LONDON, January 22, 2026 – Proskauer advised Centerbridge Partners on the purchase of a structured minority interest in Pure Cremation, a leading funeral services provider in the UK.
Centerbridge Partners will be investing both in Pure’s debt and equity instruments. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and expected to close in the first half of 2026.
Pure is the leading provider of prepaid funeral plans in the UK and a pioneer of the market for direct cremations which offer a simpler, more affordable alternative to a traditional funeral. Epiris acquired Pure in 2023, working in partnership with industry veteran Dean Lamble who then became the company’s Chief Executive. Since then, Dean and his team have both driven rapid growth in the overall funeral plans market and cemented Pure’s leadership within it. At the end of 2025, Pure was named a national winner of the BVCA’s Vision Awards which recognise outstanding management teams.
The Proskauer team was led by partners Andrew Wingfield, Liam Arthur and Matt Clift and included associates Cathy Bellhouse, Antony Vitanov, Dylan Carty, Charlie Griggs and Anna Sykes (Private Equity M&A). The team also included partner Barry Newman (Finance); special regulatory counsels Edward Lister and Rachel Lowe and associate Michael Singh (Regulatory); partner Daniella Abel (Tax) and associate Luis de Freitas (Tax); associate Benjamin Peacock (Real Estate); special counsel Nicola Bartholomew (International Labor & Employment) and associate Katie Henderson (Global Finance).
Proskauer’s market-leading private equity team advises top-tier sponsors on complex deals across sectors - especially in people-driven and regulated industries like financial services, consulting, human capital, professional services, and employee-owned or founder-led businesses. We deliver industry-leading work where regulation, reputation, and talent retention are key. From platform acquisitions to exits, we guide clients through the full investment lifecycle. With deep sector insight and cross-border execution strength, we get deals done - fast, precisely and with impact.