An update on our plans to Create a New Society

Dear Colleague,

This evening, we held the second of two Special Members’ Meetings to consider the proposed merger with Central Co-op.

At this meeting, Members were asked to vote to confirm the decision made at the first meeting, to bring together our two Societies, and we are pleased to share that the resolution has been approved.

In total, 542 Members voted, with 97% voting in support of creating our new Society. This means that the merger has now been formally approved by Members of both Central and Midcounties, and the work to legally bring together our two great Societies will now begin.

This marks an important moment for our Society and the wider co-operative movement. On 26^th January 2026, Midcounties Co-operative and Central Co-op will officially join together to create a new Society built on shared values, purpose and co-operative principles.

There will be more to come over the next few weeks about the leadership structure of our new Society, the timeline for transition and opportunities for Members to take part in a vote to select the legal name of the new Society.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about what the merger means for you, please contact us at ask@midcounties.coop.

Thank you for your continued commitment and co-operation.

Phil Ponsonby, CEO, Midcounties Co-operative