Response to press speculation

27 January 2025

WH SMITH PLC

The global travel retailer

Response to press speculation

WH Smith PLC ("WHSmith", or the "Group") notes the recent press speculation regarding its High Street business.

WHSmith confirms that it is exploring potential strategic options for this profitable and cash generative part of the Group, including a possible sale. 

Over the past decade, WHSmith has become a focused global travel retailer. The Group's Travel business has over 1,200 stores across 32 countries, and three-quarters of the Group's revenue and 85% of its trading profit comes from the Travel business. 

There can be no certainty that any agreement will be reached, and further updates will be provided as and when appropriate.

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About WHSmith

WHSmith is a leading global travel retailer for travel essentials with a smaller business on the UK high street. With more than 1,700 stores across 32 countries worldwide, WHSmith offers customers a wide range of travel essentials, including food to go, drinks, health and beauty, tech accessories, books, newspapers & magazines. The business has a growing international business with over 600 stores, primarily across the world's leading airports. This includes more than 300 stores in North America, the world's largest travel retail market.