Convert an existing business to a co-op
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There are many benefits to converting a business to a co‑operative. Learn about what's involved in an employee or community buy-out.
Converting to co-operative ownership
The most common forms of conversion are:
- Community buy-outs – where key assets and enterprises are taken into the ownership of the local community, or a community of interest.
- Employee buy-outs – where ownership of a business is transferred to its employees. Find out if you are eligible for support to help with your conversion.
- Charity conversions – where traditional charities convert into democratically-owned charitable organisations, often using community shares. Contact our advice team for help with this.
We needed to make sure employees have a say and a vote – that they have control.
– Stephen Gill, founder of VME Co-op
Group of people in front of a building
Get support to convert to co-operative ownership
Support is available through our co-op support programme, The Hive
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