sentences:  Co-operative federations are a means through which co-operatives can fulfill the sixth Co-operative Principle, co-operation among co-operatives.The International Co-operative Alliance notes that "“Co-operatives serve their members most effectively and strengthen the co-operative movement by working together through local, national, regional and international structures.”"
  
  According to co-operative economist Charles Gide, the aim of a co-operative wholesale society, which is owned by retail consumer co-operatives, is to arrange "bulk purchases, and, if possible, organise production".The best historical examples of this were the English and Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Societies, which were the forerunners to the modern Co-operative Group.