- CEO Peter Marks encourages constituents to accelerate use of efficient vehicle technology and alternative energy sources - Threat of energy scarcity looms as oil demand to outpace extractability - Clean diesel vehicles present solid business case for U.S.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug.

The Co-operative Group has agreed to buy supermarket firm Somerfield for pounds1.565 billion on a cash-free-debt-free basis. The Co-op Group this week announced it had bought the chain, which operates about 880 retail outlets in the UK - many in and around Plymouth.

By DOUGLAS HAMILTON AFTER month of torturous negotiations, the Co-operative Group announced yesterday that it has agreed to buy rival Somerfield for GBP1.57bn in an audacious move that will create a tougher competitor for Britain's four largest supermarket chains.

By Manfreda Cavazza, Daily Mail, London Dec. 12--The UK's two biggest cooperative groups are preparing to join forces in a bid to defend themselves against the onslaught of the supermarkets.