Britain’s Co-op Group faced a massive financial hit after a cyberattack in April 2025. The incident wiped out £206 million in revenue over the six months ending July 5. Operating profit fell by £80 million, turning a previous £3 million profit into a £75 million pre-tax loss.
The attack disrupted multiple business areas, including food retail, funeral care, legal services, and insurance. To contain the breach, Co-op shut down critical systems, which caused operational interruptions. These measures, though necessary, temporarily slowed services and workflows across the company.
Co-op management acted swiftly to protect customer data and minimize long-term impact. Staff worked around the clock to restore normal operations while maintaining service quality. The group reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cybersecurity measures and operational resilience.
Looking forward, Co-op expects the financial impact to lessen in the second half of 2025 as systems stabilize. The total estimated profit loss for the full year from the cyberattack may reach £120 million, factoring in possible insurance recoveries.
This cyberattack follows a similar incident at rival Marks & Spencer, highlighting growing digital threats to major retailers. Experts stress that robust cybersecurity frameworks and employee training are now essential for protecting revenue and customer trust.
The Co-op’s experience underscores the urgent need for proactive cybersecurity planning. Swift response, preventive measures, and resilient operational strategies are key to mitigating such attacks. Businesses must continually assess their systems to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.
For Co-op, quick containment and recovery efforts prevented further losses while sending a strong message about digital security. The group’s approach demonstrates that rapid action and strong planning can safeguard both profits and reputation.
This incident is a reminder for companies worldwide: cyberattacks can strike anytime, but preparation and resilience turn crises into manageable challenges. For Co-op, the lessons learned will shape stronger defenses and secure operations for the future.