STAPLES TO ENTER TAIWAN MARKET

Staples enters Taiwan OP market
June
2006 – Framingham (MAS): Staples has expanded its international focus
after it sealed a joint venture agreement with Taiwan’s UB Office
Systems.The deal establishes a platform for Staples to enter the $2.5
billion Taiwanese OP sector and will create a direct link-up between
the US company and UB Express, the office supplies delivery business
unit of UB Office Systems.”As Staples expands globally, the Taiwan
market represents a significant opportunity for the company,” said Ron
Sargent, Staples chairman and CEO. “This partnership combines UB’s
local business expertise and leading brand with Staples’ best practices
and global procurement strength. Staples looks forward to working with
the UB Express team including UB Office Systems chairman and CEO Elton
Lin who will lead operations of the joint venture.”Established in 1998
as a business unit of UB Office Systems, UB Express provides next-day
delivery of office supplies to corporate customers throughout Taiwan.
UB Express customers, who place orders via catalogue and online,
include government agencies, large financial institutions and
multi-national companies.UB Office Systems, established in 1973, is the
largest office furniture manufacturer and retailer as well as the
leading copy machine distributor serving corporate customers in Taiwan.