About WH Smith
WH Smith is a company based in Swindon (United Kingdom) founded in 1792.. The company has 15,200 employees as of August 31, 2024. WH Smith has completed 3 acquisitions, including Cult Pens, InMotion Entertainment and Marshall Retail Group.
- Headquarter Swindon, United Kingdom
- Employees 15200 as on 31 Aug, 2024
- Stage Public
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Sectors
Retail
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Email
***********
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Phone
*********
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Website
*********
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Social
*********
- Legal Name Wh Smith Plc
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Annual Revenue
$2.08 B (USD)5.43as on Aug 31, 2025
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Net Profit
$-193.67 M (USD)-366.67as on Aug 31, 2025
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EBITDA
$364.48 M (USD)2.26as on Aug 31, 2025
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Latest Funding Round
$450.48 M (USD), Post-IPO
Apr 29, 2021
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Investors
Barclays
& 3 more
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Employee Count
15200
as on Aug 31, 2024
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Investments & Acquisitions
Cult Pens
& 2 more
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IPO & Listings of WH Smith
WH Smith is a publicly listed company on the LSE with ticker symbol SMWH in UK, operating in the Retail trade sector. As a publicly traded entity, the company provides investors with opportunities to participate in its growth story through equity ownership. The listing enables access to capital markets, enhances corporate visibility, and provides liquidity for shareholders while maintaining transparency through regulatory compliance and regular financial disclosures.
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Funding Insights of WH Smith
- Total Funding Total Funding
- Total Rounds 3
- Last Round Post-IPO — $450.5M
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First Round
First Round
(30 Oct 2018)
- Investors Count 4
| Date | Amount | Transaction Name | Valuation | Lead Investors | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - WH Smith | Valuation |
investors |
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| Apr, 2020 | Amount | Post-IPO - WH Smith | Valuation |
investors |
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| Oct, 2018 | Amount | Debt – Conventional - WH Smith | Valuation |
investors |
| Date | Amount | Transaction Name | Valuation | Lead Investors | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Jan, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
Investors in WH Smith
WH Smith has secured backing from 4 investors, including institutional investors. Prominent investors backing the company include Barclays, HSBC and BNP Paribas. This diverse investor base provides strategic capital, industry expertise, and valuable network connections that support the company's growth initiatives, market expansion, and long-term value creation.
| Investor | Description | Founded Year | Domain | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Diversified financial services are provided across global markets.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Universal banking and financial advisory services are provided globally.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Founded Year | Domain | Location |
| Investor | Description | Founded Year | Domain | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Single family office of Amitabh Bachchan, founder of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation or AB CORP
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Startup ecosystems are ignited through strategic investments by Signite Partners.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Venture capital is directed toward companies in multiple sectors.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location | |
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Venture capital is invested in cybersecurity, fintech, and AI startups.
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Founded Year | Domain | Location |
Investments & Acquisitions by WH Smith
WH Smith has strategically engaged in corporate development activities, having acquired 3 companies. Notable acquisitions include Cult Pens, InMotion Entertainment and Marshall Retail Group. These strategic investments and acquisitions demonstrate the company's commitment to growth through portfolio expansion, market consolidation, technology integration, and strategic partnerships that enhance competitive positioning and drive long-term value creation.
| Company Name | Description | Domain | Location | Founded Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Bionic investment advisor platform
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2016 | ||||
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Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
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2016 | ||||
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Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
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2014 | ||||
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Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
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2016 |
| Company Name | Description | Domain | Location | Founded Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Online retailer of stationery products
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2005 | ||||
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Travel-related electronics and accessories are retailed at airports.
|
1999 | ||||
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Specialty retail stores are operated in airports and casino resorts.
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1955 |
| Company Name | Description | Domain | Location | Founded Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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OVO is recognized as a smart digital payment application.
|
2017 | ||||
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Bionic investment advisor platform
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2016 | ||||
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Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
|
2014 | ||||
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Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
|
2014 |
Financial Statements - WH Smith
| Date | Amount | Transaction Name | Valuation | Lead Investors | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
|
| Jan, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
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| Feb, 2021 | Amount | Post-IPO - Grab | Valuation |
investors |
Wh Smith Comparisons
Competitors of WH Smith
| Company Name | Domain | Founded year | HQ Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
Multiple services are booked via an app-based platform.
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
On-demand services are booked through an app-based platform.
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
App based platform offering on demand delivery and ride-hailing services
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| domain | founded_year | HQ Location |
Operates an on-demand hyperlocal delivery app for food and groceries.
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Latest news on Wh Smith
Frequently Asked Questions about WH Smith
When was WH Smith founded?
WH Smith was founded in 1792 and raised its 1st funding round 226 years after it was founded.
Where is WH Smith located?
WH Smith is headquartered in Swindon, United Kingdom. It is registered at Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom.
How many employees does WH Smith have?
As of Aug 31, 2024, the latest employee count at WH Smith is 15,200.
What is the annual revenue of WH Smith?
Annual revenue of WH Smith is $2.08B as on Aug 31, 2025.
What does WH Smith do?
Founded in 1792, WHSmith is headquartered in Swindon, United Kingdom, and operates as a retailer in the consumer goods sector. A diverse range of products, including books, stationery, and travel items, is offered through physical stores and the online platform at whsmith.co.uk. Nationwide operations in the UK focus on serving everyday consumer needs with established supply chains and distribution networks.
Is WH Smith publicly traded?
Yes, WH Smith is publicly traded on LSE under the ticker symbol SMWH.
How many acquisitions has WH Smith made?
WH Smith has made 3 acquisitions, including Cult Pens, InMotion Entertainment, and Marshall Retail Group.
Who are WH Smith's investors?
WH Smith has 4 investors. Key investors include Barclays, HSBC, BNP Paribas, and Santander Corporate Investment Banking.
What is WH Smith's ticker symbol?
The ticker symbol of WH Smith is SMWH on LSE.