Coop

What Coop does

coop eG is a German eingetragene Genossenschaft (registered cooperative) founded in 1899 and headquartered in Schwentinental/Kiel, operating for 126 years as of 2025 under member-owned democratic governance (Vertreterversammlung). It serves approximately 70,000 individual members (cooptimisten) in Schleswig-Holstein and northern Germany who join by purchasing cooperative shares (€50 per share, up to 200 shares / €10,000) plus a €5 entry fee, receiving annual dividends (currently 3%, distributing ~€2.5M in June 2026 for FY2025) and access to exclusive discounts across a network of more than 65 cooperation partners spanning retail (REWE), mobility (SprottenFlotte, Stena Line, scuddy, Küstenrad), travel and leisure (Adler-Schiffe, Wolff Concerts, Rainer Abicht Elbreederei), health (Lubinus Aktiv, fitnessRAUM), and services (Peuka, Wein & Vinos). Its core technology stack consists of a digital member portal (Mitgliederportal) for membership management, digital coupons and dividend statements, a cooptimistenkarte available as a physical card or in Apple/Google Wallet, an upcoming dedicated mobile app consolidating card and portal functionality, and a new ERP system — alongside standard web analytics (Matomo) and paid media tracking, with no disclosed AI/ML capabilities.

The cooperative monetizes through three primary revenue streams: (1) recurring membership share capital and dividend economics backed by real estate and business participations (Unternehmensbeteiligungen), (2) managed real estate operations encompassing commercial properties (13,000 m² in the forthcoming coop Quartier) and cooperative residential housing (6,400 m² / 100 apartments), and (3) affiliate/referral value from the cooperation partner network, supplemented by transactional discount economics. GTM is community-led: word-of-mouth, member testimonials, partnership cross-promotion, bi-weekly cooptimistennachrichten newsletter, sponsorships (THW Kiel, SHMF music festival, Wolff Concerts), and the new Kieler Volksbank cross-cooperative referral (July 2026) which offers reciprocal share gifts to new joiners. The customer segment is horizontal — German consumers prioritizing fair trade, sustainability, and collective savings — while commercial tenants and residential tenants of coop-immobilien form a secondary mid-market segment. The company maintains no parent, no VC/PE ownership, and is audited by Genoverband e.V. under the German cooperative law framework, with the Zentralverband deutscher Konsumgenossenschaften e.V. as its national umbrella affiliation.

Name

Coop

Legal name

coop eG (eingetragene Genossenschaft)

Website

https://coop.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1899

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

coop eG is a 126-year-old German cooperative in Kiel serving ~70,000 members (cooptimisten) through cooperative shares yielding 3% annual dividends and exclusive discounts across 65+ regional partners spanning retail, mobility, travel, and services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Consumer Cooperative / Membership Services

akta.pro primary industry

Multi-Stakeholder Grocery Cooperatives (CRAHALAD)

Keywords

• Consumer cooperative
• Membership benefits
• Cooperative shares
• Partner discount network
• Cooperative housing

Headquarters

HQ city

Deutschlandberg

HQ country

Austria

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Shares and Dividends: Members purchase cooperative shares (Geschäftsanteile) at 50€ per share (up to 200 shares maximum = 10,000€). The cooperative generates returns through real estate investments, business participations (Unternehmensbeteiligungen), and operations, paying annual dividends to members (currently 3%). Total dividend payout of approximately 2.5 million euros distributed in June 2026.
2. Real Estate Operations: Coop develops, manages, and rents both residential and commercial real estate properties. The new coop Quartier in Kiel Sörensenstraße includes 6,400 m² residential and 13,000 m² commercial space. Revenue comes from rental income and property value appreciation.
3. Cooperation Partner Commissions: Coop earns value through its network of over 65 cooperation partners who offer exclusive discounts to members. While direct commission structures are not detailed, the partner network drives member acquisition and retention.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Coop eG is a German consumer cooperative that sells cooperative shares (Genossenschaftsanteile) at €50 each, granting members access to exclusive discounts at 65+ cooperation partners, a 3% annual dividend on shares, and member-exclusive cooperative housing. Its portfolio centers on the cooptimistenkarte membership card, the digital Mitgliederportal, a bi-weekly newsletter, and a real estate division (coopimmobilien) operating residential and commercial properties.

Product overview

Coop (coop eG) is a German cooperative (Genossenschaft) headquartered in Kiel/Schwentinental, operating primarily as a membership-based consumer cooperative with approximately 70,000 members (cooptimisten). Its product portfolio centers on a cooperative membership system built around the cooptimistenkarte (available as a digital card in Apple/Google Wallet or as a printed card), which grants members access to exclusive discounts and benefits through over 65 cooperationspartners across retail, mobility, travel, health, leisure, and services. Members participate through the digital Mitgliederportal (with an upcoming mobile app consolidating the card and portal functions) and receive a bi-weekly newsletter (cooptimistennachrichten). Financial participation is via Genossenschaftsanteile (cooperative shares at 50 € each) earning a 3% annual dividend. A significant secondary business is Coop Immobilien, encompassing commercial real estate (office/practice spaces in the new coop Quartier) and residential cooperative housing. The Unser Norden Stiftung supports regional community projects. The organization operates with democratic governance via a Vertreterversammlung (representatives' assembly) elected by members.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Unser Norden Stiftung: Foundation established by coop and REWE to support cultural and musical projects in the Schleswig-Holstein region, including donations to the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival (SHMF).
• cooptimistennachrichten
• coop Quartier

Products and services

• Cooptimistenkarte (Coop Membership Card) Physical or digital membership card (available in Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or as a printed card) that members present at over 65 cooperation partners to receive exclusive discounts and benefits across retail, mobility, travel, health, and services.
• Coop Mitgliederportal Digital platform where coop members manage their membership, access online vouchers, view dividend statements, read the digital edition of the member magazine coUP, and communicate with the cooperative — fully digital and paperless.
• Cooptimistennachrichten (Coop Newsletter) Bi-weekly email newsletter delivering current offers, tips, and news about Coop's community, new vouchers, discount campaigns, and real estate projects to members and prospects. Separate tracks for members and non-members.
• Coop Genossenschaftsanteile mit Dividende (Cooperative Shares with Dividend) Cooperative shares (Genossenschaftsanteile) priced at €50 per share (up to 200 shares / €10,000 maximum), earning an annual dividend of currently 3%, with approximately €2.5 million distributed to members in June 2026 for fiscal year 2025. Members also gain voting rights in the cooperative.
• Coop Immobilien (Coop Real Estate) Real estate management and leasing for both commercial (office and practice spaces) and residential properties. The new coop Quartier in Kiel adds 100 sustainably-built cooperative apartments (6,400 m² residential) and 13,000 m² commercial space, with completion planned for autumn 2026. Residential apartments are offered exclusively to members.

Quantifiable outcome

• Members can save over 150€ annually on REWE grocery purchases alone, with potential total savings of 500€+ when combining all partner discounts
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kieler VolksbankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTwo cooperatives collaborating: Kieler Volksbank became a cooperation partner in July 2026. Kieler Volksbank members receive 50€ gift when joining coop (minimum 2 shares), while coop members receive up to 100€ in cooperative shares plus 2€ account fee discount and up to 288€ cashback on credit cards for new bank accounts.
• REWE Group (REWE Nord GmbH)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerREWE markets offer coop members 2.5% instant discount on every purchase plus 10% rotating category discounts. Participating stores in Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and selected locations in Hamburg, Brandenburg, and Lower Saxony. Partnership co-sponsored the 5,000€ donation to SHMF Singstars project.
• Lubinus AktivminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRehabilitation and therapy center offering coop members 10% discount on massages and free parking. Three locations in Kiel, operated in tradition of 1895 Zander Institute.
• Küstenrad E-Bike StoresminorGTM or Marketing PartnerE-bike retailer with stores in Kiel, Neumünster, Eckernförde, and Brunsbüttel. Coop members receive 100€ helmet as gift when purchasing or leasing an e-bike.
• scuddyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGerman-made electric mobility vehicles (3-wheel and 4-wheel scooters) made in Kiel. Coop members receive 135€ benefit including free KlickFix basket and ABUS security lock with purchase.
• RAINER ABICHT ElbreedereiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGermany's largest privately-owned inland shipping company with 31 ships. Coop members receive 30% instant discount on harbor tours and excursions in Hamburg.
• Unser Norden StiftungcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation co-funded 5,000€ donation to SHMF Singstars children's music project, together with coop eG and REWE. Demonstrates cooperative commitment to community and cultural enrichment in northern Germany.
• Stena LineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFerry operator from Kiel to Sweden. Coop members receive up to 10% discount on bookings through dedicated coop booking page on stenaline.de.
• PeukaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerParking platform partner (June 2026 Partner of the Month). Offers 15% discount on private parking spots via app and digital parking at public facilities in German cities with minute-accurate billing.
• SprottenFlotteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBike-sharing system in KielRegion with 700+ bicycles at 130+ stations. Coop members receive 720 free minutes (12 hours) as exclusive benefit.
• Wein & VinosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEurope's leading specialist for Spanish wines. Coop members receive 10€ discount on first order and 5% on subsequent orders.
• Wolff ConcertsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLive entertainment promoter on Sylt organizing 200+ events annually. Coop members receive 15% discount on concert tickets including Queen tribute shows, Loriot performances, and Matthias Reim concerts.
• Genoverband e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoop's designated audit association (Prüfungsverband) headquartered in Schwerin. Responsible for auditing cooperative governance and financial compliance per German cooperative law.
• Zentralverband deutscher Konsumgenossenschaften e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational umbrella organization for German consumer cooperatives based in Hamburg. Coop eG and its subsidiaries are members per §37 of the cooperative charter. Provides guidance on compensation and governance standards.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• REWE Group: REWE is both Coop's largest anchor discount partner and a broader grocery incumbent operating its own loyalty program (REWE Bonus). It is comparable as a regional/anchor retail player with overlapping consumer base and partnership-driven value proposition in Schleswig-Holstein.
• Migros: Swiss retail cooperative combining member benefits, partner ecosystems, and real estate banking services (Migros Bank). Comparable as a diversified cooperative that monetizes member relationships across grocery, financial services, and adjacent categories — analogous to Coop eG's strategic direction.
• Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken: Germany's cooperative banking sector (BVR network) shares the Genossenschaft legal form and member-dividend model with Coop eG. The Kieler Volksbank partnership demonstrates direct comparability and cross-cooperative member referral dynamics in northern Germany.

Direct peers

• Coop (Switzerland): Swiss Coop operates a structurally identical retail cooperative model with member dividends (via Supercard points), partner discounts, and large real estate operations. As a sister-name cooperative, it provides the strongest cross-border analog for Coop eG's multi-stream membership-and-real-estate strategy.
• EDEKA: EDEKA is Germany's largest supermarket cooperative, structurally the closest analog to Coop eG as a member-owned German Genossenschaft with regional member benefits. Both operate member-share models and partner-discount ecosystems in northern Germany, often competing for the same consumer cooperative member.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/1899coopeG
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/coop-eg-1899

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Coop