A major British supermarket chain has warned it could collapse, putting hundreds of stores and thousands of jobs at risk.
The business is now scrambling to secure a merger deal as it faces the threat of going bust.
Southern Co-op has warned members it faces collapse into administration following three consecutive years of financial losses.
The regional supermarket chain, operating more than 300 food stores, funeral homes and coffee shops across southern England, says merging with the national Co-op Group represents its sole path to survival.
Thousands of retail workers now face an uncertain future as the business teeters on the edge of insolvency.
Company leaders sent a letter to members on 22 April setting out the dire situation.
Members…