Corporate Express, which has been fighting off a hostile takeover from U.S. office goods retailer Staples <SPLS.O>, said in a statement the deal would increase its 2008 sales and operating profit margin and it would seek shareholders approval.
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dutch office goods supplier Corporate Express <CXP.AS> said on Wednesday it agreed to buy French rival Lyreco, valuing the company at 1.73 billion euros.
Corporate Express, which has been fighting off a hostile takeover from U.S. office goods retailer Staples <SPLS.O>, said in a statement the deal would increase its 2008 sales and operating profit margin and it would seek shareholders approval.
(Reporting by Gilbert Kreijger)
