Staples Reportedly Laying Off Hundreds, but Stays Mum

Staples Inc. is laying off hundreds of workers at its Framingham, Mass. headquarters, a move that analysts said suggests the company is preparing for the likelihood its planned merger with Office Depot Inc. won’t win regulatory approval. The job cuts were confirmed by a current employee and a former employee, both of whom asked for anonymity due to job and severance concerns. Staples spokesman Mark Cautela wouldn't comment on layoffs, pointing only to a press release issued Monday in which Chief Executive Ron Sargent said the company was “streamlining.”