Staples makes offer to buy Corporate Express

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. Staples today confirmed that it will make a public offer for all the outstanding ordinary shares and American depositary shares issued by Corporate Express for a price of EUR 7.25 ($8.63) per ordinary share and ADS.

"While we continue to be disappointed that Corporate Express' Executive and Supervisory Boards have not entered into a negotiation with us about the transaction, we remain very enthusiastic about a combination between the two companies," said Ron Sargent, Staples chairman and ceo. "Based on public information, Staples firmly believes its proposal is the most valuable option available to Corporate Express' shareholders and will deliver significant benefits for customers and employees."

Staples expects to submit a request for approval of the offer memorandum in respect of the offer to the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets before May 13, which is the date by which under Dutch law a request for approval must be submitted to the AFM. In addition, Staples plans to make all necessary competition regulatory filings prior to May 13.