Merging societies announce name

MEMBERS will decide if the proposed merger between Ipswich and Norwich and Colchester and East Essex societies is to go ahead at meetings over the next two months....

MEMBERS will decide if the proposed merger between Ipswich and Norwich and Colchester and East Essex societies is to go ahead at meetings over the next two months.

The new super Co-op will be called East of England Co-operative Society and operational from the end of October if approved.

It will be the fifth largest retail society in the UK with 200 trading outlets and annual sales of more than &#163 400 million.

Colchester&#039s Chief Executive Chris Blanchett will initially head the merged society until he retires in October 2006, then handing over the top job to Ipswich&#039s Chief Officer Richard Samson.

Mr Samson will take the role of Chief Executive designate during the first year.

Meetings to approve the merger will take place at the end of September for Ipswich and Norwich members, while the Colchester and East Essex will vote at two meetings in October.

A joint statement from both the societies said: "A successful merger will create the fifth largest Co-operative Society in the UK and will offer employees increased career opportunities while working for one of the biggest and most diverse businesses in the region."
The societies also detailed the benefits members and staff would gain from an enlarged society.
It said there will be no compulsory redundancies and a successful merger of the two co-operatives would increase development opportunities throughout Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.

The statement added: "A successful merger would ultimately give added convenience to members of both Societies, who would be able to receive dividend on their purchases whether they were shopping in Norwich, Ipswich or Colchester, or indeed in any of the other 65 towns and villages in the region where the Societies trade."

Special General Meetings for Ipswich and Norwich Society members will be as follows:

• The Assembly House, Theatre Street, Norwich, on Monday 26th September 2005 at 7.30 p.m.
• The Town Hall, Sudbury, on Tuesday, 27th September 2005 at 4.00 p.m.
• The Robert Cross Hall, Ipswich Corn Exchange, on Wednesday 28th September 2005 at 7.30 p.m.

Members of Colchester and East Essex Society will be asked to approve the merger at two meetings; the first will be a Special General Meeting, the second a Confirmatory Meeting, as follows:

• Colchester Garrison Officers&#039 Club, St John&#039s Green, Colchester, on Wednesday 5th October 2005 at 7.30 p.m.

• Colchester Garrison Officers&#039 Club, St John&#039s Green, Colchester, on Wednesday 26th October 2005, to be held at 7.30 p.m.

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