I’ve heard from several people in recent weeks that WH Smith is close to making another retail acquisition in Australia and that their focus is on the newsagency channel. The reports have intensified this week with a specific acquisition target being named. If true, it will change the newsagency landscape in Australia and reveal more about the plans WH Smith has for their engagement in Australia.
While I am not joining the rumours and naming the reported target here, I will note I think that WH Smith is investing in Australia for the long term. I am certain they have a plan that requires a retail critical mass that they do not have with their current retail footprint.
As their plan evolves, newsagents will realise the potential impact at the local business level. Smart newsagents will step up to the challenge.
I bet they’re taking over supanews.
I’ve not heard anything about that Andrew.
Hallmark
No ‘ED’. My understanding is they are looking solely at retail businesses.
Two schooners on supanews.
They buy me out 🙂
Given where Supanews has locations (at least here in QLD) buying them out would put WH Smith in some quite high traffic locations (Central Station in Brisbane for one has a Supanews and a few Supanews Express outlets)
Ok I’m upping the ante to three schooners it’s supanews
It seems they have a strategy of buying distressed retail chains with high traffic locations. Makes sense. Pay small with a view to securing quality locations to plug and play their model.