Smiths News to distribute Midland News Association titles; renews Marketforce contract

Smiths News on Friday announced that it has secured a new five year contract with the magazine distributor Marketforce (UK) Limited.

The latest deal follows the announcement on Monday of the distribution of Midland News Association (MNA) titles, following its acquisition by National World plc.

The new Marketforce agreement secures all of Smiths News’ current distribution territories in the UK through to 2029, representing 31 per cent of its magazine revenues and 9 per cent of our total newspaper and magazine revenues.

Marketforce is part of Future plc and as well as distributing Future’s titles, Marketforce also represents a broad portfolio of independent publishers.

Based on current sales, the collaboration with the MNA is expected to bring in an extra approximate £4.5 million in evenue and an additional 300 special delivery drops every day.

“We currently distribute to retailers in these areas and these titles, such as the iconic Express & Star and Shropshire Star brands will be integrated into our existing distribution operation. This new venture represents an increase in our sales and provides significant benefits for our retailers in these regions as well as simplifying their in-store processes and removing the complexity of dealing with multiple suppliers,” the company said.

Together with other recently announced contract awards, Smiths News has now renewed agreements representing 74 per cent of its current newspaper and magazine revenues.

“Following previous contract wins, we are delighted to confirm this new agreement with Marketforce, a position that further cements our critical role in the wholesale distribution of news and magazines and which allows us to continue to invest in the long-term sustainability and simplification of the supply chain,” Jon Bunting, chief executive, commented.

“Having now secured all of our major magazine contracts we remain confident that we will reach similar agreements with the remaining newspaper contracts.”