SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 27, 1996
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
LOUISIANA 0-19508 72-0693290
(State or other jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation) Identification No.)
110 Veterans Memorial Boulevard
Metairie, Louisiana 70005
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(504) 837-5880
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Item 5. Other Events
On June 27, 1996 the Company issued the attached news
release.
CONTACT: William E. Rowe
Stewart Enterprises, Inc.
110 Veterans Blvd.
Metairie, Louisiana 70005
504-837-5880
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STEWART ANNOUNCES EXPANSION TO CANADA
New Orleans, LA, June 27, 1996 . . . Stewart Enterprises, Inc.
(NASDAQ:STEI) today announced that it has executed an agreement
in principle with Urgel Bourgie in Canada for the purchase of
77 funeral homes and 5 cemeteries. Founded in 1902, the family
enterprise of Urgel Bourgie is a leader in Quebec, with a
network of funeral homes and memorial gardens extending
throughout the metropolitan Montreal area and the Quebec City
region.
"When completed, this acquisition will represent one of the
most significant transactions for Stewart Enterprises,
establishing our company as a major death care provider in
Canada's oldest and largest province," said Joseph P. Henican,
III, vice chairman and chief executive officer, adding,
"Joining with the Urgel Bourgie firm enables us to affiliate
with a premier death care firm that is highly regarded and
widely known for its quality service and facilities. We are
very pleased that the Urgel Bourgie family has chosen Stewart
to carry on its fine business and outstanding reputation."
The province of Quebec yields one-fourth of Canada's gross
national product and is home to over 6.8 million Canadians.
Urgel Bourgie serves Montreal, Canada's second largest
metropolitan area, and Quebec City, the second largest
metropolitan area in the province of Quebec, providing more
than 9,000 funeral services and 2,000 interments each year.
"The services provided by Urgel Bourgie are conducted in a
manner consistent with Stewart's tradition of excellence," said
William E. Rowe, president and chief operating officer of
Stewart Enterprises, Inc. "The firm actively markets
prearrangements, recognizes the importance of the total death
care concept, operates premier facilities and provides
competitive opportunities for its 700 employees."
Stewart Enterprises, founded in 1910, is the third largest
provider of products and services in the death care industry in
North America, currently owning and operating 196 funeral homes
and 114 cemeteries in 21 states, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico
and Puerto Rico.
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SIGNATURE
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.
STEWART ENTERPRISES, INC.
July 24, 1996 /s/ KENNETH C. BUDDE
__________________________
Kenneth C. Budde
Senior Vice
President-Finance
Secretary and Treasurer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
