WHSmith News and Connect2U

Smith WH PLC
10 December 2001

10 December 2001

             WH Smith PLC to integrate Connect2U into WHSmith News

WH Smith PLC today announces that, following a review, Connect2U, WHSmith's
business to business trading portal, is to be integrated into WHSmith News.

This move aims to increase Connect2U's role in enhancing customer service to
WHSmith News' customers and to reduce Connect2U's emphasis on generating third
party revenue. In addition, the integration of Connect2U into WHSmith News will
ensure that all of our contacts with customers are fully co-ordinated thereby
maximising the benefit to our customers and the company. Connect2U will
continue to provide WHSmith News' customers with a full online communication
channel incorporating order management for newspapers and magazines.

Commenting today, Richard Handover, Group Chief Executive, WH Smith PLC said:

'Since we announced our decision to retain WHSmith News we have conducted a
review of Connect2U and how we can build on its successes to date.
Improving customer service remains a key area of focus for WHSmith News and the
integration of Connect2U will further enhance WHSmith News' customer offer.'

                                    - Ends-

Enquiries:

WH Smith PLC

Richard Manhire, Investor Relations                             020 7514 9686
Louise Evans, Media Relations                                   020 7514 9624


WHSmith News

Gerry Brown                                                     01793 563576


Connect2U

Carrie Goddard                                                  0118 976 9320


Notes to Editors

Connect2U is a web-based trading and information portal for news retailers
offering a range of online services including news and magazine order
management, a directory of industry services, a list of top selling magazines,
a comprehensive magazine catalogue, information on product launches and
promotions, discussion groups and email facilities.

In the results for the year ended 31 August 2001 WH Smith PLC wrote-down its
investment in Connect2U by £5 million by way of an exceptional charge.