Staples expands its presence abroad

Staples is accelerating its pursuit of growth opportunities abroad even as the company awaits regulatory approval of a proposed merger with Office Depot.

Staples has announced a partnership with Bidvest Waltons, South Africa’s leading office products company, and Dacris, a major distributor of office supplies in Romania.

Staples says these partnerships will enable customers with global presence to further extend their global procurement programs through a single source solution and thereby simplify ordering processes, identify ways to reduce overall costs and gain better insights into their spending trends.

“Our goal is to help our customers consolidate spend by allowing them to purchase everything they need from a single source,” said Christian Horn, SVP Staples Advantage, Europe. “Our wide offering and our ability to serve more customers in more regions will help businesses run a more productive and sustainable workplace at the lowest possible total cost.”

Staples Advantage, the business-to-business division of Staples, provides its customers with a one source solution featuring comprehensive products and services including office supplies, technology, printing, promotional products, furniture and facility supplies, along with a customized level of account support and best-in-class customer service.

The proposed merger between Staples and Office Depot hinges on a pending review by the Federal Trade Commission and a vote by Office Depot's shareholders.

Staples operates more than 2,200 stores worldwide.