Smiths News (LSE:SNWS) has won a long-term exclusive distribution contract with Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday and The i Paper, adding approximately £105m in annual revenue from January 2028 when the expanded national territories take effect.
The deal extends Smiths News's existing ANL relationship to July 2037 and broadens the geographic scope of the company's appointment to cover all of Great Britain, up from its previous regional footprint.
Combined with the News UK contract announced on 17 June, the two agreements give Smiths News exclusive wholesale distribution rights covering approximately 36% of the national newspapers and magazines market from January 2028.
The contract is described as carrying enhanced commercial terms, and delivery charges for retailers will be frozen for the full contract life.
"We are delighted to announce the extension and expansion of our partnership with ANL through to 2037," said chief executive Jonathan Bunting.
Guidance on implementation costs, early-life transition costs, network expansion benefits, dividend policy and financing arrangements remains as set out in the News UK announcement on 17 June. The board expects to provide fuller financial guidance on the combined impact of both contracts at its preliminary results on 4 November.
