Staples to "Evaluate All Alternatives" In Its Pursuit of Office Depot

It follows ODP's March 15 stated rejection of Staples' latest offer.

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FRAMINGHAM, MA — USR Parent, Inc. (Staples) announced Wednesday that, in light of the March 15 public announcement made by the board of directors of The ODP Corporation (Office Depot) indicating that ODP would be open to the potential sale of certain of ODP's assets, Staples will evaluate all alternatives in its pursuit of ODP, including, but not limited to, all of ODP or certain select assets, which may include ODP's retail and consumer-facing business, its business operations in Canada and certain other assets.  Accordingly, Staples has decided to defer the March 2021 launch of a tender offer for ODP's common shares. Staples reserves the right to commence a tender offer for ODP's common shares in the future. 

READ MORE: Office Depot Rejects Staples' Acquisition Offer, Again (published March 16)

Staples has previously filed Hart-Scott-Rodino and Canadian Competition Bureau notifications with respect to proposed Staples/ODP business combination, and is continuing to work diligently with both the Federal Trade Commission and the Canadian Competition Bureau to obtain clearance for the proposed transaction as expeditiously as possible.

This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. This communication relates to a proposal that Staples has made for a business combination transaction with The ODP Corporation. In furtherance of this proposal and subject to future developments, Staples may file one or more proxy statements, tender offer statements or other documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement, tender offer statement or other document Staples may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. This document shall not constitute the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of ODP.

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