Central Co-op and Midcounties Co-op members have approved the merger of the two groups, which will create a new society with over 13,000 staff.

The merger received formal approval on Tuesday (2 December) in a mutual decision that received widespread support from both societies.

The move will lead to the formation of the UK’s largest independent retailer.

Elaine Dean, president of Central Co-op, said: “We’d like to thank all members for their support and engagement through this process.

“Thousands of members of both societies have voted, asked questions, and considered the proposals we put to them, and the strength of the backing we have received gives a groundswell of support to take our new society forward.”

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This merger follows the successful transfer of Chelmsford Star into the Central Co-op earlier this year. As part of the transition moving forward, the new members will vote on a new name for the society.

However, the Central, Midcounties, and Chelmsford Star sites and stores will continue to operate under their original brands.

The chief executive of Central Co-op, Debbie Robinson, stated that the new deal would “bring together the scale, reach, and commercial opportunity” of the two businesses.