Venlo, The Netherlands, 22/06/2021
Office Depot Europe has agreed to sell its larger mid-market, major and public sector contract customers in the UK and Ireland to workplace solutions and business services provider OT Group Limited. OT Group is part of Paragon Group and incorporates the OfficeTeam, OT Wholesale, Zen Office and Spicers Ireland businesses.
The transaction will also include Office Depot Europe’s UK and Ireland contract distribution centre in Ashton and associated colleagues, a dedicated sales and customer service team, and Vital Communications, Office Depot Europe’s print, marketing, and communications business, thereby ensuring a smooth transition and continuity for both customers and staff. OT Group will also enter into a collaboration agreement with Office Depot Europe, servicing the international customers that will be transferred as part of the deal.
Office Depot Europe will migrate all remaining UK and Ireland customers to the Viking business between now and the end of September, ensuring a great customer experience on its modernised and enhanced e-commerce platform.
This transaction will help to accelerate the strategic transformation of Office Depot Europe to an e-commerce focussed, omni-channel business trading solely as Viking.
Raffael Reinhold, CEO of Office Depot Europe: “We are pleased to have entered into this agreement with OT Group. This transaction will further accelerate our strategic transformation whilst ensuring continuity of service for our UK and Ireland contract customers focused on bespoke solutions, and a bright future with OT Group for our colleagues.”
Andrew Jones, CEO of OT Group: “We look forward to welcoming our new customers and colleagues from Office Depot Europe to OT Group, once the TUPE consultation has concluded. Office Depot Europe will add a wealth of experience and knowledge to our extended range of workplace solutions and business services. This acquisition aligns with our ambitious growth strategy, as well as our plans to expand operations throughout Europe. The needs of our customers is our key priority. We would like to reassure all current OT Group and affected Office Depot Europe customers that we are planning a seamless transition during the integration period.”