The plan to merge the Oxford, Swindon & Gloucester Co-op (OS&G) with the West Midlands Co-op has moved a step closer, after members of the two societies voted in favour of the integration.

A further meeting to confirm the original vote was taking place as C-Store went to press, but representatives from the two companies believe this will be a formality.
The merger will create the fourth largest co-operative in the UK, becoming effective on September 24.

As name and fascia for the new society, which will incorporate 134 c-stores, has yet to be decided but both will be announced nearer the completion of the merger.
West Midlands Co-op president Doreen Shaw and OS&G chief executive Bob Burlton both expressed their delight with their members’ backing for the move.