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Co-op Group Plans Southern Co-op Takeover Pending Member Vote
The deal would add about 300 stores and three crematoria, while Southern Co-op members vote on the proposed transfer of engagements.
- The Co-op Group announced plans to take over Southern Co-op, integrating the regional society's 300,000 members into the seven million-strong Co-op Group.
- Ben Stimson, Southern Co-op's chief executive, said the deal secures the business's future, as the Portsmouth-based society has recently grappled with falling profits and higher costs.
- The transaction includes roughly 300 food, funeral, and Starbucks coffee branches, while granting the Co-op Group three crematoria to re-enter the growing funeral market.
- Members must approve the proposals, which would proceed through a "transfer of engagements" process expected in the final quarter of 2026 if regulators consent.
- Kate Allum, Co-op Group interim chief executive, said joining forces creates new opportunities, as Co-op Funeralcare plans to introduce "water cremations" later this year.
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City AMCo-op merger to bring huge shakeup to retail and funeral giant
The Co-op Group is preparing to takeover the Southern Co-op, in a merger which would bring a major shakeup to the retail and funeral giant in its bid to move on from a crushing cyber attack. The deal would see the group snap up around 300 food stores, funeral branches and Starbucks coffee ...
Coverage Details
Total News Sources31
Leaning Left3Leaning Right2Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution72% Center
Bias Distribution
- 72% of the sources are Center
72% Center
L 17%
C 72%
11%
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