Acquisition Update

RNS Number : 8579X

Smiths News PLC

21 August 2009

 



Smiths News PLC

Smiths News acquires certain assets from Dawson Holdings - acquisition update

Smiths News PLC notes today’s Office of Fair Trading announcement regarding the recent acquisition by its subsidiary, Smiths News Trading Limited, of a number of assets of Surridge Dawson Limited (“Dawson”)following Dawson entering administration on 3 August 2009.

The OFT announced this afternoon that, on the information currently available to it, it would not refer the acquisition to the Competition Commission under the provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002.

Enquiries:

Smiths News PLC Mark Cashmore, Chief Executive Alan Humphrey, Finance Director	Tel: [phone]
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 30,000 customers across England and Wales, supplying large general retailers as well as smaller independent newsagents. Smiths News has an approximate 56 per cent share of the magazine wholesaling sector and an approximate 52 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 68 distribution centres across England and Wales, and employs 6,300 staff.

 

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