The Co-operative Group plans to close Somerfield’s head office in Bristol next year, putting hundreds of jobs at risk.

The Co-operative Group chief executive Peter Marks said that the closure will be part of the integration of Somerfield, The Independent reported. The Co-op will next month complete its£1.57bn acquisition of Somerfield and expects to convert more than 650 Somerfield stores to its fascia over the next few years.

Marks said that the two chains would be run separately for about 18 months. Somerfield’s head office in Bristol, which employs 750 staff, will then be closed.

Many of Somerfield’s head office staff will be offered the chance to relocate to the Co-op’s head office in Manchester.

The completion of The Co-op’s acquisition of Somerfield will create the UK’s fifth-largest grocer, with more than 3,000 food stores.

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