Co-op takeover of Southern Co-op given green light by competition watchdog

The competition watchdog has granted approval for the Co-op takeover of Southern Co-op. This strategic acquisition will see the Co-op integrate 330,000 members from Southern Co-op into its existing base of seven million members. Additionally, the deal includes the acquisition of approximately 300 sites, encompassing food stores, funeral parlours, and Starbucks coffeehouses. This move expands the Co-op footprint across multiple service sectors following the official green light from the regulatory authority.