Staples Enters into Agreement to Acquire Accolade Promotion Group, Canada's Leading Promotional Products Business

Expands Staples' breadth of offering in helping bring brands to life

Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS) and Golf Town Canada Inc., today announced that they have reached an agreement for Staples to acquire Accolade Promotion Group (APG), a leading distributor of promotional products in Canada. The acquisition will build on Staples' position as the largest distributor of promotional products in North America and will significantly expand the breadth of offering for its customers. Terms and conditions of the acquisition were not disclosed.

APG designs and delivers promotional merchandise for a number of well-known brands. As a full-scale promotional merchandise agency, APG is recognized for its creative and innovative approach to serving brands.

"The acquisition will further Staples' ability to bring customers a strong brand partner with a broader offering in Canada," said Steve Bussberg, senior vice president, Staples Advantage, responsible for Staples Promotional Products business. "APG's vast experience serving customers in the financial and oil & gas industries will complement our strengths in the automotive, manufacturing and consumer goods industries."

"We are looking forward to joining forces with Staples to more effectively deliver a great customer experience," said Dan Craig, managing director, APG. "The acquisition will allow us to expand our global reach and extend the benefit of significant investments in technology, compliance and supply chain."

APG is currently a division of Golf Town. Upon closing, APG will become part of the Staples family and Mr. Craig will become the managing director of SPP Canada. Pam Westman, the current managing director of Staples Promotional Products (SPP) in Canada will lead the integration of the acquisition and spearhead global expansion for SPP.
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