Staples, Office Depot Extend Waiting Period

Staples Inc. and Office Depot Inc. said they have agreed with the Federal Trade Commission to extend the Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period for their proposed $3.3-billion merger to March 5 from Feb. 25. The companies said the extension is intended to allow Staples and Office Depot time to provide additional information requested by the commission about the acquisition. As reported, the office products retailers will hold a simultaneous shareholders meeting Feb. 27 to vote on the merger. The companies said that if clearance from the commission hasn’t been received by Feb. 27, they will adjourn the meetings for about a week. Staples is based in Westboro, Mass., Office Depot in Delray Beach, Fla.