Smiths News has secured a new long-term contract with Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) to become the exclusive wholesale distributor of the publisher's newspaper titles across Britain from January 2028.
The agreement will see the UK's largest news wholesaler distribute ANL's titles, including the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday and The i Paper, while extending its appointment through to July 2037.
The latest deal follows Smiths News' announcement earlier this month that it had secured a new distribution contract with News UK. Together, the two agreements represent around 36 per cent of the UK's national newspapers and magazines market from January 2028.
The company said delivering both contracts will require the establishment of an expanded national distribution footprint.
For retailers, Smiths News said the ANL agreement includes a freeze on delivery service charges for the duration of the contract, providing long-term cost certainty.
Jonathan Bunting, chief executive of Smiths News, described the agreement as an extension and expansion of the company's partnership with ANL.
"The ANL brands are amongst the most recognisable in the UK and our agreement will allow them to be enjoyed by consumers across Great Britain for many years to come," Bunting said.
"The extension also supports retailers through the freezing of delivery service charges for the life of the contract.
"Today's announcement continues to reinforce our position as a trusted partner for our industry and further secures a sustainable future for print news distribution, reflecting our shared commitment to supporting the industry over the long term."
Shaun Jones, head of circulation at ANL, said the deal would simplify the national distribution network while benefiting retailers.
"This agreement reinforces our long-term commitment to the loyal readers who love our newspapers by simplifying the national distribution network and supporting retailers," Jones said.
The announcement comes just days after Asian Trader reported concerns raised by independent retailers over Smiths News' service standards and complaints handling. While the wholesaler has strengthened its long-term position in the newspaper distribution market with the News UK and ANL contracts, some retailers continue to call for improvements in day-to-day service levels.