Midcounties Co-op to take on 16 Central England Co-op stores

The 16 shops, which have supported more than 25,000 customers over the past 12 months, will reopen under the Co-operative Travel brand.

The move will see Midcounties consolidate its position as the UK’s largest travel co-operative, increasing its Co-operative Travel store count to more than 70.

New branches will "complement" existing trading areas, Co-operative Travel said on Thursday (9 July), and will significantly increase its presence in the east of England.

In total, 78 Central England Co-op staff will join Co-operative Travel as a result of the agreement, which the business said was part of a "wider co-operative movement to reduce costs".