US questions Staples, Office Depot’s $6.3-B merger plan

NEW YORK CITY: US antitrust officials challenged on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) a proposed $6.3 billion merger between office-supply giants Staples and Office Depot, arguing the combination would harm the business-to-business market for office supplies and services.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said the deal could lead to higher prices and reduced quality for customers who rely on the two companies for large contracts for consumable office supplies, such as pens, file folders, paper clips and paper.