WH Smith
This coverage examines WH Smith’s operations and strategy within the UK retail sector, focusing on travel and high-street store performance, product range adaptations, supply chain logistics, and digital initiatives. Reporting highlights leadership decisions, market positioning, and consumer trends, offering insights for retail executives, category managers, and professionals in travel and convenience retail.
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Mar- 2025 -25 MarchHigh Street
WH Smith completes refinancing amid plans to sell high street arm
WH Smith has successfully completed a refinancing, which includes its first US Private Placement (USPP) as well as a new bank term loan of £120m, ahead of the group’s potential sale of its high street arm. The £200m USPP notes have a maturity of seven, 10 and 12 years and…
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19 MarchHigh Street
New TOFS owner eyes potential CVA and store closures
Modella Capital, the owner of The Original Factory Shop (TOFS), is reportedly working with Interpath Advisory on a potential company voluntary arrangement, according to Sky News. Having acquired the retailer four weeks ago with no remaining bank debt, Modella is seeking to restructure the business and is currently “exploring options”. …
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13 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-13/3/25
John Lewis Partnership has announced that its staff will not receive a bonus for the third consecutive year, despite tripling its full-year profits from £42m to £126m. Instead, the company is investing £114m into staff pay, building on a £116m increase in 2024, and up to £600m in business transformation.…
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13 MarchHigh Street
Hobbycraft owner eyes potential restructuring
Hobbycraft owner, Modella Capital, has reportedly enlisted advisers from FRP to explore a restructuring at the crafts chain, Sky News has reported. Modella, which acquired the retailer seven months ago, is examining its options such as a company voluntary arrangement (CVA). CVAs, which are frequently used to facilitate store closures…
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10 MarchNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-10/3/25
WH Smith is nearing a decision on the sale of its high street business, with two bidders, Alteri Investors and Modello Capital, remaining in the race. The retailer, which has seen its Travel business outperform high street outlets, confirmed in January it was exploring strategic options, including a potential sale.…
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10 MarchHigh Street
Two bidders remain in running for WH Smith high street arm
Only two firms reportedly remain in the running to acquire WH Smith’s high street business, with a possible decision coming sometime this spring, according to Sky News. The news outlet revealed that Alteri Investors, which owns Bensons for Beds, and the Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop owner Modello Capital…
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Feb- 2025 -10 FebruaryHigh Street
New WH Smith owner ‘could close’ half of high street stores, experts warn
Any potential new WH Smith owner could close at least half of the retailer’s 500 high street stores if they take over the business, The Guardian has reported. It comes as industry experts told the outlet that they could see a reduction in the size of the business after any…
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Jan- 2025 -28 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-28/1/25
HMV owner Doug Putman is reportedly exploring a bid for WH Smith’s high street arm after the retailer announced plans to sell its 500-store chain. Modella Capital, owner of Hobbycraft, is also in talks regarding a potential acquisition, although the outcome remains unclear. WH Smith’s move comes as its high…
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28 JanuaryHigh Street
HMV owner eyes bid for WH Smith’s high street arm
The owner of HMV is reportedly considering snapping up WH Smith’s high street arm, after the retailer this week confirmed it was exploring a potential sale of its 500 high street stores. According to The Sun, it is understood that HMV owner Doug Putman is now in talks with advisers over…
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27 JanuaryNews-In-Brief
Today’s news in brief-27/1/25
WH Smith is exploring the sale of its high street arm to focus on its global Travel business, which now contributes 75% of revenue and 85% of profits. The potential sale, managed by bankers at Greenhill, comes amid a 9% decline in high street profits to £39m, although group revenue…
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