UK retail group Co-op has completed the transfer of Southern Co-op into its wholly owned subsidiary, Siena Co-operative Limited, marking a key milestone in their planned combination. Southern Co-op will continue trading separately while awaiting CMA approval. The enlarged group would combine Southern Co-op’s 173 food outlets with Co-op’s network of more than 2,300 food stores, strengthening the co-operative’s national scale and convenience presence. (Co-op)