Co-op Group and Southern Co-op to merge
Co-op Group and Southern Co-op have announced plans to merge, bringing Southern Co-op’s 300,000 members together with Co-op Group’s seven million to form an enlarged group.
Southern Co-op operates more than 300 food, funeral and licensed Starbucks coffee branches across the south of England. Co-op Group has a significantly larger footprint, with over 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes, a wholesale business, and legal and insurance services.
Subscribe to TRBCo-op Group said the merger will strengthen the co-operative movement, particularly in the South of England.
Debbie White, chair of The Co-operative Group, said: “The co-operative model is more important than ever for the health and success of communities across the UK, and a combined co-operative, bringing together over 300 years of co-operative experience, will provide new and strengthened opportunities for members, customers, colleagues and suppliers of both of our co-operatives.”
Kate Allum, interim chief executive of The Co-operative Group, said: “Joining forces across Co-op Group and Southern Co-op will create new opportunities for members to have access to a greater range of benefits across a wider society, with more trading opportunities, and in turn more benefits for them and their communities.”
The proposal is subject to approval by Southern Co-op members and mandatory regulatory approvals. Subject to these being received, the transfer of engagements is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2026.
However, both businesses are expected to continue to be run independently for a period while CMA approval is sought.
Ben Stimson, chief executive of Southern Co-op, said: “The Co-operative Group shares our values and our commitment to democratic membership, ethical sourcing and fair reward, as well as our dedication to supporting local communities.
“By coming together, we can secure the co-operative future of Southern Co-op as part of a stronger combined Co-op Group, whilst creating an even stronger voice nationally and internationally to advance the co-operative cause.”
