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Southern Co-op has announced a proposal to join forces with Co-operative Group Limited (Co-op Group).

The proposal, which has been approved by our Board but remains subject to member approval and regulatory clearance, should create a co-operative society with greater scale, resilience and impact for members, customers, colleagues and communities across the UK.

If approved, Southern Co-op members will join Co-op Group members as members of a larger, stronger co-operative group.

You can find out more about the proposal and what it means for members, along with other key documentation below

Useful documents

Notice of SGM One

Notice of SGM Two

Member information pack

Financial strength of Co-op Group

Southern Co-operative Limited Rules

Co-op Group Overview

Southern Co-op Accounts 2024 and 2025

Hands raised voting

How can Southern Co-op members vote

As a democratically run, member owned organisation, any proposal for Southern Co-op to join forces with another Society has to receive member approval and follow specific legal processes before it can proceed.

Eligible members have been contacted about the proposal via a notification of Special General Meetings (SGM’s) which will be held:

  • Wednesday 6 May 2026* at 12pm, in the Auditorium, Lakeside 2000, Western Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 3FE.
  • Thursday 21 May 2026 at 12pm in the Auditorium, Lakeside 2000, Western Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 3FE.

Eligible members will be able to cast their vote online, by post, by proxy or in person.

* At the first SGM, we’ll hold a member information session to answer member questions ahead of voting.

If you are intending to come to our SGM in person, please indicate this via the registration form below. If you are intending to join online or vote via proxy or post, you do not need to register.

Register in person attendance at SGM

  • 9 April: Member information pack circulated and Notification of SGMs
  • 6 May: Member information session and member vote at first SGM
  • 21 May: Members vote at the second SGM
  • 22 May: Outcome of votes announced
  • TBC: Legal completion (transfer to new Society – Siena)

Member questions

Q&A’s are available below.

The member information pack goes into more detail about the reasons behind this proposal and what it should mean for members.

If you would like to submit a question or comment about the proposal, please complete the form below and we will address these at the SGMs.

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Member Q&A
Why does Southern Co-op need to do this?

For some time now, we’ve been navigating a very challenging trading environment.

Our operating loss (subject to audit) currently sits in excess of £20m.

Our profit has been in decline over the past three years. The malicious cyber-attack on the Co-op Group last year had a significant impact on both societies. Following the attack, Southern Co-op’s trading performance has declined further.

In our 2024 financial year (ending 26th January 2025), Southern Co-op made losses before taxation of £4.5m on sales of £543.9m. This compared to a loss of £2.6m on sales of £545.8m in the previous year.

The Board and Leadership Team have been working to stabilise the business over the last few months, but unfortunately, it’s not been enough to rectify our financial position.

As a result, and to avoid an outcome that would have a far more negative impact on colleague job security and our organisational structure the Board is proposing to join forces with Co-op Group.

And as our priority is to protect, sustain and redeploy as many colleagues, suppliers and creditors as possible, the proposal offers the most effective way to achieve this.

Why Co-op Group?

The Co-op Group shares our co-operative values and we have a strong history of collaboration. Our services are complementary and both businesses are committed to member voice.

What happens to my membership?

If approved, you will become an individual member of Co-op Group. Your democratic rights, including the ability to vote, stand for the Co-op Group Board, and shape policy, will be maintained.

Will I still get member rewards and dividends?

If the proposals are approved, the two businesses are expected to continue to be run independently for a period of time. During this period members of each society will continue to receive the distinct member benefits currently offered by the two societies. There is therefore no direct change for members for the time being. Over time we intend to bring the two membership propositions together to create a stronger combined offer for members.

How do I vote?

If eligible, you will receive voting materials ahead of the Special General Meeting on 6 May. You will be able to vote online, by post, by proxy, or in person.