It’s no secret that some businesses are just plain scary. Think about it – there are businesses that deal with death, businesses that deal with the supernatural, businesses that deal with criminals…the list goes on.
So, it should come as no surprise that some of these businesses have been acquired by larger companies. Here are some of the most bizarre and frightening businesses that have been gobbled up by conglomerates:
1. The Death Industry
The death industry is a big business – and it’s only getting bigger. In the United States alone, the death industry is worth over $20 billion. And it’s not just the funeral homes and cemeteries that are raking in the dough. There are also businesses that deal with cremation, body disposal, and even headstones. One of the biggest players in the death industry is Service Corporation International (SCI). SCI is the largest funeral home operator in the world, with over 2,000 locations in North America. In 2014, SCI acquired the world’s largest cemetery operator, Dignity Memorial. Dignity Memorial has over 1,500 locations in the United States and Canada.
2. The Supernatural Industry
The supernatural industry is also big business – and it’s only getting bigger. In the United States, the supernatural industry is worth over $1 billion. And it’s not just the businesses that deal with ghosts and hauntings that are raking in the dough. There are also businesses that deal with psychics, Tarot card readers, and even witches. One of the biggest players in the supernatural industry is LivePerson. LivePerson is a publicly-traded company that operates a website where people can get readings from psychics and Tarot card readers. In 2016, LivePerson acquired the world’s largest psychic network, Keen. Keen has over 3 million members in the United States.
3. The Criminal Industry
The criminal industry is a big business – and it’s only getting bigger. In the United States, the criminal industry is worth over $100 billion. And it’s not just the businesses that deal with criminals that are raking in the dough. There are also businesses that deal with private investigators, bounty hunters, and even bail bondsmen. One of the biggest players in the criminal industry is NCIC. NCIC is a privately-held company that provides information services to the criminal justice community. In 2016, NCIC acquired the world’s largest bail bond provider, AIA. AIA has over 2,000 bail bond agents in the United States.
4. The Body Modification Industry
The body modification industry is a big business – and it’s only getting bigger. In the United States, the body modification industry is worth over $1 billion. And it’s not just the businesses that deal with tattoos and piercings that are raking in the dough. There are also businesses that deal with plastic surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and even hair removal. One of the biggest players in the body modification industry is Groupon. Groupon is a publicly-traded company that operates a website where people can get discounts on tattoos, piercings, and other body modification services. In 2016, Groupon acquired the world’s largest tattoo removal company, laseraway. Laseraway has over 60 locations in the United States.
What other businesses do you think are ripe for acquisition?