Southern Co-op’s 300-Branch Warning: Back Co-op Group Deal Or Face Administration
Southern Co-op warned members it will likely enter administration if they reject a merger with Co-op Group at votes set for May 6 and 21. The co-op reported a £23.5 million operating loss for the year ended Jan. 25, 2026, and said it cannot secure enough funding to continue alone. The merger would fold over 300 Southern Co-op branches into Co-op Group’s network. About 4,500 jobs are at stake.