Co-op Group Proposes Merger with Southern Co-op

The Coop Group, the UK's largest cooperative society based in Manchester, has proposed a merger with Southern Coop, a regional cooperative headquartered in Portsmouth, to create a stronger entity serving millions of members across the country. The deal, announced by both organizations, would integrate Southern Coop's approximately 300 food stores, funeral branches, and Starbucks outlets into the Coop Group's operations, alongside its three crematoria, pending approval from members and regulators. The transaction is expected to complete in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Under the proposed transfer of engagements, a process that allows two cooperative societies to unite, Southern Coop's 300,000 members would join the Coop Group's seven million-strong base. This would expand the combined group's footprint, particularly in southern England, where Southern Coop primarily operates under the Coop Food and Welcome brands across regions including London, Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Devon, Cornwall, and Berkshire. Founded in 1873, Southern Coop has faced financial pressures from declining profits and rising costs, including recent store closures to reduce expenses.