Co-ops in potential merger talks

The Co-operative Group, based in Manchester, and Rochdale-based United Co-operatives have not given any reasons for the talks.

Any merger between the organisations would create a group with more than 4,000 outlets, offering everything from food to funerals.

"The boards of the Co-operative Group and United Co-operatives have agreed to discuss the possibility of a merger between their two societies," the groups said in a statement.

"Talks have commenced and a further statement from the two boards will be issued when they conclude."

The Co-operative Group is the UK's largest, with an annual turnover of £8bn. United Co-operatives earns £2.5bn a year.

Should the merger go ahead then the members would received a windfall payout.

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