PROPOSED PLANS FOR SOUTHERN CO-OP TO JOIN FORCES WITH THE CO-OP GROUP

We wanted to let you know about proposed plans for Southern Co‑op to join forces with the Co‑op Group. 

If approved, the proposals would see around 300,000 Southern Co‑op members become members of an enlarged Co‑op Group, bringing together two co‑operatives with shared values and a common purpose. 

The proposal would create a co‑operative society with greater scale, resilience and impact for members, customers, colleagues and communities across the UK, and help strengthen the wider co‑operative movement, particularly in the South of England. 

What this means for you as a Co‑op Group member 

There is no direct change for Co‑op Group members at this stage. 

Any proposals are subject to approval by Southern Co‑op members and the necessary regulatory processes. Until those steps are completed, Southern Co‑op and the Co‑op Group continue to operate separately. 

If the proposals are approved, both businesses are expected to continue to be run independently for a period of time. During this time, members of each society will continue to receive the distinct member benefits currently offered by their own co‑operative. 

You will continue to receive the full range of Co‑op Group member benefits as usual. 

Your questions answered

What does this mean for me right now?  

There is no change today. Co‑op Group members can continue as normal and will continue to receive the full range of Co‑op Group member benefits. 

Has this already happened? 

No. This is a proposal. It is subject to Southern Co‑op member and regulatory approval. Until then, both organisations continue to operate separately. 

Is Co‑op Group buying or taking over Southern Co‑op? 

No. This is a proposal for Southern Co‑op to join forces with the Co‑op Group. It is not a takeover and nothing happens unless Southern Co‑op members approve the proposal. 

Why don’t Co‑op Group members get a vote on this? 

This proposal is being taken forward through a legal process called a transfer of engagements. As part of that process, only Southern Co‑op members are required to vote. There is no direct change for Co‑op Group members at this stage. 

Will I be able to use my Co‑op Group membership in Southern Co‑op stores, or vice versa? 

No. There is no change to how memberships work as a result of today’s announcement. Co‑op Group and Southern Co‑op memberships continue to operate separately. 

Will prices, products or services change? 

No. There are no changes to prices, products or services as a result of today’s announcement. 

Will stores or funeral homes close? 

There are no changes to stores or funeral homes as a result of today’s announcement. Both businesses continue to operate separately at this stage. 

Where can I find out more? 

We’ll keep this page updated with the latest information as the proposals progress. Any updates will be shared here when available. 

If you’re a Southern Co‑op member 

This page is intended for Co‑op Group members. If you’re a Southern Co‑op member and have questions about Southern Co‑op specifically, it’s best to contact Southern Co‑op directly via their website: https://southern.coop/contact-us.