Overview
- The two co-ops set out a “transfer of engagements,” a legal process that lets co-operatives merge while keeping member control.
- The proposal would move about 300 Southern Co-op sites — food stores, funeral homes and Starbucks branches — plus three crematoria into Co-op Group.
- About 300,000 Southern Co-op members would join Co-op Group’s roughly seven million members if the deal goes through.
- If approved, the societies expect completion in the fourth quarter of 2026.
- Southern Co-op’s chief says the move would secure the society after falling profits and higher costs.