Local grocery store owners are supporting Foodstuffs' merger. 

The country's biggest supermarket operator is a step closer to merging its North and South Island divisions after 99% of owners voted in support. 

The future co-op's designated CEO, Chris Quin, told Mike Hosking that they're not surprised at the result. 

He says they've done a lot of work to ensure the families who own their stores understand why the merger would be good for their customers and community. 

The merger's still subject to Commerce Commission and High Court approval. 

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