Are discussions under way on the next WH Smith acquisition?

I have heard from three suppliers in the last 24 hours that UK retail group WH Smith is in negotiation with an Australian newsagency group to acquire franchisor management control of that network and add it to its rapidly growing portfolio. We know from recent acquisitions that WH Smith prefer the franchise model over corporate stores.

If the reports lead to an acquisition, it will shake up the channel and considerably challenge several key newsagent suppliers.

I don’t have confirmation from the group so I will not name them here.