ABN Amro Capital, the private equity arm of the eponymous Dutch bank, said it was confident that WHSmith would deliver its news distribution arm in the form agreed, despite reports to the contrary.

A report earlier this week suggested Comag, Frontline and Market Force, the three largest UK magazine distributors, might walk away from their agreements with WHSmith if ownership changed. They hold 76% of the UK magazine market. The £215m (€349.6m) buyout was announced two weeks ago.