BOCA RATON, FLA. — The merger agreement between Staples Inc. (NASDAQ: SPLS) and Office Depot Inc. (NASDAQ: ODP) has been terminated. As a result, Office Depot will receive a cash payment from Staples of $250 million on May 19, 2016. The news comes after Office Depot and Staples had recently agreed to extend their merger agreement termination date from February 4, 2016 to May 16, 2016. Staples had begun discussions to acquire Office Depot in September 2014. Simultaneously, Office Depot has successfully extended its asset-based credit facility for an additional 5 years. The new $1.2 billion facility will mature on May 13, 2021. The amended credit agreement reduces the overall fees and applicable spread on borrowing and modifies certain covenants to provide additional flexibility for incremental indebtedness, acquisitions, asset sales and restricted payments. Boca Raton-based Office Depot has annual sales of approximately $14 billion and has approximately 1,800 retail stores. The company operates under several banner brands including Office Depot, OfficeMax, Grand & Toy and Viking.
Staples had begun discussions to acquire Office Depot in September 2014. The merger agreement between the two office supply retailers has been terminated.
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