Pre Close Trading Update

WH SMITH PLC

PRE CLOSE TRADING UPDATE

30 August 2017

Prior to entering its close period ahead of reporting its preliminary results for the twelve months ending 31 August 2017 on 12 October 2017, WH Smith PLC announces the following pre-close update.

Our Travel business continues to deliver a strong performance with good sales across all of our channels and our new store opening programme both in the UK and internationally is in line with our plan. We have now opened our first three stores in Italy - in Rome's Fiumicino and Ciampino airports, and one in Turin airport. We continue to see further opportunities in the international news, books and convenience travel market.

Our High Street business continues to perform in line with expectations. Cost savings and margin improvements have been delivered in line with our profit focused strategy.

WH Smith PLC expects the outcome for the year to 31 August 2017 to be in line with expectations.

2017 PRELIMINARY RESULTS

The WH Smith PLC preliminary results investor and analyst presentation for the year ending 31 August 2017 will be held at 8:45am on Thursday, 12 October 2017 at

JP Morgan, One John Carpenter Street, London, EC4Y 0JP.

Enquiries:

WH Smith PLC

Mark Boyle Investor Relations 020 7406 6320

Nicola Hillman Media Relations 020 7406 6350

Brunswick

Simon Sporborg / Cerith Evans 020 7404 5959