SNWS Smiths News Plc

TIDMCNCT

RNS Number : 0831C

Connect Group PLC

27 September 2018

Connect Group PLC

('Connect Group', 'the Group', or 'the Company')

Business Unit Accountabilities and Notification of Change in Director's Role

Connect Group today announces that it is to re-establish business unit leadership in relation to Smiths News and Tuffnells.

The decision follows a challenging year for the Group, during which it has pursued a strategy to integrate its combined operations. While good progress was made in centralising support services, the Group has concluded that there are not the same synergies to be achieved at a network and operating level. Establishing business unit leadership for both Smiths News and Tuffnells aims to strengthen the focus and accountability of each business as a key element of adapting a customer-centric approach, while retaining the scale efficiencies of central support.

The following senior management appointments will take effect from 1 October 2018:

1. Jonathan Bunting, previously Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of Smiths News, including responsibility for DMD. Jonathan will remain an Executive Director of the Company.

2. Peter Birks will join the Group as Chief Executive Officer of Tuffnells. Peter brings a wealth of experience in logistics, having held senior executive roles across a number of successful and innovative UK-based distribution businesses including Premier Farnell/Avnet, Staples, Lyreco, 3M, Acco and Office Depot.

Commenting on the new structure, Jos Opdeweegh, Chief Executive Officer said:

'A review of last year has highlighted the opportunity for both of our operating businesses to benefit from dedicated and focused attention. I am confident that this new structure will help to improve our operational excellence and network capability, qualities that are essential for our long-term success'.

Enquiries:

Connect Group PLC

Jos Opdeweegh, Chief Executive Officer

Tony Grace, Chief Financial Officer

www.connectgroupplc.com

01793 563641

Berenberg

Chris Bowman / Toby Flaux

connect@berenberg.com

www.berenberg.com

020 3207 7800

Buchanan

Richard Oldworth

connect@buchanan.uk.com

Tel: 020 7466 5000

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END

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