News International Contract

RNS Number : 1795U

Smiths News PLC

19 June 2009

 



Smiths News PLC

News International Contract

Smiths News PLC, the UK's leading wholesaler of newspapers and magazines, announced in its Interim Management Statement in July 2008 that it had successfully negotiated a new contract with News International which would take effect from July 2009.

At the request of News International, Smiths News has agreed to begin distributing newspapers and magazines to five additional areas (Luton / Harlow, Warrington, Coventry, Lancing (Brighton), Swindon), with effect from next Monday 22 June, two weeks earlier than planned.  All other territories will start as planned on 6 July. 

Mark Cashmore, Chief Executive of Smiths News commented:

'We are delighted to be able to support News International with its request to accelerate the commencement of this contract. It is a tribute to the quality of our people and our operational planning that we are able to take on these areas two weeks earlier than scheduled.'

Enquiries:

Smiths News PLC Mark Cashmore, Chief Executive	Tel: [phone]
Alan Humphrey, Finance Director
Buchanan Communications Mark Edwards / Jeremy Garcia	Tel: [phone]

About Smiths News PLC:

Smiths News PLC comprises Smiths News, the UK's leading wholesaler of newspapers and magazines and Bertrams, a leading UK book wholesaler. The Group was formed on 1 September 2006 following the demerger of WH Smith PLC.

Smiths News distributes newspapers and magazines on behalf of all the major national publishers as well as a large number of regional publishers. The business serves approximately 23,000 customers across England and Wales, supplying large general retailers as well as smaller independent newsagents. Smiths News has an approximate 40 per cent share of the magazine wholesaling sector and an approximate 36 per cent share of the newspaper wholesaling sector in the UK.

In addition to its distribution activities, Smiths News collects and processes returns, supplies sales information to publishers and provides a range of services for its retail customers.

Bertrams, which was acquired on 20 March 2009, supplies books to a mix of independent booksellers, on-line and multiple retailers, and libraries. Bertrams has an approximate 45 per cent share of the wholesale book market.

Smiths News PLC operates from 46 distribution centres across England and Wales, and employs 4,600 staff.

 

END

 

 

MSCCKCKKCBKKDAD