Smiths News strikes multi-million pound Marketforce deal

Connect Group’s Smiths News has struck a long term deal with magazine distributor Marketforce, worth £130m in annual turnover.

The agreement secures all Smiths News' distribution territories with Marketforce from 2020 through to 2025.

Marketforce is part of TI Media and its portfolio accounts for approximately 38% share of the UK magazine market.

As well as representing TI Media, Marketforce distributes on behalf of publishers such as Hello!, DCThomson and Future Publishing.

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In addition, Marketforce is the largest distributor of collectables to the UK news trade.

Jos Opdeweegh, CEO at Connect Group, said: "We are delighted to confirm this new agreement with Marketforce, which represents a milestone in our strategy to accelerate the renewal of our key contracts.

“We have now absolute clarity on the magazine footprint and I'm confident that our constructive discussions with the remaining publishers will soon ensure the same for the remaining newspaper contracts."