Boca Raton, Fla. — Office Depot, Inc. intends to sell its European business to The AURELIUS Group. Office Depot had previously disclosed its intention to explore strategic alternatives regarding its European business, under a process that began earlier this year.
“The sale of our European business will allow us to streamline operations and focus our resources on markets that will provide the best opportunity to implement our recently announced 3-year strategic plan,” says Roland Smith, chairman and chief executive officer for Office Depot. “The AURELIUS Group has a proven track record of positioning its acquisitions for future success and we look forward to working with them to complete this transaction.”
Since 2005, AURELIUS has completed more than 70 transactions across Europe and specializes in investing in companies and corporate spin-offs, as well as complex divisional carve-outs from corporates.
The transaction is structured as an equity sale, for nominal consideration, with the buyer acquiring the European business with its assets and liabilities. Annual revenue for the European business is approximately EUR 2 billion. The transaction, which has been approved by Office Depot’s board of directors, is subject to regulatory approval from the European Commission and consultation with the central works council, which represents employees in France. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2016.
Goldman, Sachs & Co. acted as Office Depot’s exclusive financial advisor on the transaction.
Office Depot, Inc. has approximately 1,800 retail stores operating under several banner brands, including Office Depot, OfficeMax, Grand & Toy, and Viking. For more information, visit: http://news.officedepot.com.
SOURCE: Office Depot, Inc.