Connect Group


Connect Group PLC is 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. In April 2014, Smiths News PLC rebranded as Connect Group PLC to reflect the diversity of the Group's markets.
Connect Group PLC comprises Smiths News, the UK's largest newspaper and magazine wholesaler; Dawson Media Direct. 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.

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, and Smiths News PLC. 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.