The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering remedies offered by Co-operative Group Limited (Co-op Group), including the sale of 15 convenience stores and 2 funeral homes, to address competition concerns identified in its phase 1 investigation, the CMA said in a press release published on 29 September 2026.

The CMA said Co-op Group's acquisition of Southern Co-op could reduce competition in grocery retail in local areas around some of the two businesses' convenience stores, and it also identified concerns about attended funeral services in areas served by their funeral homes. Both businesses accepted the deal raised these concerns and asked to fast track the investigation, the CMA said.

The CMA provisionally found that the proposed sales in each local area could address its concerns. It will consider the proposals in more detail, including seeking third-party feedback and then considering potential buyers. If satisfied the undertakings address its concerns, it would conditionally clear the deal, the CMA said. Joel Bamford, Executive Director for Mergers at the CMA, said the proposals could resolve the concerns while protecting competition, according to the release. The CMA noted that Co-op Group completed its acquisition of The Southern Co-operative Limited on 26 July 2026.