REG - WH Smith PLC - Completion of Sale

WH SmithAnnouncement

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RNS Number : 8585O  WH Smith PLC  30 June 2025

 

 WH Smith PLC

 

The global travel retailer

 

30 June 2025

 

WHSmith announces completion of the sale of its UK High Street business,

creating a pure play global travel retailer

 

WH Smith PLC ("WHSmith" or "the Group") announces that, further to its
announcement on 28 March 2025, it has completed the sale of its UK High
Street business1 to Modella Capital (the "Transaction").

 

This Transaction is consistent with the Group's strategic focus on travel
retail and creates a pure play global travel retailer which is well positioned
to capture the substantial global growth opportunities in its key markets and
drive enhanced shareholder value.

Following the agreement and announcement of the sale, the future of the High
Street business under a change of ownership has led to a more cautious outlook
amongst stakeholders. This, combined with a period of softer trading, has
resulted in a reduction in the ongoing cash flow of the business.
Consequently, Modella has recently sought amendments to the construct of the
Transaction.

 

Having reflected carefully on the options and alternatives and, in particular,
the value to the Group and its shareholders of ensuring a successful
completion of the Transaction, the Group entered into negotiations to
establish revised terms for the Transaction given the original agreement was
no longer deliverable.

 

Accordingly, the revised sale value terms are as follows:

o  Up-front consideration of £10m received at completion

o  Up to £20m of deferred consideration whereby WHSmith and Modella equally
share in the cash flow generation of the business to August 2026

o  Up to £10m of additional proceeds based on timing and realisation of
certain tax assets within the High Street business

 

In summary, WHSmith expects gross cash proceeds of up to £40m (with £10m
expected in FY25; up to £20m in FY26; and £10m of deferred tax assets
delivered as it becomes payable). This compares to the previous announcement
of £52m of gross cash proceeds. Transaction and separation costs remain
unchanged at £27m.

 

Following the Transaction, WHSmith expects Headline net debt as at 31 August
2025 to be around £425m.

 

As the Group enters the peak summer trading period, the Travel divisions
continue to trade in line with market expectations.

 

 

Enquiries:

WH Smith PLC

Nicola Hillman                        Media Relations
                                     +44 1793 563354

Mark Boyle                             Investor
Relations
+44 7879 897687

 

Brunswick

Tim Danaher
 
 +44 20 7404 5959

 

(1) Sale does not include online businesses, including funkypigeon.com

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