Co-op Group and Southern Co-op reach major transaction milestone

27 July 2026

The Co-operative Group today (27 July 2026) announces the completion of the transfer of engagements of Southern Co-op into The Co-operative Group.   This is a key milestone with Southern Co-op now transferred to a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, ‘Siena Co-operative Limited’, but continuing to trade as Southern Co-op.

This follows the approval by Southern Co-op members in May.

The transaction remains subject to Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) approval.   For now, both co-operatives will continue to operate separately, with the outcome of the review expected later in 2026. Subject to approval, integration plans will then progress.

This transfer marks the start of an exciting new chapter of co-operation, creating the opportunity for a co-operative society with greater scale, resilience and impact for members, customers, colleagues and communities across the UK, helping to grow co-operation and provide even greater member value through a broader offering.

Southern Co-op currently has:

• 173 food stores

• 83 Starbucks Coffeehouses

• 69 Funeral homes

• 3 Crematoria

• 4 Burial grounds

• 77 Welcome franchise stores

• Circa 330,000 members

Complementing the Co-op Group’s:

• 2,300 Food stores

• 800 Funeral homes

• Wholesale business supplying around 8,000 outlets

• Leading legal services and insurance business

• 7 million members

Under Siena Co-operative Limited, Southern Co-op's food, funeral and Starbucks businesses will continue to operate as normal and separately to the Co-op Group with no immediate changes for members, colleagues, suppliers or communities.

Kate Allum, Interim CEO of The Co-operative Group comments: “Today marks a historic milestone for both societies and the wider co-operative movement. By combining over 300 years of co-operative heritage, we are building a stronger future for members, customers and communities. Together, we can create more opportunities, deliver greater value, and drive the growth of co-operation across the UK for generations to come.”

Ben Stimson, CEO of Southern Co-op said: "Today marks an important milestone for Southern Co-op. I'd like to thank our colleagues for everything they continue to do to support our members, customers and communities as we reach this point.

"As we take this next step, we're doing so alongside an organisation that shares our co-operative values and our commitment to making a positive difference in the communities we serve. Our organisations have worked together successfully for many years, including through the Federal Retail Trading Society (FRTS) buying and supply group and the wider co-operative movement, and today's announcement reflects the strength of that longstanding relationship."

It builds on an already proven history of successful co-operation for both organisations, including through the Federal Retail Trading Society (FRTS) buying and supply group and wider collaboration within the co-operative movement over many decades.

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Notes to Editors

About Co-op

Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by around 7.2 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.

About Southern Co-op

Trading since 1873, Southern Co-op is a regional, independent co-operative with more than 300 food, funeral and coffee branches across the South of England. Owned by more than 340,000 members and supported by 4,500 colleagues, Southern Co-op’s purpose is to provide a fair, fresh approach, for all with a focus on building greener, healthier and safer communities through responsible practices and local partnerships.

Further information:

• Cat Turner - 07834 090 783, pressoffice@coop.co.uk
• Sarah Fitton - 07890 384 471, pressoffice@coop.co.uk
• Andrew Torr – 07702 505 551, pressoffice@coop.co.uk