Carriage Services Expands Into The Northern North Carolina Market With Acquisitions In High Point And Archdale

HOUSTON, Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Carriage Services, Inc. CSV is pleased to announce the acquisition of Cumby Family Funeral Service, a prominent funeral business with two rooftops in High Point and Archdale, North Carolina.  Founded in 1948 by Wade and Edith Cumby, the business has grown to serve almost 700 families annually under the stewardship of James Cumby and his sons, Andrew and Michael.  The business has an impeccable reputation and has been a staple of the community for decades.  With the addition of Cumby Family Funeral Service, Carriage has a showcase business in North Carolina that will serve as a springboard into a growing regional market.  We are pleased to announce that the former owners, James, Andrew and Michael, will all be staying on with the business:  Andrew will assume the role of Managing Partner, James will be a funeral director, and Michael will assist with management's integration of the business on a go forward basis.

Mel Payne, Chairman and CEO of Carriage, stated, "The acquisition of the Cumby business is an excellent fit with our acquisition growth strategy, and we are excited for their future prospects.  Carriage prides itself on partnering with the finest independent operators in the industry and the Cumby's epitomize this aim.  North Carolina is a traditional market and our goal is that this acquisition represents the first of many in this attractive region."        

Carriage Services is a leading provider of deathcare services and merchandise in the United States.  Carriage operates 165 funeral homes in 26 states and 33 cemeteries in 12 states.

Certain statements made herein or elsewhere by, or on behalf of, the Company that are not historical facts are intended to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are based on assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable; however, many important factors, as discussed under "Forward-Looking Statements and Cautionary Statements" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, could cause the Company's results in the future to differ materially from the forward-looking statements made herein and in any other documents or oral presentations made by, or on behalf of, the Company. The Company assumes no obligation to update or publicly release any revisions to forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. A copy of the Company's Form 10-K, and other Carriage Services information and news releases, are available at www.carriageservices.com.

SOURCE Carriage Services, Inc.