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# Retailer agrees merger to create UK’s largest independent co-operative society
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/retailer-agrees-merger-to-create-uks-largest-independent-co-operative-society/
- Published: 2025-12-04T08:09:00.000Z
- Updated: 2025-12-03T14:01:50.000Z
- Description: A Lichfield retailer has agreed a merger which will see the creation of the largest independent co-operative society in the UK.
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Business, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 18:45, News

A LICHFIELD retailer has agreed a merger which will see the creation of the largest independent co-operative society in the UK.

Members of Central Co-op and the Midcounties Co-operative have voted to endorse the proposals.

The new society will have one million members and 13,000 members of staff across the country.

Debbie Robinson, Central Co-op CEO, said:

> “Creating a new society brings together the scale, reach and commercial opportunity to shape the future of co-operation in the UK.  
>  
> “This isn’t simply about combining two organisations, it’s about building something new, something distinctly ours.  
>  
> “Together, we can drive better value for members, create career opportunities for colleagues and strengthen the communities we serve.  
>  
> “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine what a modern co-operative can achieve.”

The move follows the transfer of Chelmsford Star into Central Co-op earlier this year.

Phil Ponsonby, Midcounties Co-operative CEO, said:

> “The combined strengths of our new Society will allow us to navigate through challenging economic headwinds and invest for the future from a position of strength.  
>  
> “As co-operators we know we can achieve more together, and we look forward to working with our members, colleagues and partners to create a new Society that builds on our shared heritage and delivers real change.”