Staples closes on PNI Digital Media deal
Staples has completed its acquisition of all the issued and outstanding common shares of PNI for consideration of C$1.70 per share pursuant to a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia).
The PNI common shares are expected to be delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange and the OTC QB marketplace on or about July 16. PNI also intends to submit applications and notices shortly, as applicable, to cease to be a reporting issuer, to voluntarily terminate the registration of the PNI common shares under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and to otherwise terminate its public reporting requirements as soon as possible.
The PNI Platform is a consumer-facing Platform-as-a-Service (“PaaS”) solution that is accessible online, from an in-store terminal, or from mobile devices and applications. The PNI Digital Media Platform connects consumer-ordered digital content, whether from online, in-store kiosks, or connected mobile devices and tablets with retailers that want to deploy proven omnichannel strategies and use on-demand manufacturing capabilities for the production of personalized products such as photos, photo books and calendars, business cards, greeting cards, wedding invitations, stationery and more.
Staples is also bolstering its omnichannel efforts in Europe with the launch of a number of improvements to the e-commerce experience, combined with a refreshed look and feel of key websites in Europe, including Spain, Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy and the U.K.
The refreshed user experience includes a new homepage, header and footer, along with horizontal masthead navigation, allowing customers to browse by different categories. The sites also include added features to make omnichannel shopping easier, with storefronts optimized for mobile commerce and an option to order products online and have them shipped to a Staples store. In addition, the websites provide a more personalized experience, with products and promotions that are even more relevant to Staples customers, and a more streamlined check-out process that will make it easier to conduct business with Staples.
“Staples’ new websites makes it easy for businesses to get the products they need either online or on their mobile devices,” said Willem Vos, head of e-commerce for Staples Europe. “Staples is continuously improving its websites to make it easier for its customers to search, buy and reorder the products that they’re looking for.”
This is the second major improvement to Staples’ European websites in the last six months. Earlier improvements included a more personalized way to shop, an updated search engine and easy reordering tools for frequently used products.