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OFFICE DEPOT ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC ALLIANCES TO SERVE INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTS IN SCANDINAVIA
April 22, 2004 - Office Depot Europe today announced that it has entered into Strategic Partnerships with four independent office supplies companies in each of the Scandinavian countries. The partnerships with Rich Andvord AS in Norway, AGE Kontor and Data in Sweden, Beltton Group Plc in Finland and Meydan - Møller and Landschultz in Denmark, will significantly strengthen Office Depot’s European and International service capabilities to both new and existing customers. Åke Norström, Managing Director of Age Kontor and Data in Sweden stated, “With the office supplies industry and the procurement process ‘globalising’, we see great opportunities to secure the long term retention of our existing customers and also to win new contracts through our partnership with Office Depot.” Peter Birks, Office Depot’s VP of European Business Services (Contract) remarked, “We are both pleased and excited about the significant growth opportunities these partnerships will present. The spirit from all concerned in establishing this structure has been magnificent, which will ensure this project progresses with pace and professionalism. Scandinavia is a key market for many International organisations, and as of today we are now in a strong position to service them with focused and knowledgeable partners.” Heikki Vienola, CEO Beltton Group Plc Finland added, “I believe that this partnership agreement improves our capability to grow and ensures an International service that has been required by our multinational customers.” The partnerships will be effective from mid April and offer new opportunities for the International Sales group. This group, headed by Tony Bennett, International Sales Director, was established last year to offer European and global organisations a truly integrated office products solution. Tony Bennett remarked, “Our International proposition will bring significant benefits to clients who have the procurement infrastructure to execute a multi-country supply agreement. These new partnerships will extend our International reach, and we are focused on maximising the tremendous growth opportunities, for all parties, that we have already identified.” Per Gundersen, Managing Director Rich Andvord AS Norway added, “We are certain that our leading domestic position combined with Office Depot’s strong international network, represents an ideal opportunity for international clients in our region.” Jan Körvell, Sales Director Meydan-Møller & Landschultz A/S stated “Our company is looking forward to its future collaboration with its partners in Scandinavia, Europe and globally. We look forward to a stronger market position as a direct result of these new relationships.”
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