# Co-op Group is planning to take over Southern Co-op in a deal that would add hundreds of food and funeral shops to the retail giant’s chain.

*business · news · 2026-04-08 · LBC*

## Key points

- Co-op Group plans to acquire Southern Co-op, adding about 300 food, funeral, and Starbucks branches.
- The deal would bring Southern Co-op’s 300,000 members into the Co-op Group’s membership.
- Co-op Group will gain three crematoria, re-entering the crematoria market alongside its funeral services.
- The merger will proceed via a 'transfer of engagements' and is expected to complete in late 2026.

**Companies:** Co-op Group, Southern Co-op
**Countries:** United Kingdom

[Read the full story on LBC](https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/b49e3e0939ef4459b5c15e8a776bc214-5HjdXSZ_2/)

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