FTC’s Merger Intervention Challenged

The decision to block the merger of the two office supplies giants, Staples, Inc. and Office is to be challenged.

Last week the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the FTC) announced that the planned merger may not be approved.

Now Depot Inc. says it intends to challenge FTC’s decision to block the merger of the two companies. It deems the FTC’s decision to contest the merger is in conflict with its own unanimous ruling in the Office Depot – OfficeMax merger in 2013. It will demonstrate the FTC’s decision is based on a flawed analysis and misinterpretation of the intense competitive landscape where Staples and Office Depot compete.

Staples’ Chairman and CEO Ron Sargent said, “This merger creates an unparalleled opportunity to better serve customers of Staples and Office Depot. The combined company would generate significant savings, and we’re committed to investing savings in lower prices for all customers.”

Roland Smith, Chairman and CEO of Office Depot, stated, “The combination of Staples and Office Depot is based on creating an organization able to compete in a vibrant market with strong regional players and powerful new national entrants.  We are confident that this transaction is consistent with the 2013 FTC statement in the Office Depot-Office Max merger and intend to pursue legal options in order to complete this transaction.”

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