Corporate Express Press Releases - 2001

Corporate Express News Release - March 5, 2001 Corporate Express to Acquire US Office Product’s North American Office Products Business Acquisition Enhances Corporate Express’ Leadership Position in the Business-to-Business Office and Computer Products Market

BROOMFIELD, Colo.– Corporate Express, Inc., a Buhrmann company, the world’s largest business-to-business supplier of essential office and computer products and services, today announced a definitive agreement with US Office Products Company (OTC Bulletin Board: OFIS) to purchase substantially all of US Office Product’s (USOP’s) North American office products assets, including certain stand-alone furniture businesses, for a purchase price of $250 million. The combined company is expected to have North American revenues of over $5 billion. USOP’S North American office products operations will be integrated into Corporate Express’ North American operations. In addition to enhancing Corporate Express’ leadership position in the U.S. business-to-business office and computer products and office furniture market, the transaction results in substantial advantages to Corporate Express’ and USOP’s customers, including: • even greater access to office and computer supplies and services; • enhanced economies of scale; • superior customer service levels; and • an expanded base of seasoned office products sales and distribution employees. "This transaction is an excellent opportunity for our combined customers, employees and suppliers and part of our continuing effort to provide the best customer service and quality in the office products industry," said Robert King, President and CEO of Corporate Express' North American Operations. "It is also a great opportunity to increase our scale and take advantage of synergies to leverage our infrastructure. When we consider USOP’s talented and experienced sales force, strong long-term customer relationships and significant mid-market presence, we're very excited about the prospects for the combined company." "Corporate Express' leadership position, well-capitalized financial structure and focus on customers and employees, makes for a good fit between our companies," said Warren D. Feldberg, USOP's President and CEO. "We've evaluated all of our possible courses of action and firmly believe that this sale to Corporate Express presents the best opportunity for all of our associates, customers and suppliers." To facilitate the sale of the office supplies and furniture business to Corporate Express, USOP announced separately that it and certain subsidiaries have voluntarily filed petitions in the U.S. District Court in Delaware for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The sale is subject to satisfaction of certain conditions including bankruptcy court and governmental approvals. About Corporate Express Corporate Express, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Buhrmann, NV (AEX: BUHR), an international business services and distribution group. Buhrmann is the world's major supplier of office products, paper and graphic systems for the business market. Corporate Express' product offering includes office and computer supplies, imaging and computer graphics supplies, office furniture, document and print management, desktop software, promotional products, and other similar products. Corporate Express has operations in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Company's Web site address is www.CorporateExpress.com. About USOP US Office Products is one of North America's leading providers of office supplies, office furniture, and vending services. The Company also owns Mail Boxes Etc., the world's largest franchiser of business, communications and postal service centers, with more than 4,300 locations in 29 countries around the world. In addition, US Office Products' Blue Star subsidiary owns commercial printing and retail book and stationery operations throughout New Zealand and Australia, and the Company also holds a 49% interest in Dudley Stationery Limited, a leading U.K. contract stationer. Contact: Van Hindes, Vice President Communications Corporate Express North America (303) 664-3989 Laura F. Smith, Vice President Investor Relations USOP (202) 339-6713