Connect Group

Connect Group PLC was a distributor of newspapers, magazines, books and consumables, headquartered in Swindon, England. The company, originally known as 'WHSmith News' was created and renamed Smiths News PLC on 1 September 2006 from the demerger of W H Smith plc.[2] In April 2014, Smiths News PLC rebranded as Connect Group PLC to reflect the diversity of the Group's markets.

Connect Group PLC
FormerlySmiths News PLC
TypePLC
LSE: CNCT
IndustryDistribution
Founded2006
Headquarters
Swindon
,
United Kingdom
ProductsNewspapers and magazines, consumables, books
BrandsWHSmith News, WHSmith Travel
ServicesBooks, stationery, newspapers, convenience food
Revenue £1,089 million GBP (2014)[1]
Websitewww.connectgroupplc.com

The Group purchased Tuffnells Parcels Express in late 2014 for more than £100m but sold it in 2020 for £15m after several years of poor performance under the group's stewardship.

In October 2020 Connect Group PLC reverted to Smiths News PLC signalling a return to the company's core competence and expertise. Smiths News PLC comprises: Smiths News, the UK's largest newspaper and magazine wholesaler; Dawson Media Direct, international media supplier to airlines and travel points; Instore, specialists in field-based marketing and supply chain auditing; Martin Lavell, leading corporate news distributor.

Demerger

On 12 April 2006, the board of WH Smith PLC announced its intention to demerge the retail and news distribution arms of the business into two separate companies. The resulting companies are W H Smith PLC (continues as the retail arm), and Smiths News PLC (former news distribution arm).[3] The demerger took effect on 30 August 2006.

Rebrand to Connect Group PLC

On 17 March 2014, Smiths News PLC announced it would be renamed Connect Group PLC. This took effect on 22 April 2014 .

References
  1. Annual Report and Accounts 2014 — Connect Group. Viewed online, 21 March 2015.
  2. Smiths News: about us Archived 2006-11-08 at the Wayback Machine — Smiths News. Viewed online, 8 October 2006.
  3. Separation of W H Smith Retail and News Distribution businesses via a Demerger — W H Smith PLC. Viewed online, 8 October 2006.


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