Office Depot

Retailer / private label

An American office-supplies retailer serving consumers, small businesses, and enterprise customers through stores, e-commerce, and business-to-business sales. Office Depot Business is the business-oriented name supplied for the Office Depot online retail offering, which sells workplace supplies, furniture, technology, and related services.

Last updated October 13, 2026

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Overview

Office Depot is an American office-products retail and business-services brand operated by The ODP Corporation. Its business covers office supplies, furniture, technology products, printing and copying, facility and breakroom supplies, and related technology services. The brand serves individual consumers, small businesses, schools, institutions, and larger organizations through physical stores, online channels, contract sales, and a business-to-business organization. The company was established in October 1986 by F. Patrick Sher, Stephen Dougherty, and Jack Kopkin. Its first store opened at the Lakes Mall in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. Office Depot went public in December 1988 and expanded through acquisitions, mergers, international ventures, direct-mail operations, and the development of private-label products. A 1991 merger with Office Club extended the company’s reach to the West Coast, while a 1995 joint venture with Grupo Gigante marked its first move into Mexico. The acquisition of Viking Direct in 1998 broadened its direct-mail presence in Europe and Australia. Office Depot has repeatedly been involved in industry consolidation. A proposed 1997 merger with Staples was blocked by a federal court after the Federal Trade Commission argued that the transaction could reduce competition. In 2013, Office Depot combined with OfficeMax in an all-stock transaction, creating a larger office-products retailer operating under both brands. The combined company later closed hundreds of stores as customers increasingly shifted purchases to online retailers. A second proposed Staples transaction, announced in 2015 and valued at approximately $6.3 billion, was challenged by the FTC and ultimately terminated in 2016 after the government obtained a preliminary injunction. Following the OfficeMax merger, the company sought to broaden its role beyond traditional retail. It acquired CompuCom in 2017, adding technology services and support capabilities, and acquired procurement-software provider BuyerQuest in 2021. It also expanded digital and print capabilities, including a 2020 partnership with Canva that connected Canva’s design tools with Office Depot’s printing services. Private-label brands associated with the company include Ativa, TUL, Foray, Realspace, and DiVOGA. The brand has maintained a broad physical-store and online presence in the United States, while its former international activities included Mexico, Europe, Australia, and selected Central American markets. Office Depot has also used sponsorships and cause-related partnerships to support brand awareness, including NASCAR-related sponsorships and a 2012 collaboration with the Born This Way Foundation. In 2025, Atlas Holdings agreed to acquire the business and take it private. The transaction was subsequently announced as completed in December 2025 for approximately $1 billion, after which Office Depot ceased to be a publicly traded company. Craig Gunckel was appointed chief executive to lead the retail and business-to-business operations across North America. The transaction marks a further change in ownership structure for a company whose recent strategy has combined retail, online commerce, contract sales, printing, private-label merchandise, and technology services.

History

Office Depot began in October 1986 when F. Patrick Sher, Stephen Dougherty, and Jack Kopkin established the company after their earlier association with Mr. HOW Warehouse. The first store opened at the Lakes Mall in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida. The company developed an office-superstore model built around a wide selection of supplies, furniture, technology products, and related services. It completed an initial public offering in December 1988. Expansion followed through acquisitions and international ventures. In April 1991, Office Depot merged with Office Club, increasing its presence on the West Coast. In 1995, it entered Mexico through a joint venture with Grupo Gigante. The purchase of Viking Direct in May 1998 added a direct-mail business serving European and Australian markets. Viking-related operations later expanded into Central America through licensing arrangements involving stores in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Office Depot Europe was sold to an investment firm in 2017. The company became a prominent participant in the consolidation of the office-supply sector. Office Depot and Staples attempted to merge in 1997, but the FTC challenged the deal and a federal district court issued a preliminary injunction. The transaction did not proceed. Office Depot later entered into a much larger combination with OfficeMax. Announced in February 2013, the all-stock transaction was completed on November 5, 2013, leaving the combined organization operating the Office Depot and OfficeMax brands. The post-merger company faced pressure from online competition and changing purchasing habits. In May 2014, it announced plans to close approximately 400 stores. Office Depot also encountered another consolidation proposal when Staples agreed in February 2015 to acquire it in a cash-and-stock transaction. The FTC opposed the deal, and a federal district court granted a preliminary injunction in May 2016. The proposed transaction was subsequently abandoned. In the following years, Office Depot attempted to reposition itself as a broader provider of workplace and business solutions. Gerry Smith became chief executive in 2017, and the company acquired CompuCom to expand into technology services. Office Depot also continued developing private-label merchandise, including Ativa, TUL, Foray, Realspace, and DiVOGA. A partnership with Canva, announced in 2020, connected Canva’s digital design tools with Office Depot’s print services. In January 2021, the acquisition of BuyerQuest added enterprise procurement software to the company’s business-services portfolio. Environmental and community initiatives formed additional parts of the brand’s public profile. Office Depot opened a LEED Gold-certified store in Austin, Texas, in 2008, and its Boca Raton headquarters received LEED Gold certification in 2010. The company also pursued high-profile sports sponsorships, notably through NASCAR, and supported the Born This Way Foundation through a 2012 limited-edition product collaboration. The company’s ownership structure changed again in 2025. Atlas Holdings agreed to acquire Office Depot for $842.2 million, and the acquisition was later announced as completed for approximately $1 billion. Office Depot consequently became privately held, and Craig Gunckel was appointed chief executive to oversee retail and business-to-business operations across North America.

2025
Atlas Holdings takes Office Depot private
[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
Atlas Holdings acquired the company, ending its status as a publicly traded business.
2021
BuyerQuest acquisition
[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
Office Depot acquired BuyerQuest, an enterprise procurement-software provider.
2017
CompuCom acquisition
[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
Office Depot acquired CompuCom to add technology services and support capabilities.
2013
OfficeMax combination completed
[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
Office Depot completed its all-stock combination with OfficeMax on November 5.
1998
Acquisition of Viking Direct
[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
The acquisition expanded the company’s direct-mail operations into European and Australian markets.
1995
Entry into Mexico
[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
Office Depot entered Mexico through a joint venture with Grupo Gigante.
1991
Merger with Office Club
[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
The merger with Office Club expanded Office Depot’s presence on the West Coast.
1988
Initial public offering
[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
Office Depot completed its initial public offering and became a publicly traded company in December.
1986
Office Depot is founded
[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
F. Patrick Sher, Stephen Dougherty, and Jack Kopkin founded Office Depot in October, and the first store opened in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida.

Products and positioning

A broad office-solutions retailer combining everyday office merchandise, furniture, technology, printing, and business procurement services for consumers and organizations. A broadline office and workplace retailer combining supplies, furniture, technology products, fulfillment options, and selected in-store and technical services.

Office products · 1986
Office supplies
The core assortment includes paper, writing instruments, filing products, calendars, organizers, desk accessories, mailing materials, and other everyday workplace consumables. These products are sold through Office Depot stores, online channels, and business purchasing programs. The store offers paper, ink and toner, printers, furniture, filing products, and related workplace goods.
Furniture
Office furniture
Office Depot sells desks, chairs, workstations, storage, reception furniture, and related workplace equipment. The assortment serves home offices, small businesses, and larger workplace fit-outs, including products under the Realspace private label.
Technology
Technology products
The technology assortment includes computers, peripherals, networking equipment, accessories, printers, and related supplies. Technology merchandise is complemented by support and managed-service capabilities developed partly through the CompuCom business.
Business services
Print and copy services
Office Depot provides in-store and online printing, copying, document production, finishing, signage, and related services. The 2020 Canva partnership added a digital design pathway that allows customers to create materials online and order printed output.
Private label
Private-label brands
Office Depot’s private-label portfolio has included Ativa, TUL, Foray, Realspace, and DiVOGA. The brands cover technology accessories, writing instruments, office supplies, furniture, and lifestyle-oriented workplace products.
Technology services · 2017
CompuCom technology services
CompuCom expanded Office Depot’s offer beyond merchandise into technology support and business IT services. Its inclusion helped the company pursue enterprise and organizational customers seeking a combination of equipment, support, and workplace technology capabilities.
Technology services
Technology support services
Services described include setup, repair, data services, in-store assistance, and software delivery.
In-store services
TSA PreCheck enrollment support
The website describes enrollment assistance at participating Office Depot or OfficeMax stores, including in-person document scanning, fingerprinting, and photography as part of enrollment.

Controversies

2019
FTC settlement over deceptive technology-service claims
The Federal Trade Commission alleged that Office Depot and Support.com used software and sales practices that falsely indicated customers’ computers showed malware or other problems, encouraging purchases of technical-support services. The companies agreed to pay a combined $35 million to resolve the allegations.
Source

2020Canva print partnership
United States
Office Depot partnered with Canva to incorporate Canva’s design platform into the company’s printing services, linking online design creation with Office Depot’s physical print fulfillment.
Outcome. The partnership linked online design creation with Office Depot’s physical print fulfillment.
Source
2012Born This Way Foundation limited-edition collaboration
United States
Office Depot partnered with the Born This Way Foundation to sell limited-edition office supplies, with 25% of earnings directed to the organization.
Outcome. The collaboration connected product sales with a charitable contribution.
Source
2009Tony Stewart and Stewart-Haas Racing sponsorship
United States
Office Depot became a co-primary sponsor of Tony Stewart’s No. 14 Chevrolet at Stewart-Haas Racing. Office Depot announced in 2012 that it would not renew the sponsorship.
Outcome. Office Depot announced in 2012 that it would not renew the sponsorship.
Source
2005NASCAR partnership
United States
Office Depot became NASCAR’s official office-products partner and also sponsored the No. 99 Ford associated with Roush Fenway Racing and driver Carl Edwards. The Carl Edwards sponsorship continued through the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.
Outcome. The Carl Edwards sponsorship continued through the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.
Source

Brand decisions

2025
Atlas Holdings take-private transactionM&A
Background
Office Depot entered a new ownership phase after operating as a publicly traded company.
Action taken
Atlas Holdings agreed to acquire the company for $842.2 million and later completed the acquisition for approximately $1 billion.
Aftermath
Office Depot became privately held, and Craig Gunckel was appointed chief executive.
Acquisition value. $842.2 million announced offer → Approximately $1 billion completed transaction (2025)
Source
2021
BuyerQuest acquisitionM&A
Background
Office Depot sought additional enterprise procurement capabilities.
Action taken
The company acquired BuyerQuest, a provider of enterprise procurement software.
Aftermath
The acquisition strengthened the company’s business-to-business and procurement-oriented strategy.
Source
2017
CompuCom acquisitionM&A
Background
Office Depot wanted to expand from office-product retail into technology support and services.
Action taken
The company acquired CompuCom.
Aftermath
CompuCom became part of the company’s broader technology-services offering.
Source
2015
Second proposed Staples transactionM&A
Background
Staples sought to acquire Office Depot in another attempt to consolidate the office-supply retail market.
Action taken
Staples agreed to a cash-and-stock acquisition valued at approximately $6.3 billion.
Aftermath
The FTC opposed the transaction, a court issued a preliminary injunction in 2016, and the deal was terminated.
Proposed transaction value. $6.3 billion (2015 announced transaction)
Source
2014
Store-portfolio reductionStrategy
Background
The company faced declining sales and customer migration from stores toward online retailers.
Action taken
Office Depot announced the closure of approximately 400 stores.
Aftermath
The decision reflected a shift toward a smaller physical footprint and greater reliance on e-commerce and business channels.
Source
2013
OfficeMax combinationM&A
Background
Office Depot pursued scale and operating synergies through a combination with another major office-products retailer.
Action taken
Office Depot and OfficeMax completed an all-stock transaction on November 5, 2013.
Aftermath
The combined company retained both the Office Depot and OfficeMax brands and later announced substantial store closures.
Source
1997
Attempted Staples mergerM&A
Background
Office Depot and Staples sought to combine during a period of consolidation in the office-products retail sector.
Action taken
The companies pursued a merger, but the FTC challenged it and a federal district court granted a preliminary injunction.
Aftermath
The proposed merger did not proceed.
Source

Recent events

2025
Atlas Holdings agrees to take Office Depot private[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
M&A
Atlas Holdings agreed to acquire Office Depot for $842.2 million, initiating a transaction intended to remove the company from public markets.
2025
Office Depot becomes privately held[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
M&A · Leadership change
The Atlas Holdings acquisition was announced as completed for approximately $1 billion. Office Depot subsequently became a private company, with Craig Gunckel appointed chief executive.
2021
Office Depot acquires BuyerQuest[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
M&A
The company acquired enterprise procurement-software provider BuyerQuest to strengthen its business purchasing and procurement capabilities.
2020
Office Depot partners with Canva for printing[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
Campaign · Product launch
Office Depot integrated Canva’s design platform with its printing services, linking online design creation with physical production.
2017
Gerry Smith named chief executive[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
Leadership change
Gerry Smith, previously chief operating officer of Lenovo Group, was selected to become Office Depot’s chief executive.
2017
Office Depot acquires CompuCom[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
M&A
The company acquired technology-services provider CompuCom as part of an effort to expand into technology support and business services.
2016
FTC challenge ends proposed Staples transaction[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
M&A · Regulation
The FTC obtained a preliminary injunction against the Staples transaction, and the proposed merger was terminated.
2015
Staples agrees to acquire Office Depot[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
M&A
Staples proposed acquiring Office Depot in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $6.3 billion.
2014
Office Depot announces major store closures[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
Other
The company announced the closure of approximately 400 stores amid declining sales and customers’ increasing migration toward online retail.
2013
Office Depot and OfficeMax announce combination[1]Office Depoten.wikipedia.org
M&A
Office Depot and OfficeMax announced an all-stock combination that was completed later that year, creating a larger office-products retailer.

Sources11 sources

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