Merger: Co-operative Group / Southern Co-operative

Announcement and publication of Initial Enforcement Order: Co-operative Group/Southern Co-operative

The CMA has reasonable grounds for suspecting that it is or may be the case that arrangements are in progress or in contemplation which, if carried into effect, will result in Co-operative Group Limited (CGL) and The Southern Co-operative Limited (Southern) ceasing to be distinct. Therefore, on 23 July 2026, the CMA served an initial enforcement order under section 72(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 on CGL and Siena Co-operative Limited, which is a newly incorporated subsidiary of CGL to which the business of Southern will be transferred, in relation to the acquisition by CGL of Southern. The initial enforcement takes place from 26 July 2026.

The text of the order has been published on the Competition and Market Authority's website at Co-operative Group / Southern Co-operative merger inquiry - GOV.UK.

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