Alshaya Takes Over 48 Starbucks Outlets; UK Co-op Merger Includes Cafés
Alshaya Group has acquired exclusive operating rights for Starbucks in Greece and Cyprus, taking over 48 outlets and 500 employees from the Marinopoulos family. Separately, a proposed merger between UK Co-op Group and Southern Co-op would integrate Southern’s 300 outlets, including Starbucks branches, into an enlarged society.
1. Alshaya Group Assumes Greece & Cyprus Operations
Kuwaiti conglomerate Alshaya Group has become the exclusive owner and operator of Starbucks licensed business in Greece and Cyprus, assuming control of 48 outlets (30 in Greece, 18 in Cyprus) and around 500 staff previously run by the Marinopoulos family. Under new entities Alshaya Hellas SMSA and Murgab Cyprus, operations will continue uninterrupted while management explores customer-experience refinements and potential store expansion.
2. UK Co-op and Southern Co-op Merger to Include Starbucks
The Co-op Group and Southern Co-op have proposed a merger that would bring Southern’s 300 outlets—including its Starbucks coffee branches—into a single society with over seven million members. Subject to member and regulatory approval, the combined organisation will operate stores, funeral services and Starbucks cafés separately during a transitional phase before full integration in Q3 2026.