Smiths News

Last updated

Smiths News PLC
FormerlySmiths News PLC
Company type PLC
LSE:  SNWS
Industry Distribution
Founded2006
Headquarters,
Key people
David Blackwood, (Chairman)
Jonathan Bunting, (CEO)
ProductsNewspapers and magazines, consumables, books
BrandsWHSmith News, WHSmith Travel
ServicesBooks, stationery, newspapers, convenience food
RevenueIncrease2.svg £1,091.9 million (2023) [1]
Increase2.svg £38.8 million (2023) [1]
Increase2.svg £25.1 million (2023) [1]
Website www.smithsnews.co.uk

Smiths News is a distributor of newspapers, magazines, books and consumables, headquartered in Swindon, England. It is a constiuent of the FTSE SmallCap Index

Contents

History

The company, originally established as "WHSmith News", was renamed Smiths News PLC on its demerger from WHSmith on 1 September 2006. [2]

In April 2014, the company rebranded as Connect Group PLC to reflect the diversity of the company's markets. [3]

The company purchased Tuffnells Parcels Express for more than £100m in November 2014 [4] but, after several years of poor performance under the group's stewardship, sold it for £15m in April 2020. [5]

In October 2020 Connect Group PLC changed its name back to Smiths News PLC. [6]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 "Annual Report 2023" (PDF). Smiths News. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
  2. "WH Smith to demerge news distribution next month with one-for-one share plan". CityWire. 27 June 2006. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
  3. "Smiths News to be rebranded as Connect, severing its print history". The Guardian. 18 March 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
  4. "Connect Group acquires Tuffnells Parcel Express". The Telegraph. 12 November 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
  5. "Connect Group to sell Tuffnells in £15m deal". Insider Media. 15 April 2020. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
  6. "Rebranded Smiths News reports 51% fall in profits amid pandemic". Mediashotz. 12 November 2020. Retrieved 7 February 2024.