As of yesterday, Corporate Express announced that it has accepted Staples’s $2.7B bid. The merger is supposed to be complete sometime in July, with most of the system integrations being completed within two years. It is still too early to know how this will affect my job. Since neither company is in trouble financially, it isn’t like some radical changes need to be made in a quick fashion, so that is positive. I have heard lots of good things about Staples and how they treat their employees, so that is encouraging as well. And as some others having been joking, at least when I am at a party and tell people where I work, I won’t get blank stares of nonrecognition since everyone has at least heard of Staples. 😀
Strangely, I find myself excited for the change. I enjoy my job immensely (thus why I continue making this awful commute) so of course I am hopeful that it will be around for the long haul, but who knows what kind of opportunities could arise in the future. I guess we’ll see.
I worked for Staples for 7 years on the retail end. I *still* adore the company and miss working for them sometimes. My immediate management team left much to be desired at the very end, but overall I have a lot that’s positive to say about the company.
I hope the merger goes smoothly for you!