The Co-op is run on behalf of its members
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The Co-operative Group (Co-op), the UK's fifth largest supermarket chain, has said it is in talks about buying rival Somerfield.
Discussions are at an early stage, but the Co-op said there would be a "strong fit" between the two companies.
The news came as the Co-op said it would spend £1.5bn to revamp its business and lift its fortunes, after 2007 profits fell 46% to £195.5m.
The firm aims to double its profits over the next three years.
Declining profits
The Manchester-based Co-op is a mutual business, run on behalf of its 2.5 million members.
It expanded in July of last year when it merged with fellow mutual United Co-operatives.
With more than 4,300 retail outlets across the UK, it employs 85,000 people.
The Co-op blamed the decline in profits on factors including post-merger integration costs.
Dividend payments to its customer members have more than doubled from £22m to £45m.
"The Co-operative Group now has the critical mass necessary to deliver real change," said Co-op chief executive Peter Marks.
Bristol-based Somerfield has 900 stores.
Apax, Barclays Capital and a private equity consortium led by property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz bought it for £1.1bn in 2005.
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