Disposal Talks Terminated

Smith WH PLC
4 October 2001

                                                            4 October 2001

WH Smith PLC

Termination of discussions with ABN Amro Private Equity for the sale of
WHSmith News

WH Smith PLC announces that it has terminated discussions with ABN Amro
Private Equity (UK) Limited ('ABN Amro Private Equity') for the sale of
WHSmith News.  The parties have been unable to complete the transaction on 
the terms foreseen at the time of the announcement made on 5 July 2001 when
ABN Amro Private Equity agreed in principle to purchase the business for £215
million.

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

'When we announced on 12 April 2001 our intention to sell the WHSmith News
business, we highlighted both its excellent record of cash generation and 
good future prospects as well as our determination only to sell the business
on terms which reflected its true value.

'News' trading in recent weeks has been strong and the outlook for the
business is encouraging.  This robust trading position, combined with weak
financial markets have made it inappropriate to proceed with the sale of the
business now.'


Enquiries:

WH Smith PLC

Richard Handover, Group Chief Executive     020 7409 3222
John Warren, Group Finance Director         020 7409 3222
Richard Manhire, Investor Relations         020 7514 9686
Louise Evans, Media Relations               020 7514 9624

Brunswick

Philippa Power                              020 7404 5959
Timothy Grey

To see a video interview with Richard Handover, Group Chief Executive, go to
www.cantos.com

Notes to Editors

WHSmith News is the UK's largest wholesaler of newspapers and magazines, with
33% and 36% market shares respectively. In the year ended 31 August 2000, it
generated sales of £1,047 million and operating profit of £38 million. The
business employs around 4,500 employees.

WHSmith News has a distribution network of 51 warehouses throughout England
and Wales. It receives bulk newspaper and magazines from publishers and
distributors on a daily basis and then re-packs and distributes them to over
23,000 customers, ranging from multiples to independent retailers.  In
addition, WHSmith News provides a number of value added services including
category management, information provision and merchandising.