Duyuru • Apr 26
WH Smith PLC Declares No Interim Dividend for the Period Ended 28 February 2026 WH Smith PLC Board has not declared an interim dividend in respect of the six-month period to 28 February 2026. The dividend has been suspended to support the strengthening of the balance sheet and the Group will look to reinstate returns to shareholders when excess cash is available. Duyuru • Apr 25
WH Smith PLC Announces Board and Committee Changes The Board of WH Smith PLC announced that Colette Burke, Non-Executive Director, will be stepping down as a director of the Company on 30 June 2026 having served for three years. The company also announced that Situl Jobanputra will become Chair of the Remuneration Committee with immediate effect. Duyuru • Apr 08
WH Smith PLC Announces Board Changes, Effective April 7, 2026 WH Smith PLC announced that following shareholder approval at the Company's General Meeting on March 12, 2026, Leo Quinn assumes his role of Executive Chair of WH Smith PLC with effect from April 7, 2026. Andrew Harrison will now step down from the Board with immediate effect. Duyuru • Mar 12
WH Smith PLC Announces Election Of Leo Quinn As Director, Effective April 7, 2026 WH Smith PLC held a General Meeting for shareholders at 9.00am on March 12, 2026 and elected Leo Quinn as a director with effect from April 7, 2026. All resolutions put to the General Meeting were passed by shareholders. Duyuru • Mar 05
WH Smith PLC to Report First Half, 2026 Results on Apr 23, 2026 WH Smith PLC announced that they will report first half, 2026 results on Apr 23, 2026 Duyuru • Jan 19
WH Smith PLC Announces Management Changes WH Smith PLC has appointed Leo Quinn as Executive Chair. Leo Quinn is recognized for his successful track record at Balfour Beatty, QinetiQ, and De La Rue, and is expected to provide the necessary leadership and strategic direction for WH Smith. The Board of the Company announced its intention to appoint Leo Quinn as Executive Chairman with effect from 7 April 2026. This appointment will be subject to shareholder approval. Leo has over 20 years' experience as CEO of UK publicly quoted companies, most recently as Group Chief Executive of Balfour Beatty plc, the UK's largest infrastructure company. In each case he has led significant business transformation, driving sustained cashflows and strong shareholder returns, including over £5 billion of total shareholder value. Prior to that he spent over two decades in leadership roles at global companies, including seven years in the US. Annette Court will step down as Chair and non-executive director at the end of the Company's Annual General Meeting on 2 February 2026. In addition to continuing as Senior Independent Director, Simon Emeny will act as Interim non-executive Chairman until Leo's appointment. Accordingly, the resolution to re-elect Annette as a director of the Company will be withdrawn. Duyuru • Dec 20
WH Smith PLC, Annual General Meeting, Feb 02, 2026 WH Smith PLC, Annual General Meeting, Feb 02, 2026. Duyuru • Dec 19
WH Smith PLC Announces Stepping Down of Nicky Dulieu, Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee, Effective February 2, 2026 WH Smith PLC announces that it has received notice from Nicky Dulieu, Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee, of her intention to step down as a director of the Company at next year's Annual General Meeting which is due to be held on February 2, 2026. Nicky is stepping down to focus on her other work and business commitments. Duyuru • Jul 29
Card Factory plc (LSE:CARD) agreed to acquire Funkypigeon.Com Limited from WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH) for £24 million. Card Factory plc (LSE:CARD) agreed to acquire Funkypigeon.Com Limited from WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH) for £24 million on July 29, 2025. Consideration represents an enterprise value of £26 million on a cash and debt-free basis and an equity value of £24 million. Net cash proceeds, when adjusted for transaction costs, are anticipated to be £21 million and will be used to improve the Group's net debt position. The consideration of £24 million is subject to customary closing adjustments, implying an EV/EBITDA multiple of c.5 times. The acquisition will be funded from draw down of up to £35 million under the accordion facility provided by cardfactory's banking syndicate, as part of its current debt facilities.
Completion of the Transaction is subject to the receipt of any required regulatory approvals and expected to occur before the end of the calendar year.
Tim Danaher of Brunswick Group LLP acted as financial advisor to WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH) Duyuru • Jun 30
Modella Capital Limited completed the acquisition of UK High Street business of WHSmith for £40 million. Modella Capital Limited agreed to acquire UK High Street business of WHSmith for £52 million on March 28, 2025. Gross cash proceeds of £52 million, with anticipated net cash proceeds of £25m when adjusted for transaction and separation costs, to be deployed in-line with the Group's capital allocation policy. The sale does not include the Group's personalised online greeting card business, funkypigeon.com. The Group will explore strategic options for this part of the Group, including a possible sale.
The transaction is expected to close by end of June 2025.
Robert Moore, Ben Ward, Hayley Brady, Peter Dalton, Will Nevin, Casey Dalton, Heather Newton of Herbert Smith Freehills LLP and Antonia Silvestri, Perran Jervis of TLT LLP acted as legal advisors to WHSmith. Greenhill & Co. International LLP is acting as financial adviser to WHSmith. Sandra Wong, Emma Roake, Duncan McMeekin, Nick Smee, Suki Tonks, Claire Burns of Browne Jacobson LLP acted as legal advisor to Modella Capital Limited. Ian Houghton WHSmith's general in house counsel provided the advise on the transaction.
Modella Capital Limited completed the acquisition of UK High Street business of WHSmith for £40 million on June 30, 2025. As part of the revised consideration, Modella Capital Limited would pay Up-front consideration of £10 million at completion, Up to £20 million of deferred consideration whereby WHSmith and Modella equally share in the cash flow generation of the business to August 2026 ando Up to £10 million of additional proceeds based on timing and realisation of certain tax assets within the High Street business. Transaction and separation costs remain unchanged at £27 million. Duyuru • Jun 13
Palliser Capital Announces it Plans to Improve Shareholder Returns at WH Smith On June 12, 2025, Palliser Capital announced it has acquired a nearly 5% stake in WH Smith PLC and announced it plans to examine the Company’s leverage targets and capital allocation policy with the aim of improving returns for shareholders. Duyuru • Apr 24
WH Smith PLC to Report Fiscal Year 2025 Results on Nov 13, 2025 WH Smith PLC announced that they will report fiscal year 2025 results on Nov 13, 2025 Duyuru • Apr 16
WH Smith PLC Declares an Interim Dividend for the Period Ended 28 February 2025, Payable on 31 July 2025 The board of WH Smith PLC has declared an interim dividend in respect of the period ended 28 February 2025 of 11.3 pence per share (2024: 11.0 pence per share). This reflects its strong start to the year, the cash generative nature of the business and confidence in the future growth prospects of the Group. Over time, the company aim to have a cover ratio of around 2.5 times earnings. The dividend payments are paid on an interim and final basis with a 1/3:2/3 split. The interim dividend will be paid on 31 July 2025 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 11 July 2025. Duyuru • Jan 29
HMV Owner Reportedly Mulls WH Smith Swoop THE owner of HMV is considering a bid for WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH)'s high street business as the retailer focuses on travel. Billionaire Doug Putman is said to be eyeing a potential swoop for the shops, according to The Sun. Private equity groups Hilco, Alteri and Modella Capital have also been named as potential suitors. It comes as WH Smith confirmed it was considering quitting the high street after 230 years to focus on shops in train stations, airports and other travel hubs. The announcement has raised fears of possible job losses and closures. WH Smith has around 5,000 staff in its 500 high street shops across the country. Paddy Lillis, the general secretary of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, said: "Staff at WH Smith are yet again plunged into a period of uncertainty and they are very worried about their futures. We urge the current owners and any buyer to fully engage with the staff to protect their jobs and help this longstanding, iconic brand to thrive in the future." Hilco and Alteri declined to comment. Mr. Putman and Modella did not respond to requests for comment. Duyuru • Dec 10
WH Smith PLC, Annual General Meeting, Jan 29, 2025 WH Smith PLC, Annual General Meeting, Jan 29, 2025. Location: the offices of herbert smith freehills llp, exchange house, primrose street, ec2a 2eg, london United Kingdom Duyuru • Dec 06
WH Smith PLC to Report First Half, 2025 Results on Apr 16, 2025 WH Smith PLC announced that they will report first half, 2025 results on Apr 16, 2025 Duyuru • Nov 14
WH Smith PLC Proposes Final Dividend for the Year Ended 31 August 2024, Payable on 6 February 2025 WH Smith PLC has proposed a final dividend of 22.6 pence per share in respect of the financial year ended 31 August 2024, which together with the interim dividend, gives a full year dividend of 33.6 pence per share. This reflects the cash generative nature of the business and the company's confidence in the future prospects of the Group. Subject to shareholder approval, the dividend will be paid on 6 February 2025 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 17 January 2025. Duyuru • Sep 26
WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH) announces an Equity Buyback for £25 million worth of its shares. WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH) announces a share repurchase program. Under the program, the company has entered into an arrangement with Barclays Bank PLC to repurchase £25 million worth of its shares. The purpose of program is to reduce the Company's share capital. The repurchased shares will be cancelled. The program will be valid till April 15, 2025. Duyuru • Jun 14
WH Smith PLC Announces Board and Audit Committee Changes WH Smith PLC announced the appointment of Helen Rose as a Non-Executive Director and Audit Committee Chair designate with effect from 1 July 2024. Upon appointment, Helen will become a member of the Audit, ESG, Nominations and Remuneration Committees. Helen will also become Chair of the Audit Committee on 1 December 2024 after Nicky Dulieu has completed the 2024 financial year-end. Nicky Dulieu will continue in her role as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee. Helen is a chartered accountant and former senior finance and operations leader with considerable experience in multi-site retail and financial services sectors. She is also a Non-Executive Director of Greencore plc. Duyuru • Apr 27
WH Smith PLC Declares an Interim Dividend in Respect of the Period Ending 29 February 2024, Payable on 1 August 2024 The directors of WH Smith PLC have declared an interim dividend in respect of the period ending 29 February 2024 of 11.0 pence per ordinary share. This will be paid on 1 August 2024 to shareholders registered at the close of business on 12 July 2024. Duyuru • Mar 16
WH Smith PLC Announces CFO Changes WH Smith PLC announced that Robert Moorhead, after more than 20 years with the business, has advised the Board of his intention to retire as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. He will be succeeded by Max Izzard, currently SVP Group and Corporate Finance at Burberry PLC. Max will join the Company on 1 September 2024. Robert will step down from the Board on 30 November 2024. Max will be appointed to the Board with effect from 1 December 2024. Max is a highly experienced finance director, with deep expertise in multi-site international consumer businesses. He is currently SVP of Group and Corporate Finance at Burberry PLC. Max has held a variety of senior roles there over the last 6 years, helping to support the strategic transformation and development of the business, overseeing the group finance functions, tax and treasury. Prior to Burberry, Max held several senior commercial and group finance roles at IHG PLC. Robert joined the Company in 2004 as Finance Director - Retail. Robert was appointed Chief Financial Officer in 2008 and Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer in 2013. Robert has played an important leadership role in transforming WH Smith into a global travel retailer. Duyuru • Mar 15
WH Smith PLC Announces Executive Changes WH Smith PLC announced that Robert Moorhead, after more than 20 years with the business, has advised the Board of his intention to retire as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. He will be succeeded by Max Izzard, currently SVP Group and Corporate Finance at Burberry PLC. Max will join the Company on 1 September 2024. Robert will step down from the Board on 30 November 2024. Max will be appointed to the Board with effect from 1 December 2024. Max is a highly experienced finance director, with deep expertise in multi-site international consumer businesses. He is currently SVP of Group and Corporate Finance at Burberry PLC. Max has held a variety of senior roles there over the last 6 years, helping to support the strategic transformation and development of the business, overseeing the group finance functions, tax and treasury. Prior to Burberry, Max held several senior commercial and group finance roles at IHG PLC. Robert joined the Company in 2004 as Finance Director - Retail. Robert was appointed Chief Financial Officer in 2008 and Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer in 2013. Robert has played an important leadership role in transforming WH Smith into a global travel retailer. Duyuru • Feb 07
WH Smith Announces Board Changes WH Smith announced the appointment ofSitul Jobanputraas a Non-Executive Director with effect from 1 March 2024. Upon appointment, Situl will become a member of the Audit, Nominations and Remuneration Committees and Chair of the ESG Committee. Situl joins the Board of WH Smith with significant financial and property expertise. He is Chief Financial Officer of Shaftesbury Capital PLC, having joined the company 10 years ago and served on its board since 2017. Situl is an experienced corporate financier, having previously worked in mergers and acquisitions, equity capital markets, corporate broking and real estate investment banking, latterly at Deutsche Bank. WH Smith also announces that Marion Sears will step down as a Non-Executive Director with effect from today's date. Nicky Dulieu, Non-Executive Director, will succeed Marion Sears as Chair of the Remuneration Committee. Nicky has been a member of the Remuneration Committee since joining the Board in September 2020. Duyuru • Oct 24
WH Smith PLC, Annual General Meeting, Jan 26, 2024 WH Smith PLC, Annual General Meeting, Jan 26, 2024. Duyuru • Sep 13
WH Smith PLC Announces Board Changes WH Smith PLC announced that Kal Atwal, non-executive director and Chair of the ESG Committee, will be stepping down from the Board of WH Smith with effect from 12 September 2023. The Board has commenced a process to appoint a new non-executive director and will update the market in due course. Marion Sears, non-executive director, has been appointed as Chair of the ESG Committee with effect from 12 September 2023. Duyuru • Jul 26
WH Smith PLC to Report Fiscal Year 2023 Results on Nov 09, 2023 WH Smith PLC announced that they will report fiscal year 2023 results on Nov 09, 2023 Duyuru • May 18
WH Smith PLC Appoints Colette Burke as Non-Executive Director, Effective July 1, 2023 WH Smith PLC announced that Colette Burke has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director with effect from 1st July 2023. Colette is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of the LEGO Group, and was previously Global Head of Sales and Marketing at Bose Corporation. Colette brings significant US and retail experience from her roles at Bose Corporation and the LEGO Group. Duyuru • Jan 18
WH Smith PLC to Report First Half, 2023 Results on Apr 20, 2023 WH Smith PLC announced that they will report first half, 2023 results on Apr 20, 2023 Duyuru • Jan 13
WH Smith PLC Announces Not Stand for Re-Election of Maurice Thompson, Non-Executive Director WH Smith PLC announced that Maurice Thompson, non-executive director of the company has informed the board that he does not intend to stand for re-election at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 18 January 2023 and, as such, will cease to be a member of the board effective from the end of the AGM. Duyuru • Nov 15
WH Smith PLC, Annual General Meeting, Jan 18, 2023 WH Smith PLC, Annual General Meeting, Jan 18, 2023. Agenda: To consider a final dividend of 9.1 pence per share.