The Co-op Group

The Co-operative Group is a United Kingdom consumers' co-operative, and, after the acquisition of Somerfield supermarkets, is the world's largest consumer-owned business, with over 4.5 million members and 87,000 employees across all its businesses. Regional and local retail co-operative societies are corporate members of the Group.

The Co-operative Group is a family of businesses, led by its principles and owned by its members; it is not controlled by shareholders or financial investors solely for the pursuit of profit. Each of the members has an equal right to a say in how the business is run and how its social goals are achieved. The family of businesses comprises: food, travel, banking, insurance, pharmacy, funeral, legal services, investments, online shop, electrical and beds. Membership is open to everyone as long as they share the Group's values and principles. Every year members receive a share of the profits that they helped to create, based on the amount made in profits that year and the how much they had spent with any of its businesses.

Formerly the Co-operative Wholesale Society Limited (CWS), the name was changed to Co-operative Group (CWS) Limited in 2001 following the transfer of engagements of Co-operative Retail Services (CRS) to the CWS in 2000. CWS Retail was formed in 1933 and demerged in 1957 as CRS, with the purpose of opening shops in co-operative deserts and taking over failing retail societies. The Group merged with United Co-operatives, based in Yorkshire and northwest England, on 29 July 2007, reinforcing its position as the largest consumer co-operative in the world.[3] The current simplified name was adopted in December 2007.[4]