The Board of WH Smith PLC (the "Company") notes the announcement by Jamaica Trading Limited, a company formed by Permira Advisers Limited, that it will not proceed with an offer for the Company.
Plans for the sale or demerger of Hodder Headline are continuing following the receipt of a number of expressions of interest.
Kate Swann, Group Chief Executive, said:
"We can now focus fully on our turnaround plans for the UK Retail High Street business and deliver value for our shareholders."
Enquiries to -
WH Smith Media Relations: Louise Evans, 020 7851 8850
WH Smith Investor Relations: Mark Boyle, 020 7851 8820
Greenhill (Financial Advisers to WHSmith): James Lupton/Brian Cassin/Peter Bell, 020 7440 0400
Cazenove (Broker to WHSmith): Edmund Byers, 020 7558 2828
Hoare Govett (Broker to WHSmith): Nigel Mills, 020 7678 8000
Brunswick (PR Advisers to WHSmith): Louise Charlton, 020 7404 5959