Trading Statement

RNS Number : 8879M

WH Smith PLC

24 August 2011

 



24 August 2011                                                         

                                  WH SMITH PLC

                            PRE CLOSE TRADING UPDATE

WH Smith PLC will announce preliminary results for the year ending 31 August

2011 on Thursday 13 October 2011. Prior to its close period, the Company today issues the following pre close trading update.

The Travel Retail business continues its good performance and is making further progress in winning new business in the international channel. In the High Street Retail business our focus on gross margin gains and tight cost control continues to deliver a solid performance. Both businesses remain highly cash generative.

Accordingly WH Smith PLC expects the outcome for the year to 31 August 2011 to be in line with market expectations.

The Company today also announces that Simon Marinker, Managing Director of the Travel Retail business, will be retiring in December 2011 after 34 years of outstanding service to the Group.  He will continue to remain involved with the business as a consultant.  Simon Smith, Chief Operating Officer of the Travel Retail business, will assume responsibility for Travel Retail and will report directly to Kate Swann.

The WH Smith PLC preliminary results investor and analyst presentation for the year ending 31 August 2011 will be held at 9.00 am on Thursday 13 October 2011 at Merrill Lynch Financial Centre, 2 King Edward Street, London EC1A 1HQ.

                                     -Ends-

Enquiries:

WH Smith PLC

Mark Boyle                   Investor Relations               020 7851 8820

Nicola Hillman               Media Relations                  020 7851 8850

Brunswick

Simon Sporborg                                                020 7404 5959

 

END

 

 

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