Connect Group
Connect Group PLC is a specialist distributor, 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 is made up of four divisions: News & Media (including Smiths News, the newspaper and magazine distributor); Books (including the book wholesaler Bertrams); Education & Care (including The Consortium and West Mercia Supplies); and Parcel Freight (including Tuffnells).
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). The demerger took effect on 30 August 2006.
Rebrand to Connect Group PLC