Re Contract

Smith WH PLC
27 February 2001



WH Smith PLC
Successful Renewal of Frontline Contract

WH Smith PLC today confirmed that Frontline, the magazine sales and trade
marketing company and its sister company, Seymour Distribution, have renewed
their contract with WHSmith News, the Group's newspaper and magazine
distribution business.

Frontline represents magazine publishers including, EMAP, BBC, Haymarket,
Attic Futura.  In December 2000, all the wholesalers, including WHSmith News,
were invited to tender for the contract due for renewal in April 2001.

WHSmith News currently distributes 28% of Frontline's business.   The new,
three- year contract increases WHSmith News' share of Frontline business to
30% and will deliver a similar level of profitability as the current contract.

Commenting today, Richard Handover, Chief Executive, said:

'I am very pleased that Lloyd Wigglesworth and his team have achieved this
contract renewal with Frontline.  Frontline business represents an important
part of WHSmith News' overall portfolio and its renewal strengthens the
outlook for the business going forward.'

Lloyd Wigglesworth, Managing Director of WHSmith News, also commented:

'We are delighted with the outcome of negotiations and now wish to move
forward working closely with Frontline to achieve our mutual commercial goals
and the Eight Point Plan for the industry.'

Enquiries to:                          
                                       
Investor Relations                     
Richard Manhire                        020 7514 9686
Corporate Affairs                      
Philippa Power                         020 7514 9624