WH Smiths to sell brand

WH Smiths have announced that they are in negotiations to sell their high street operations. 

The company is listed on the London Stock exchange, and opened its first store in London in 1792, making it 233 years old. It has a market capitalisation of roughly £1.5 billion, and the sale of it has been focused on its 500 shops, all of which sell books, stationary, food, cards, newspapers and gifts. The high street division of the company maintained a profit of £32 million in 2024.

The company holds around 5,000 employees, all of whom now face uncertainty due to the sale announcement. Bankers at Greenhill have been appointed to assist with the sale process, and a deal is rumoured to be expected over the next few months.