred compensation plans, incentive plans, bonus plans or
arrangements, stock option plans, stock purchase plans, golden parachute
agreements, severance pay plans, cafeteria plans and other similar plans,
agreements and arrangements) that are currently in effect or were maintained
within three years of the date of this Agreement or have been approved before
this date but are not yet effective for the benefit of directors, officers,
employees or former employees or their beneficiaries) of Corporation;

(g) Litigation - Schedule 7 to Exhibit B. A description of all pending or
threatened litigation, administrative, arbitration or other proceedings in
which Corporation or Shareholder is a party involving the Corporation, its
business, properties or the Shares; the names, addresses and phone numbers of
attorneys representing Corporation or Shareholder in each matter;

(h) Indebtedness - Schedule 8 to Exhibit B. A list of all indebtedness of
Corporation not shown on the Corporation Financial Statements other than
current trade accounts payable; a separate list of all indebtedness of
Corporation the payment of which is secured by property of Corporation (attach
copies of the debt and security instruments);
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<PAGE> 6
(i) Permits - Schedule 9 to Exhibit B. A list and copies of each permit,
license or similar authorization from any governmental authority issued with
respect to the business or property of Corporation;

(j) Preneed Contracts - Schedule 10 to Exhibit B. A list of each preneed
contract unfulfilled in whole or in part as of the date of this Agreement
providing for the delivery of funeral and cemetery merchandise or services;

(k) Trust Funds - Schedule 11 to Exhibit B. A list of each trust account
relating to Corporation's business indicating the location of each and the
amount held in trust and the obligation of Corporation with respect thereto;
copies of the most recent bank statement or other periodic report of the
Trustee for each trust; copies of the most recent audit or other report
furnished to or prepared by the state regulatory agency which oversees such
trusts;

(l) Income Tax Returns - Schedule 12 to Exhibit B. A copy of the 1995 proforma
federal income tax return; and

(m) Changes and Other Disclosures - Schedule 13 to Exhibit B. A description of
all material changes in or additions to the information furnished as a part of
the foregoing Schedules occurring between date of such information and the
Closing Date.

Section 3.10. Certain Financial Information. During the preceding two fiscal
years corporation provided the number and types of services set out below:

                   Adult
Year             Casketed                                      Other
Ended            Services             Cremations             Services
- -----            --------             ----------             -------- 
1995                426                   638                   50
1994                478                   718                   46

For purposes of this Section 3.10 Adult Casketed Services shall mean all
services involving a service charge and the sale of a casket, including
cremations. Cremations shall mean all cremations without a casket. Other
Services shall mean any trade embalmings, charity, indigent service and
ship-outs, ship-ins complete.

Section 3.11. Default. Corporation is not in default under, nor has any event
occurred which, with notice or the lapse of time or both, could result in a
default under any outstanding note, indenture, mortgage, contract or agreement
to which Corporation is a party or by which it is bound, or under any provision
of the Articles of Incorporation of Corporation. The execution, delivery and
performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transaction
contemplated hereby will not violate any provision of, or result in the breach
of, modification of, acceleration of, or constitute a default under, any law,
order, injunction or decree of any court, governmental agency or arbitration
tribunal or any contract, note, mortgage, security agreement, other agreement
or instrument to which either Shareholder or Corporation is a party or by which
either Shareholder or Corporation is bound.
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<PAGE> 7
Section 3.12. Litigation. No action or proceeding before any court or
governmental body is pending or threatened involving Shareholder or Corporation
wherein a judgment, decree or order would have an adverse effect on the Shares,
the assets or business of Corporation or this transaction or would prevent the
carrying out of this Agreement, declare unlawful the transaction contemplated
by this Agreement, cause such transaction to be rescinded, or require Buyer to
divest itself of the Shares. No action or proceeding is pending or threatened
against Corporation or Shareholder by the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC")
alleging a violation of the FTC Trade Regulation Rule pertaining to Funeral
Industry Practices ("Funeral Rule") or by any state or local governmental
agency alleging violations of state or local laws and regulations governing the
funeral or cemetery industries or the sale (or the administration of funds
resulting from the sale) of preneed funeral or cemetery contracts or contracts
for undelivered funeral or cemetery merchandise and services.

Section 3.13. Court Orders and Decrees. There is not outstanding or threatened
any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court, governmental agency or
arbitration tribunal against the Shares or Corporation or any of Corporation's
assets.

Section 3.14. Books and Records. The books and records of Corporation,
including but not limited to the corporate minute books and stock register, are
complete and correct in all material respects and reflect a true record of all
meetings or proceedings of the Board of Directors and shareholders of
Corporation.

Section 3.15. Trade Names. Corporation has the exclusive legal right to use the
trade names and related marks "Sunland Memorial Park", "Sunland Mortuary" and
"Sunland Pet Rest" in the trade area in which such names and marks are utilized
in the Business.

Section 3.16. Employee Benefit Plans. Except as disclosed in Schedule 6 to
Exhibit B of this Agreement, Corporation has no employee pension or welfare
benefit plan established for employees of Corporation. Each employee benefit
plan:

(a) Is in substantial compliance with all reporting and disclosure requirements
of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA");

(b) Has had the appropriate Form 5500, 990 and/or 1041 filed timely for each
year of its existence;

(c) Has not engaged in any "Prohibited transaction" as described in ERISA or
the Internal Revenue Code ("Code");

(d) Has complied with the bonding requirements of ERISA; and

(e) Has no issue pending nor any issue resolved adversely to the Corporation
which may subject the Corporation to a payment of a penalty, interest, tax or
other amount.

Any voluntary employee benefit association ("VEBA") has been submitted and
approved as exempt from federal income tax. No plan, arrangement or agreement
will cause the Corporation to have liability for severance pay as a result of
the Buyer acquiring the interest of Shareholder. The

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<PAGE> 8
Corporation has no liability to provide current employees with post-retirement
medical or health coverage or contribute to any plan that does. All group
health plans maintained by Corporation have been operated in compliance with
the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act ("COBRA"). All employee
pension benefit plans have been submitted to the Internal Revenue Service
("IRS") and are approved as qualifying under the Code. No facts have occurred
which if known by the IRS would cause disqualification of any of those plans.
All plans that are required to be funded in accordance with the Code have been
so funded. Corporation has paid all premiums due the Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation ("PBGC"). No employee pension benefit plan has been terminated
which would cause Corporation to have liability to the PBGC. Corporation is
not, and has not been, a member of a multi-employer benefit plan as that term
is defined in ERISA.

Section 3.17. Preneed and Trust Accounts. All monies received by Corporation in
connection with funeral preneed agreements or for undelivered funeral
merchandise and services ("Preneed Agreements") as well as monies designated
for endowment or perpetual care have been deposited on a timely basis in
appropriate accounts and administered and reported in accordance with the terms
of agreements with the purchasers and as required by applicable laws and
regulations. The liability for furnishing goods and services in connection with
cemetery preneed agreements has been properly reflected in the accounts of the
Corporation. The total market value of the accounts, trusts or other deposits
held pursuant to Preneed Agreements is equal to or greater than the total
current cost of performing such Preneed Agreements. All liabilities for
undelivered cemetery merchandise are recorded at the current cost to deliver
such merchandise.

Section 3.18. Warranties. Except in the ordinary course of business,
Corporation has not given or made any express warranties to third parties with
respect to any merchandise sold or services performed by Corporation.
Shareholder has no knowledge of any state of facts or the occurrence of any
event which could form the basis of a claim against Corporation, not fully
covered by insurance, for liability on account of any express or implied
warranty.

Section 3.19. Labor Matters. Corporation is not a party to any collective
bargaining agreement with any labor union or association. No discussions or
negotiations have been conducted with, and no demands or proposals have been
made by, any labor union or association, and there are no pending or threatened
labor disputes, strikes or work stoppages. Corporation is in compliance with
all federal and state laws respecting employment and employment practices,
including, without limitation, wage and hour laws, and OSHA regulations.
Corporation is not engaged in any unfair labor practices.

Section 3.20. Environmental Matters. Corporation has all environmental permits
and approvals necessary for Corporation to conduct its business as the same is
now being conducted. Corporation has operated, and is presently operating, in
compliance with all applicable federal, state,and local environmental statutes
and regulations and to Shareholder's knowledge, there is no existing regulatory
requirement with a future compliance date that will require operational changes
or capital expenditures at the facilities owned or leased by Corporation in its
business. No "hazardous substance" as that term is defined in the Federal
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, no
petroleum or petroleum products and no "solid waste" as that term is defined in
the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, is present, has been
leaked, spilled, deposited or otherwise released on the real property owned or
leased by Corporation. No "asbestos containing material", "PCBs" or underground
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 9
storage tanks are present on or in such real property. Shareholder has
heretofore completed and delivered to Buyer an Owner's Environmental
Information Questionnaire for each tract of real property owned or leased by
Corporation and used as a funeral home, cemetery or crematory. Such
Questionnaires and the responses set out therein are complete and correct and
are incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in this Section of this
Agreement.

Section 3.21. Legal and Regulatory Compliance. Corporation operates its
business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and
state statutes and all governmental regulations including, without limitation,
the Funeral Rule.

Section 3.22. Licenses and Continuation of Business. Corporation is in
possession of all material licenses, permits, certificates of occupancy and
authorizations under all applicable laws, regulations, rules and ordinances as
are necessary, to enable Corporation to own and operate its business as the
same has been and is now being conducted and to continue to so conduct such
business.

Section 3.23. Contracts. None of the parties to the contracts listed in
Schedule 4 to Exhibit B to this Agreement is in breach or default. All such
contracts listed in Schedule 4 to Exhibit B are valid, legally binding and
enforceable in accordance with their terms.

Section 3.24. Past Business Practices. The business and services provided by
Corporation during the five (5) years preceding the date of this Agreement have
been rendered in a professional and competent manner consistent with prevailing
professional standards, practices and customs relating to said practices
prevailing in Arizona, at the time the services were rendered.

Section 3.25. Existing Rights to Interment. Corporation owns 78 acres of real
property, of which approximately 30 to 40 acres have been platted and dedicated
for cemetery use and included in which there are approximately 7,000 unsold
individual grave spaces, approximately 3,600 unsold niches and approximately
800 unsold crypts. All developed but unsold and undeveloped areas existing
within the aforementioned 78 acres are fully useable for cemetery purposes,
without legal, environmental or physical restriction or impediment of any kind
except normally associated costs of cemetery preparation and development.
Corporation has properly maintained and at Closing will have in its possession
detailed records describing each burial in the cemetery showing the date of
burial, the name of the person buried and the exact location of such burial.

                                  ARTICLE IV

                    Representations and Warranties of Buyer

Buyer hereby represents and warrants to Shareholder as follows:

Section 4.1.Authority.(a) The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement by Buyer have been duly authorized and consented to by the Executive
Committee of the Board of Directors of Service Corporation International and
the Board of Directors of the Buyer, respectively, and no other or additional
consent or authorization is required by law. The closing of the transaction
contemplated by this Agreement will not result in a breach, violation or
default by Buyer of or under any judgment, decree, mortgage, agreement,
indenture or other instrument applicable to Buyer.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 10
(b) Upon execution and delivery hereof, this Agreement shall constitute the
valid and binding obligation of Buyer enforceable in accordance with its terms.

Section 4.2. Organizations and Standing. Buyer is a corporation duly organized,
validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Arizona.

                                   ARTICLE V 

                                   Covenants

Section 5.1. Access to Corporation. From and after the date of this Agreement,
Shareholder will cause Corporation to give to Buyer and its representatives,
full and free access to all properties, books and records of Corporation so
that Buyer may have full opportunity to make such investigation as it shall
desire to make of the affairs of Corporation, provided that such investigation
shall not unreasonably interfere with the operations of Corporation. No
information or knowledge obtained either independently or as a result of
Buyer's investigation of Corporation shall diminish or otherwise affect the
representations and warranties of Shareholder.

Section 5.2. Conduct of Business pending Closing. Pending the Closing and
except as otherwise permitted by this Agreement or as consented to by Buyer in
writing, Shareholder covenants that:

(a) The business of Corporation will be conducted only in the ordinary course
which, without limitation, shall include compliance with all applicable laws
and regulations, and the maintenance in force of all insurance policies
referred to in Schedule 5 to Exhibit B to this Agreement;

(b) Shareholder shall not take or permit Corporation to take any action
described in Section 3.3 of this Agreement; and

(c) Shareholder shall preserve Corporation's business organization intact and
use its best efforts to maintain for Corporation the goodwill of suppliers,
customers and others having business relations with Corporation.

Section 5.3. Employee Benefit Plans. Shareholder covenants that Corporation
will take no action that will prevent or interfere with Corporation's right and
power to freeze its profit sharing and discontinue any further contributions to
such plans after the Closing Date or to terminate such plan and distribute the
benefits to the participants. Any administrative, actuarial or legal costs
relating to any employee benefit plan arising prior to the Closing shall be the
responsibility of Shareholder.

Section 5.4. Further Assurances. From time to time after the Closing, at the
request of Buyer, and without further consideration, Shareholder will execute
and deliver such additional instruments and will take such other action as
Buyer reasonably may require to convey, assign, transfer and deliver the Shares
and otherwise carry out the terms of this Agreement.

Section 5.5. Buy-Sell Agreement. Shareholder agrees that any stock purchase or
similar agreement applicable to the Shares shall be terminated as of the
Closing Date.
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<PAGE> 11
Section 5.6. Tax Filing Responsibility. Shareholder and Buyer shall cooperate
in the preparation and filing of all tax returns of Corporation for any period
ending on or before the Closing Date other than state and local returns not
required to be filed (taking into account extensions) prior to the Closing
Date.

Section 5.7. Buyer's Tax Treatment Election.

(a) Definitions. For purposes of this Section 5.7, the following terms shall
have the meanings ascribed to them below:

(i) "Determination" means a "determination" as defined by Section 1313(a) of
the Code.

(ii) "IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.

(iii) "Returns" means returns, reports and forms required to be filed with any
domestic or foreign taxing authority.

(iv) "Section 338 Forms" means all documents, statements, and other forms that
are required to be submitted to any federal, state, county or other local
Taxing Authority in connection with a Section 338(g) Election or a
Section 338(h)(10) Election. Section 338 Forms shall include, without
limitation, any "statement of section 338 election" and United States Internal
Revenue Form 8023A (together with any schedules or attachments thereto) that
are required pursuant to Treas. Reg. Section 1.338(h)(l0)-l(d).

(v) "Section 338 Elections" shall mean both a Section 338(g) Election and a
Section 338(h)(l0)Election.

(vi) "Section 338(g) Election" means an election described in Section 338(g) of
the Code with respect to the Buyer's acquisition of the Shares. Section 338(g)
Election shall include any corresponding election under any other applicable
Tax Laws that requires a separate election with respect to the Buyer's
acquisition of the Shares.

(vii) "Section 338(h)(10) Election" means an election described in
Section 338(h)(10) of the Code with respect to Shareholder's sale of the Shares
to the Buyer pursuant to this Agreement. Section 338(h)(10) Election shall
include any corresponding election under any other relevant Tax Laws for which
a separate election is permissible with respect to the Buyer's acquisition of
the Shares from Shareholder under this Agreement.

(viii)"Taxes" means (A) all taxes (whether federal, state, local or foreign)
based upon or measured by income or gain and any other tax whatsoever,
including, without limitation, gross receipts, profits, sales, use, occupation,
value added, ad valorem, transfer, franchise, withholding, payroll, employment,
excise, or property taxes, together with any interest or penalties imposed with
respect thereto and (B) any obligations under any agreements or arrangements
with respect to any Taxes described in clause (A).

(ix) "Tax Laws" means the Code, federal, state, county, local or foreign laws
relating to Taxes and any regulations or official administrative pronouncements
released thereunder.

(x) "Taxing Authority" means any governmental authority, domestic or foreign,
having jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection, or other
imposition of Taxes.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 12
(b) Section 338 Election and Forms.

(i) With respect to the Buyer's acquisition of the Shares hereunder, Buyer, at
its option, may make all available Section 338(g) Elections in accordance with
applicable Tax Laws. With respect to Shareholder's sale of the Shares
hereunder, if Buyer determines to make such Section 338 Elections, Shareholder
and Buyer shall jointly make all available Section 338(h)(10) Elections in
accordance with applicable Tax Laws and as set forth herein. If Buyer elects to
make such Section 338 Elections, Buyer and Shareholder agree to report the
transfers under this Agreement consistent with the Section 338 Elections, and
shall take no position contrary thereto unless required to do so by applicable
Tax Laws pursuant to a Determination.

(ii) Buyer shall be responsible for the preparation and filing of all
Section 338 Forms in accordance with applicable Tax Laws and the terms of this
Agreement. Shareholder shall execute and deliver to Buyer such documents or
forms as are reasonably requested and are required by any Tax Laws properly to
complete the Section 338 Forms, at least thirty (30) days prior to the date
such Section 338 Forms are required to be filed provided that Shareholder's
accounting fees in connection with such documents and forms will be paid by
Buyer.

(iii) Buyer and Shareholder agree that they shall enter into an agreement (the
"Allocation Agreement") after the Closing Date concerning the computation of
the Modified Aggregate Deemed Sale Price (as defined under applicable Treasury
Regulations), of the assets of Corporation and the allocation of such Modified
Aggregate Deemed Sale Price among such assets based upon a report to be
prepared by Buyer. Such report shall be delivered to Shareholder no later than
sixty (60) days before the last date on which the Section 338(h)(10) election
may be filed. Buyer and Shareholder agree to act in accordance with the
allocations contained in the Allocation Agreement in any relevant Tax Returns
or similar filings.

Section 5.8. Covenant Not To Compete. Shareholder agrees that for a period of
ten (10) years from the Closing Date, such period not to include any period of
violation hereof or period to enforce the covenants herein within thirty (30)
miles of the current location of the Business, Shareholder will not;

(a) directly or indirectly, alone or for the account of Shareholder, or as a
partner, member, employee, advisor, or agent of any partnership or joint
venture, or as a trustee, officer, director, shareholder, employee, advisor, or
agent of any corporation, trust, or other business organization or entity, own,
manage, advise, encourage, support, finance, operate, join, control, or
participate in the ownership, management, operation, or control of or be
connected in any manner with any business which is or may be in the funeral,
mortuary, crematory, cemetery, marketing of prearranged funerals or any
business related to any of the above; provided, however, that Shareholder may
engage in the supply of products or services to such businesses; or

(b) induce or assist anyone in inducing in any way any employee of Buyer to
resign or sever his employment or to breach an employment agreement with Buyer.
This covenant shall not be held invalid or unenforceable because of the scope
of the territory or actions subject hereto or restricted hereby, or the period
of time within which such covenant is operative; but the maximum territory, the
action subject to such covenant and the period of time in which such covenant
is enforceable, respectively, are subject to determination by a final judgment
of any court which has jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter.

<PAGE>
<PAGE> 13
Section 5.9. Reasonable Efforts. Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, each of the parties hereto agrees to use all reasonable efforts, to
take, or cause to be taken, all reasonable action and to do, or cause to be
done, all things necessary, and appropriate to consummate and make effective
the transaction contemplated by this Agreement.


                                  ARTICLE VI 

                    Conditions to Respective Obligations of
                             Buyer and Shareholder

The respective obligations of Buyer and Shareholder under this Agreement are
subject to the conditions that:

Section 6.1. Blue Sky Law. Counsel for Buyer and Shareholder shall be satisfied
that the transaction contemplated hereby is exempt from registration or
qualification under the state securities laws of the State of Arizona or, if
not, that all requirements of such state securities laws have been fulfilled.

Section 6.2. Representations and Warranties True When Made and At Closing. All
of the representations and warranties of the parties to this Agreement shall be
true as of the date of this Agreement and on the Closing Date.
Section 6.3. Performance of Obligations. The performance of the obligations of
the parties hereto shall be fully discharged prior to or on the Closing Date.

Section 6.4. Certificates as to Representations and Conditions. On the Closing
Date Shareholder and Buyer shall be furnished with a certificate from the other
certifying to the truth of the representations and warranties of the respective
parties hereto and the fulfillment of the covenants and conditions to this
Agreement.


                                  ARTICLE VII 

                 Conditions Precedent to Obligations of Buyer

All obligations of Buyer which are to be discharged under this Agreement at the
Closing are subject to the performance at or prior to the Closing of all
agreements contained herein which are to be performed by Shareholder at or
prior to the Closing and to the following conditions (unless expressly waived
in writing by Buyer at any time prior to the Closing).

Section 7.1. Opinion of Counsel. Buyer shall have been furnished with an
opinion of counsel for Shareholder and Corporation dated as of the Closing
Date, in form and substance satisfactory to Buyer to the effect that:

(a) Corporation is duly organized, and validly existing and in good standing
under the laws of the State of Arizona, with full corporate power and authority
to operate its business and such power and authority will not be adversely
affected by the transaction contemplated herein;

(b) The authorized capital stock of Corporation consists of 3,000 shares, $1.00
par value, all of which are owned by Shareholder;

(c) This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Shareholder and
constitutes the valid and binding obligation of Shareholder enforceable in
accordance with its terms;
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 14
(d) Such counsel does not know of any litigation, proceeding or governmental
investigation pending or threatened against or relating to Corporation or to
the assets, properties or business of Corporation, or against Shareholder
relating to the Shares, or relating to the transaction contemplated by this
Agreement which would materially and adversely affect the Shares, the assets,
properties or business of Corporation or the transaction provided for in this
Agreement;

(e) Shareholder is the record owner of the Shares, free and clear of all liens,
encumbrances, charges or assessments, with full power and authority to sell and
transfer such Shares, and upon delivery of the certificates representing the
Shares in accordance with this Agreement, Buyer will acquire from Shareholder
all rights of Shareholder with respect to the Shares recorded in its name, and
no other endorsement is required to transfer such rights to Buyer, and such
counsel is not aware of any adverse claim with respect to the Shares;

(f) Except as disclosed in this Agreement or as stated in such opinion, such
counsel does not know of any mortgages, pledges, liens, charges or other
encumbrances in any material aggregate amount upon any of the tangible or
intangible property of Corporation; and

(g) Such counsel does not know of any inaccuracy in the representations and
warranties of Shareholder contained in this Agreement.

Section 7.2. Charter; By-Laws; Good Standing Certificate;

Tax Certificate. Shareholder shall have delivered to Buyer the following
instruments relating to Corporation:

(a) Copies of Corporation's Articles of Incorporation including all amendments
thereto, certified by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of
the State of Arizona;

(b) A certificate from the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of
the State of Arizona to the effect that Corporation is in good standing or
subsisting in such jurisdiction;

(c) A copy of the By-Laws of Corporation certified by its Secretary as being
true and correct and in effect on the Closing Date; and

(d) A certificate as to the tax status of Corporation dated no later than
fifteen (15) days prior to the Closing Date from the appropriate official in
the State of Arizona.

Section 7.3. Corporate Records; Resignations. Shareholder shall have delivered
to Buyer on the Closing Date:

(a) All records of Corporation's directors' and shareholders' meetings;

(b) All stock transfer records;

(c) Corporate seal; and

(d) Written resignations of all officers and directors of Corporation effective
on the Closing Date.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 15
Section 7.4. Title to Real Estate. Buyer shall obtain, at Buyer's expense, a
commitment for title insurance in the amount of $10,000,000.00 from Chicago
Title Insurance Company (National Business Unit, 7616 LBJ Freeway, Suite 3000,
Dallas, Texas 75251, 800/442-4303, Attention: Rose Jones) showing title to the
real property owned by Corporation to be good, marketable and vested in
Corporation free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances, exceptions,
reservations, or restrictions, except as referred to in Schedule 1 to Exhibit B
to this Agreement ("Permitted Encumbrances"). At Closing or soon thereafter as
practicable, Chicago Title Insurance Company shall issue, at Buyer's expense,
its title insurance policy, with extended coverage, consistent with its
previous commitment approved by Buyer.

Section 7.5. Survey. Buyer shall obtain and furnish to the title insurance
company, at Buyer's expense, a survey of the real property owned by Corporation
prepared utilizing AUTOCAD Release Number 12 or 13 and dated not more than
thirty (30) days prior to the Closing Date made by a licensed or registered
public surveyor acceptable to the title insurance company. The survey shall be
prepared in accordance with American Land Title Association standards or
applicable state standards and shall include but not be limited to:

(a) A metes and bounds or a lot and block legal description of the subject
property including a calculation and certification by the surveyor of the
number of gross square feet contained within the boundaries and a certification
by the surveyor that the legal description of the property closes;

(b) Location of all improvements on the property;

(c) The location of all utility and other easements of record on the date of
the survey and a reference to their recording;

(d) All applicable building setback lines, if any, and setback requirements and
a certificate by the surveyor that no buildings encroach beyond said setback
lines;

(e) The surveyor's certificate identifying any encroachments upon the subject
property by adjoining property owners and any encroachments of the subject
improvements upon other property not owned by Corporation;

(f) Explanation of discrepancies between the survey and the recorded legal
description;

(g) An identification of any portion of the property within a 100 year flood
plain or flood hazardous area designated by governmental authority;

(h) Identification of all underground storage tanks that the surveyor can
locate by an on-site inspection of the property; and

(i) The surveyor's statement of whether or not he saw any evidence of, or has
knowledge that the property includes, a landfill or toxic or hazardous waste
and, if he saw such evidence, a description of that evidence.

Section 7.6. Inspections. Buyer shall have the right at its expense to obtain
such inspections of the property owned or leased by Corporation as it deems
appropriate prior to the Closing Date including but not limited to:

(a) Inspections of the buildings, the roofs, heating, ventilating, and air
conditioning systems, electrical and plumbing systems; and
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 16
(b) Inspections for the purpose of locating "hazardous substances", "solid
waste", and any other matters or circumstances affecting the environment and
the use and usability of the property as a result thereof.Buyer's obligations
and agreements hereunder are specifically subject to its acceptance of the
conditions disclosed by any such
inspections.

                                 ARTICLE VIII

                    Survival of Representations, Warranties 
                        and Covenants; Indemnification
 
Section 8.1. Nature of Representations. For purposes of this Agreement, the
contents of all exhibits, certificates, schedules, and other items incorporated
herein by reference shall, in addition to the representations and warranties
made in this Agreement, constitute representations and warranties made in this
Agreement by Shareholder or Buyer, as the case may be. No representation or
warranty by Shareholder or by Buyer made in this Agreement contains or will
contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits or will omit to state
any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements contained therein not misleading.

Section 8.2. Survival of Representations, Warranties and Covenants. The
representations, warranties and covenants of the parties made in this Agreement
shall survive the Closing and any investigation by the parties with respect
thereto, as follows:(a) The representations and warranties set out in Sections
3.1 and 4.1 for a period equal to the statute of limitations pertaining to
written agreements in the State of Arizona;

(b) The representations and warranties set out in Section 3.5 for a period of
time equal to the statute of limitations applicable to each tax return plus any
period of time included in any extension or waiver of any such statute;

(c) The representations and warranties set out in Section 3.15 applicable to
forms or returns required to be filed with the IRS, Department of Labor and/or
the PBGC for a period of time equal to the statute of limitations applicable to
each return or form plus any period of time included in any extension or waiver
of any statute;

(d) The covenants in Section 5.8 of this Agreement for a period of ten (10)
years; and

(e) All other representations, warranties and covenants made in this Agreement
for a period of three years.

Section 8.3. Indemnification. (a) Shareholder agrees to indemnify and hold
Buyer, its affiliates, officers, directors and employees, harmless from all
damages, losses or expenses(including, without limitation, interest and
penalties, reasonable attorneys fees and expenses) suffered or paid, directly
or indirectly, as a result of or arising out of (i) the failure of any
representation or warranty made by Shareholder in this Agreement to be true and
correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of the
Closing Date, or (ii) any breach or nonfulfillment of any agreement made by
Shareholder in connection with or as a part of this transaction. During the
period between the Closing Date and April 30, 1996, any claim with respect to
Section 3.20 shall be limited to matters constituting violations of applicable
laws and regulations and shall be limited to the Purchase Price; provided,
however, subsequent to April 30, 1996, any claims pursuant to Section 3.20
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 17
shall be limited to matters constituting violations of applicable laws and
regulations and shall be limited to $1,000,000.00. Additionally, any claim
pursuant to Section 3.8 shall be limited to $1,000,000.00. Shareholder shall
have the right to control and direct the remediation of any matters pursuant to
which a claim is made under this Section 8.3(a). Buyer shall have the right to
set off against any amounts it or any of its affiliates owes to Shareholder,
now or in the future, any amounts owed to it by Shareholder. The exercise of
any rights of set off shall not constitute a default by Buyer or its affiliates
under the terms of any instrument or agreement to which any of them are
parties.

(b) Buyer agrees to indemnify and hold Shareholder, its successors assigns,
harmless from all damages, losses or expenses (including without limitation,
interest and penalties, reasonable attorney's fees and expenses) suffered or
paid, directly or indirectly, as a result of or arising out of (i) the failure
of any representation or warranty made by Buyer in this Agreement to be true
and correct in all material respects as of the date of this Agreement and as of
the Closing Date, or (ii) any breach or nonfulfillment of any agreement made by
Buyer in connection with or as a part of the transaction provided for in this
Agreement.

Section 8.4. Assertion of Claims. No claim shall be brought by any Indemnitee
(as defined below) against any Indemnitor (as defined below) under this Article
VIII, and no Indemnitee shall be entitled to receive any payment with respect
thereto, unless the Indemnitee gives the Indemnitor written notice of the
existence of any such claim, specifying in reasonable detail the basis
therefor, prior to the expiration of the applicable time period set forth in
Section 8.2 above. Except as set forth in Sections 8.5 and 8.6, if the
Indemnitees and Indemnitors fail to reach a mutually acceptable resolution of
such claim within thirty (30) days after the giving of such notice, the
Indemnitees shall have the right to commence legal proceedings for the
enforcement of their rights pursuant to Section 8.5 hereof.

Section 8.5. Dispute Resolution. (a) Any and all disputes among the parties to
this Agreement arising out of or in connection with the negotiation, execution,
interpretation, performance or nonperformance of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated herein shall be solely and finally settled by
arbitration, which shall be conducted in Phoenix, Arizona, by a single
arbitrator selected by the parties. The arbitrator shall be a lawyer familiar
with business transactions of the type contemplated in this Agreement and shall
not have been employed or affiliated with any of the parties hereto. The
parties hereby renounce all recourse to litigation and agree that the award of
the arbitrator shall be final and subject to no judicial review. The arbitrator
shall conduct the proceedings pursuant to the Rules of the American Arbitration
Association, as now or hereafter amended (the "Rules"). If the parties fail to
agree on the arbitrator within thirty (30) days of the date one of them invokes
this arbitration provision, either party may apply to the American Arbitration
Association to make the appointment. The arbitrator shall decide the issues
submitted to him in accordance with (i) the provisions and commercial purposes
of this Agreement, and (ii) what is just and equitable under the circumstances,
provided that all substantive questions of law shall be determined under the
laws of the State of Arizona (without regard to its principles of conflicts of
laws).
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 18
(b) The parties agree to facilitate the arbitration by (i) making available to
one another and to the arbitrator for examination, inspection and extraction
all documents, books, records and personnel under their control if determined
by the arbitrator to be relevant to the dispute; (ii) conducting arbitration
hearings to the greatest extent possible on successive days; and (iii)
observing strictly the time periods established by the Rules or by the
arbitrator for submission of evidence or briefs.

(c) Judgment on the award of the arbitrator may be entered in any court having
jurisdiction over the party against which enforcement of the award is being
sought and the parties hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of any
such court for the purpose of enforcing any such award. The arbitrator shall
divide all costs (other than fees of counsel) incurred in conducting the
arbitration in his final award in accordance with what he deems just and
equitable under the circumstances.

Section 8.6. Defense of Claims. (a) If any claim or action by a third party
arises after the Closing Date for which an Indemnitor is liable under the terms
of this Agreement, then the Indemnitee shall notify the Indemnitor within
thirty days after such claim or action arises and is known to the Indemnitee
and shall give the Indemnitor a reasonable opportunity: (i) to take part in any
examination of any books and records; to conduct any proceedings or
negotiations in connection therewith and necessary or appropriate to defend the
Indemnitee; (ii) to take all other required steps or proceedings to settle or
defend any such claim or action; and (iii) to employ counsel to contest any
such claim or action in the name of the Indemnitee or otherwise. If the
Indemnitor wishes to assume the defense of such claim or action, it shall give
written notice to the Indemnitee and within 10 days thereafter, Indemnitee
shall permit, and Indemnitor shall thereafter assume, the defense of any such
claim or liability, through counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnitee;
provided that the Indemnitee may participate in such defense at its own
expense.

(b) If the Indemnitor shall not assume the defense of any such claim or action,
the Indemnitee may defend against any such claim or action in such manner as it
may deem appropriate (provided that the Indemnitor may participate in such
defense at its own expense); provided, however, that the Indemnitee may not
settle such claim or action, without the prior written consent of the
Indemnitor. If no settlement of such claim or action is made, the Indemnitor,
jointly and severally, shall satisfy any judgment rendered with respect to such
claim or in such action, before the Indemnitee is required to do so, and pay
all expenses, legal or otherwise, including attorneys fees and costs incurred
by the attorneys reasonably and necessarily incurred by the Indemnitee in the
defense of such claim or action.

Section 8.7. Computation of Indemnified Losses. The amount of any indemnified
loss otherwise payable pursuant to a claim brought pursuant to Section 8.3(a)
hereunder shall be reduced (a) by the amount of any insurance proceeds from
insurance policies owned by Seller on the Closing Date received by Buyer, or
its affiliates, officers, directors, and employees as compensation for the
damage or loss caused by the act, omission, fact or circumstances giving rise
to the indemnified loss; and (b) by the amount, if any, of the net tax benefits
actually received by the Indemnitee as a result of the indemnified losses,
incurred thereby.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 19
Section 8.8. Cooperation. The parties shall cooperate with each other to
maximize the availability of insurance coverage under the policies maintained
by Seller immediately preceding the Closing Date for claims or actions by third
parties which may be subject to indemnification pursuant to Section 8.3, and,
if the insurance carrier for such policies agrees to defend such claim, such
defense shall be tendered to such insurance carrier and the rights of the
parties between themselves regarding the assumption and control of such defense
shall be subject to the reasonable requirements of such insurance carrier.

Section 8.9. Definitions. (a) In the case of a claim of indemnification brought
pursuant to Section 8.3(a), "Indemnitee" shall mean Buyer and its affiliates,
officers, directors and employees, and in the case of a claim of
indemnification brought pursuant to 8.3(b), it shall mean Shareholder and its
successors and assigns.

(b) In the case of a claim of indemnification brought pursuant to Section
8.3(a), "Indemnitor" shall mean Shareholder,and in the case of a claim of
indemnification brought pursuant to Section 8.3(b), it shall mean Buyer.


                                  ARTICLE IX

                                 Miscellaneous

Section 9.1. Notices. All notices provided for hereunder shall be in writing
and shall be deemed to be given:

(a) company, when delivered to the individual, or to an officer of the to which
the notice is directed;

(b) three days after the same has been deposited in the United States mail,
sent Certified or Registered mail with Return Receipt Requested, postage
prepaid and addressed as provided in this Section; or

(c) when delivered by an overnight delivery service (including United States
Express Mail) with receipt acknowledged and with all charges prepaid by the
sender addressed as provided in this Section. Notices shall be directed as
follows:

(a) if to Buyer, to:

President
SCI Arizona Funeral Services, Inc.
1929 Allen Parkway
Houston, Texas 77019

with a copy to:

General Counsel
Service Corporation International
1929 Allen Parkway
Houston, Texas 77019

(b) if to Shareholder, to:

Matthews International Corporation
Two NorthShore Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212-5851
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 20
with a copy to:

James L. Parker, Esq.
Matthews International Corporation
Two NorthShore Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212-5851

or at such other place or places or to such other person or persons as shall be
designated by notice by any party hereto.

Section 9.2. Amendments and Termination. This Agreement may be amended or
modified only by written instrument executed by each of the parties hereto.

Section 9.3. Expenses. Each party hereto shall pay its own expenses including
without limitation, fees and expenses of its agents, representatives, counsel,
auditors, and accountants incidental to the preparation and carrying out of
this Agreement.

Section 9.4. Attorney's Fees. In the event of any controversy, claim or dispute
between or among any of the parties hereto arising out of or relating to this
Agreement, or any default or breach or alleged default or breach hereof, each
party shall pay its own attorney's fees, costs and expenses associated with any
such action. If any party hereto shall be joined as a party in any judicial,
administrative, or other legal proceeding arising from or incidental to any
obligation, conduct or action of another party hereto, the party so joined
shall be entitled to be reimbursed by the other party for its reasonable
attorney's fees and costs associated therewith.

Section 9.5. Brokers. The parties agree that none of them has engaged the
services of a broker. Buyer agrees to indemnify Shareholder against any claim
by any third person for any commission, brokerage or finder's fee or other
payments based upon any alleged agreement or understanding between such third
party and Buyer, whether expressed or implied. Shareholder agrees to indemnify
Buyer against any claim by any third person for any commission, brokerage or
finder's fee or any other payment based upon any alleged agreement or
understanding between such third person and Shareholder or Corporation,whether
expressed or implied.

Section 9.6. Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of
and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns. This Agreement shall not be assigned by any party hereto without the
prior written consent of the other parties, provided, however, that following
the Closing Buyer may assign its rights hereunder in whole or in part without
the consent of any other party to this Agreement to a successor-in interest to
Buyer in all or any part of the business of Corporation (whether by merger,
sale of assets or otherwise), provided that Buyer shall not thereby be relieved
of its obligations hereunder. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied,
is intended to confer upon any third person any rights or remedies under or by
reason of this Agreement.

Section 9.7. Specific Performance. The parties hereto agree that damages for
breach of the agreements and covenants contained herein will be inadequate and
that each of the parties shall be entitled to specific performance or
injunctive relief, or both.
<PAGE>
<PAGE> 21
Section 9.8. Entire Agreement. This instrument embodies the whole agreement of
the parties. There are no promises, terms, conditions, or obligations other
than those contained herein. All previous negotiations between the parties,
either verbal or written, not herein contained are hereby withdrawn and
annulled. This contract shall supersede all previous communications, repre-
sentations, or agreements, either verbal or written, between the parties
hereto.

Section 9.9. Captions; Counterparts. The section and subsection headings
contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not
affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. This
Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same instrument.

Section 9.10. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in
accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, executed this Agreement the undersigned parties hereto have
duly on the date first above written.

                                       BUYER:
                                       SCI ARIZONA FUNERAL SERVICES, INC. 


                                    By:          Thomas Weaver
                                       ----------------------------------
                                                              President
 

                                       SHAREHOLDER:
                                       MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

                                    By:          David M. Kelly
                                       ----------------------------------
                                                              President

<PAGE>

<PAGE>
              MATTHEWS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
                EXHIBIT 11 - COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
             FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994

                                  ----------




                                                      1995           1994
                                                      ----           ----   

1.  Net income                                    $ 4,245,989    $ 3,909,665

2.  Weighted average number of
    common shares outstanding
    during the period                               8,850,350      8,850,350

3.  Shares issuable upon exercise
    of dilutive stock options
    outstanding during period,
    based on higher of average
    or period-end values                               60,714           -

4.  Weighted average number of
    common shares outstanding
    during the period, assuming
    full dilution (2 + 3)                           8,911,064      8,850,350

5.  Primary earnings per share
    (1 divided by 2)                                 $    .48       $    .44

6.  Fully diluted earnings per share
    (1 divided by 4)                                 $    .48       $    .44


<PAGE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
REGISTRANT'S QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1995
<CASH>                                   $  13,301,874
<SECURITIES>                                 6,518,027
<RECEIVABLES>                               26,115,023
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                 11,522,116
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            58,653,556
<PP&E>                                      63,506,312
<DEPRECIATION>                              25,382,099
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             137,972,529
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       18,332,607
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                     8,850,350
<OTHER-SE>                                  82,003,578
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               137,972,529
<SALES>                                     41,185,350
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            41,185,350
<CGS>                                       22,602,002
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               22,602,002
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              21,359
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              6,835,519
<INCOME-TAX>                                 2,589,530
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          4,245,989
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 4,245,989
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.48
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.48
        

</TABLE>


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