Offer Withdrawn

Smith WH PLC
23 July 2004


                                                                    23 July 2004


                                   WH Smith PLC

                              Withdrawal by Permira


The Board of WH Smith PLC (the 'Company') notes the announcement by Jamaica
Trading Limited, a company formed by Permira Advisers Limited, that it will not
proceed with an offer for the Company.

Plans for the sale or demerger of Hodder Headline are continuing following the
receipt of a number of expressions of interest.

Kate Swann, Group Chief Executive, said:

'We can now focus fully on our turnaround plans for the UK Retail High Street
business and deliver value for our shareholders.'


Enquiries:

WHSmith                                                     [phone]
Kate Swann Group Chief Executive
John Warren Group Finance Director
Mark Boyle Investor Relations                               [phone]
Louise Evans Media Relations                                [phone]

Greenhill Financial Advisers to WHSmith                     [phone]
James Lupton
Brian Cassin
Peter Bell

Cazenove Brokers to WHSmith                                 [phone]
Ed Byers

Hoare Govett Brokers to WHSmith                             [phone]
Nigel Mills

Brunswick PR Advisers to WHSmith                            [phone]
Louise Charlton
Tom Buchanan



                      This information is provided by RNS
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