In a move to expand to the U.S., U.K. retailer WH Smith is buying InMotion for $198 million, according to the Bookseller. Founded in 1998, InMotion has 114 stores in 43 airports in the U.S. that sell "digital accessories" such as headphones and earbuds, travel accessories, mobile power, portable speakers and cameras. WH Smith said InMotion would provide it with "a scalable platform to launch the WH Smith airport format into the U.S." At the same time, the company said the move will allow it "to grow the digital accessories format in key markets outside of North America where WH Smith is present."
In some 1,400 shops that are primarily at airports, train stations, downtowns, highway stops and hospitals, WH Smith sells books, stationery, magazines, newspapers, entertainment and travel products and some food. Most of its stores are in the U.K., although it has operations in some 27 other countries, mostly in airports, but not in the U.S. At various times, WH Smith owned Waterstone's and Hodder Headline.
WH Smith group chief executive Stephen Clarke said that the acquisition will double the size of the company's international travel business. InMotion will operate as a standalone part of that business, and the senior management team will continue to head InMotion.