Staples Deal Draws U.S. Queries About B-to-B Customer Harm

U.S. antitrust officials examining Staples Inc.’s planned takeover of Office Depot Inc. are zeroing in on the sale of office supplies to large corporate customers, according to three people familiar with the matter. While consumers can pick up paper and pens anywhere, there are fewer suppliers that can serve companies that buy products in large quantities and depend on contracts that ensure steady deliveries and discounted prices. The Federal Trade Commission, which sees numerous options for retail consumers, is scrutinizing whether the merger will harm competition for corporate clients as the review enters the final stages, said the people, who asked not to be named because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly.