Funeral association faces demise after competition fine confirmed

The head of the Czech competition office has confirmed a half million crown fine on the country’s association of undertakers for trying to coordinate the charges for funeral services. The head of the Brno-based office rejected an appeal against the original fine imposed last June. The office uncovered proof that the association’s rules curbed competition between different funeral firms. Companies that cut their prices were faced with inspections from the association and were banned from publicising their lower charges. The result was a death blow to competition. The association has warned that it too could be buried if the fine is collected.