LONDON: Connect Group announces that Smiths News has agreed a new long-term contract with The Telegraph, running from October 2019 through to September 2024, covering the distribution of The Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph.

The agreement encompasses all of Smiths News’ existing distribution territories with The Telegraph, securing annual revenues in excess of £100 million at current market values, and accounting for circa 15% of its newspaper sales.

Following other recently announced agreements, Smiths News has now secured 80% of its total newspaper and magazine revenues under new long term contracts until at least 2024.

Jos Opdeweegh, Group Chief Executive Officer, commented: “I’m delighted that we have agreed a new contract with the Telegraph. The accelerated renewal of our publisher contracts has been a strategic priority this year, and since September 2018 we have successfully renewed over £900m of annual revenues, underpinning the long-term sustainability of Smiths News and its contribution to the Group as whole.”

Connect Group PLC is a UK based specialist distributor and a leading provider of distribution solutions in complex and fragmented markets.

Smiths News is the UK’s largest newspaper and magazine wholesaling business with an approximate 55 percent market share.