Historic South West newspaper wholesaler Smith News has said profits will likely be ahead of market expectations after "strong" second-half trading.

Swindon-based Smiths News said its positive performance for the six months to the end of August was driven by the news and magazines business, which has been bolstered by strong demand for collectables.

The company also received a final £2.0m dividend from the administrators of McColl’s Retail Group, which collapsed three years ago.

It added that operational efficiencies had delivered cost savings in line with expectations. Current adjusted operating profit market expectation for the 2025 financial year is £37.2m.

Jonathan Bunting, chief executive of Smiths News, said: “The group’s performance in FY2025 reflects the continued dedication an

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