Smiths News has announced that as of April 22, it will become Connect Group PLC, as part of its strategy to become “a more broadly diversified distribution business”.

The move has distanced the company even further from its print background that originated from stationer and retailer WHSmith. The UK’s largest newspaper and magazine distributer separated from WHSmith eight years ago, and has since widened its range of services to include books, education supplies and health products.

However, the announcement on the Smiths News Group website stated that companies currently within the group will not change their name, meaning retailers will still be connected to the Smiths News identity.