Lessons for Cooperatives in Transition: The Case of Western Canada’s United Grain Growers and Agricore United

This paper explores the takeover of Agricore United (AU) by Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, now known as Viterra. AU’s predecessor, United Grain Growers, was a “pure” cooperative that had issued limited voting shares, but was legally defined as consisting of members and shareholders. The paper argues that members should have been consulted about the transaction. The paper draws six lessons that formerly “pure” cooperatives like AU, should observe to prevent being absorbed by a publicly held firm. It argues that hybrid organizations like AU can successfully resist a takeover bid if properly prepared.