Commencement of share buyback programme

WH Smith PLC (the "Company") announces that it has entered into an arrangement with Barclays Bank PLC ("Barclays"). The arrangement allows Barclays to purchase ordinary shares ("Shares") in the Company during the period from the date of this announcement to 15 April 2025. These share purchases will be made by Barclays acting as riskless principal and in accordance with the arrangement and, in the case of any purchases made during closed periods, shall be made independently of and uninfluenced by the Company.

Any share purchases effected pursuant to the arrangement will be subject to the terms of the arrangement with Barclays and in any case will be effected in a manner consistent with both the general authority vested in the Company to repurchase shares and the Financial Conduct Authority's Listing Rules. The aggregate purchase price under this arrangement will not exceed £25,000,000.

Following the purchase of the Shares, they will be cancelled. The sole purpose of these share purchases is to reduce the Company's share capital.