The number-one office supply chain may be taken private as early as next week, if multiple media reports of a pending $6 billion leveraged buyout are correct. Staples’ would-be acquirer is private equity firm Sycamore Partners, which reportedly was the top bidder in an auction. The troubled chain has supposedly been in talks with a number of potential investors for months, after its planned merger with No. 2 rival Office Depot fell through just over one year ago.
“Staples Inc (SPLS.O) will announce its sale to private equity firm Sycamore Partners for $10.25 per share in cash on Wednesday, a person familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity.”
