Staples Cuts ‘Superior’ Deal for Essendant, Citing Easier Clearance

Office-supply giant Staples Inc. snatched wholesale office supplier Essendant Inc. from rival S.P. Richards business with a winning argument that its $996 million acquisition would bypass troublesome antitrust concerns.

Essendant said Sept. 14 that concerns about “extended regulatory process and risks” involved in the S.P. Richards deal helped drive it into the arms of Staples. Essendant is primarily a wholesale distributor, including janitorial supplies, office supplies, and furniture. S.P. Richards is also a wholesale distributor, including furniture, office supplies, and breakroom supplies.

Staples is known for its retail operations, but has a small wholesale distribution business. Staples and S.P. Richards ...