Disclaimer :

The Competition DG makes the information provided by the notifying parties in section 1.2 of Form CO available to the public in order to increase transparency. This information has been prepared by the notifying parties under their sole responsibility, and its content in no way prejudges the view the Commission may take of the planned operation. Nor can the Commission be held responsible for any incorrect or misleading information contained therein.

Description of the concentration

The notified concentration involves the proposed acquisition of sole control by the Cerberus Group of the European business of Staples, Inc. ("Staples Europe") (the "Proposed Transaction") within the meaning of Article 3(1 )(b) of the EU Merger Regulation.

The Cerberus Group is a private investment firm which is engaged in investment in real property and personal property of all kinds, including, but not limited to, capital stock, depository receipts, investment companies, mutual funds, subscriptions, warrants, bonds, notes, debentures, options and other securities of different kinds and nature in diverse industries worldwide. Although no particular industry constitutes a significant proportion of the Cerberus Group's turnover, some of the main sectors in which the undertakings controlled by the Cerberus Group generate turnover are financial services, manufacturing, building materials and real estate.

Staples Europe offers office supplies, technology products and services, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, copy and print services and a wide range of other product categories to businesses and consumers.

Commission européenne, DG COMP MERGER REGISTRY, 1049 Bruxelles, BELGIQUE Europese Commissie, DG COMP MERGER REGISTRY, 1049 Brussel, BELGIË

Tel: +32 229-91111. Fax: +32 229-64301. E-mail: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu.