Co-op set to take over hundreds of UK shops amid huge shake-up

The proposals involve integrating Southern Co-op’s 300,000 members into the Co-op Group’s existing seven million-strong membership - (Getty/iStock)

The Co-op Group is planning a significant expansion of its retail and funeral services through a proposed takeover of Southern Co-op.

The deal, if approved by members, would see hundreds of new food and funeral shops, alongside Starbucks branches, added to the retail giant’s portfolio.