Shoosmiths has advised Central England Co-operative in one of the most significant mergers between corporate societies in recent years, as it joins with the Midcounties Co-operative to form OurCoop, the largest independent co-operative in the UK.
Published: 12 March 2026
The member-led merger represents a historic, step for the movement, bringing together two values-driven organisations to strengthen the co‑operative model, deliver greater value for members and secure long‑term sustainability.
OurCoop is a £1.6bn independent co-operative society, employing around 13,000 colleagues and serving more than one million members, The combined organisation operates more than 500 food stores, 170 funeral homes, 70 travel agencies and almost 50 nurseries across the UK.
The transaction was led by Corporate Partner David Meisel, supported by a multi‑disciplinary team including Jade Price (Corporate), Gemma Siviter (Real Estate), Michelle Craven‑Faulkner and Rachel Rossdale (Commercial), Christian Cockcroft (Data Protection), Steph Pye (Employment), Tracey Hemingway and Suzanne Burrell (Pensions), Nicky Jenkins (IP), Hayley Saunders, Stephen Johnstone, Adam Flynn (Regulatory), and Rubina Zaidi (Regulatory), with support from Lorna Jolly and Inayah Noomahomed‑Qureshi (Financial Services).
The transaction was facilitated by a group refinancing led by Partner Ali Triptree, alongside Linda Williams (Legal Director and Partnership Secretary) and Jonny Adamson, with real estate support from Tim Flight, Helen Westwood, Natasha Sladen and Faye Pickering.
Corporate Partner David Meisel commented: “The bringing together of Central England Co-operative and Midcounties Co-operative is a significant moment for the industry. We’re proud to have advised on the merger and to have played a role in the successful formation of OurCoop that will strengthen the Co-operative brand across the UK.”
Selina Butterfield-Mashoofi, Chief Financial Officer at OurCoop, said: “This is about building long-term strength for our members. By bringing our societies together, we are creating a larger, more resilient organisation that remains firmly rooted in co-operative values while better positioned to invest, grow and deliver sustainable value for the communities we serve.”
In a joint statement, Joint Client Partners for OurCoop, Joe Stephenson, and Beth McArdle said: “We’re delighted to have played a role in connecting the Central England Co-operative and The Midcounties Co-operative, and to see both positive and impactful businesses pull together in the same direction. OurCoop will not just improve the business operations but will deliver greater value for members, create opportunities for colleagues, strengthen communities and act as a beacon for co‑operation in the UK and beyond.”
Shoosmiths’ M&A team is regularly instructed on market‑shaping transactions, including advising FOSROC on its $1.025bn sale to Saint‑Gobain, PI Industries on its offer to acquire Plant Health Care plc, and Reliance Brands on its joint venture with Mothercare plc, reflecting our strength across high‑value, strategically significant cross‑sector deals.
The Banking & Finance team worked closely with Deloitte and PwC to negotiate the refinancing terms with a syndicate of four lenders led by ABN AMRO as agent. The structure combines leveraged and real estate-backed elements and provides flexibility to support OurCoop’s future ambitions.