Smiths News secures long term magazine distribution deal worth 105 million pounds annually until 2037

Shares in Smiths News PLC rose more than 5% in early trading following the announcement of new long-term distribution contracts with Frontline and Seymour Distribution. The agreements will expand the company’s exclusive wholesale distribution territories across Great Britain and extend existing arrangements through to April 2037.

The contracts, which take effect from April 2030, are projected to generate incremental annual revenues of approximately £105 million across the expanded territories. Frontline represents the UK’s largest magazine distributor, whilst Seymour Distribution, operating within the Frontline Group, holds the position of the UK’s largest independent magazine distributor. Combined, these entities control more than 60% of the UK magazine market.

The agreements follow recent contract awards from News UK and Associated Newspapers announced in June. Smiths News indicated that these four contract wins collectively provide a substantial long-term volume foundation across the national newspapers and magazines market.

Chief executive Jonathan Bunting commented that the company was pleased to announce the new contracts with Frontline and Seymour, which further strengthen long-term partnerships with publishers and distributors whilst maintaining high-quality service for millions of consumers throughout the UK. He noted that the contracts underscore the continued importance of the printed magazine market, which the company’s business model has successfully evolved to support through the creation of a sustainable, efficient and resilient route to market for the magazine category.

Smiths News stated that an expanded national distribution network will be established to support the implementation of the four contracts. The company confirmed that guidance relating to implementation costs, early-life transition costs, network expansion benefits, dividend policy and financing arrangements remains unchanged from its 17 June 2026 announcement.

The board expects to provide additional guidance on the financial impact of all four contracts when it reports preliminary financial results in November.