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OFFICE DEPOT ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC ALLIANCES TO SERVE INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNTS
IN SCANDINAVIA

April 22, 2004 - Office Depot Europe today announced that it has entered into Strategic Partnerships with four independent office supplies companies in each of the Scandinavian countries. The partnerships with Rich Andvord AS in Norway, AGE Kontor and Data in Sweden, Beltton Group Plc in Finland and Meydan - Møller and Landschultz in Denmark, will significantly strengthen Office Depot’s European and International service capabilities to both new and existing customers. Åke Norström, Managing Director of Age Kontor and Data in Sweden stated, "With the office supplies industry and the procurement process ‘globalising’, we see great opportunities to secure the long term retention of our existing customers and also to win new contracts through our partnership with Office Depot."
Peter Birks, Office Depot’s VP of European Business Services (Contract) remarked, "We are both pleased and excited about the significant growth opportunities these partnerships will present. The spirit from all concerned in establishing this structure has been magnificent, which will ensure this project progresses with pace and professionalism. Scandinavia is a key market for many International organisations, and as of today we are now in a strong position to service them with focused and knowledgeable partners."

Heikki Vienola, CEO Beltton Group Plc Finland added, "I believe that this partnership agreement improves our capability to grow and ensures an International service that has been required by our multinational customers."
The partnerships will be effective from mid April and offer new opportunities for the International Sales group. This group, headed by Tony Bennett, International Sales Director, was established last year to offer European and global organisations a truly integrated office products solution. Tony Bennett remarked, "Our International proposition will bring significant benefits to clients who have the procurement infrastructure to execute a multi-country supply agreement. These new partnerships will extend our International reach, and we are focused on maximising the tremendous growth opportunities, for all parties, that we have already identified." Per Gundersen, Managing Director Rich Andvord AS Norway added, "We are certain that our leading domestic position combined with Office Depot’s strong international network, represents an ideal opportunity for international clients in our region." Jan Körvell, Sales Director Meydan-Møller & Landschultz A/S stated "Our company is looking forward to its future collaboration with its partners in Scandinavia, Europe and globally. We look forward to a stronger market position as a direct result of these new relationships."About Office Depot Worldwide
With sales of nearly 12,4 billion USD, no one sells more office products to more customers in more countries than Office Depot. The Company operates under the Office Depot‚, Viking Office Products‚, Viking Direct‚, Viking Direkt‚, Guilbert‚ and 4Sure.com‚ brand names and employs nearly 50,000 people worldwide.
Office Depot sells products and services via the Mail-order Division, the Contract Division and the Retail Division (1,100 Office Depot stores) in 23 countries worldwide.
Office Depot is the world’s number two online retailer and operates 56 Web sites in 14 countries worldwide. In 2003 the Company generated worldwide e-Commerce sales of 2.6 billion USD.

The company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the Fortune Top 500.

About AGE Kontor and Data Sweden
AGE Kontor and Data is the fastest growing office supplier in Sweden. They have an annual turnover of 40 million Euros, of which the Contract Division is about 70%. AGE Kontor and Data was established in 1947, with 150 employees and their head office in Stockholm. Next day delivery is offered from their warehouse and 13 stores.About Rich Andvord AS Norway
Rich Andvord AS is a nationwide supplier of office and computer products to the professional market within the private and public sector. Rich Andvord AS is the market leader in Norway, with headquarters in Oslo and many regional subsidiaries throughout Norway. The company was established in 1865 and is part of the Andvord Group, which is family-owned and now managed by the 4th generation of the Andvord family. The group’s turnover in 2003 was 120 million Euros and with 420 employees.About Beltton Group Plc Finland
Beltton-Group plc is quoted on the stock exchange and is the market leader for office supplies in Finland. Beltton’s subsidiary Wulff Oy Ab is responsible for managing Office Depot’s international customers in Finland. Wulff Oy Ab’s Contract Division caters specifically to large companies and large company groups. The contract concept is based on a highly automated product management system.About Meydan-Møller & Landschultz A/S Denmark
Meydan-Møller & Landschultz A/S was founded in 1899, and is one of the longest established office suppliers in Denmark. The company is one of the five largest in the Danish market, supplying a broad segment of Danish and international businesses in the private and public sectors.