Australia Gives Approval to Staples Acquiring Office Depot

Staples, Inc. announced it has received clearance from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission for the acquisition of Office Depot.

Framingham-based Staples announced in February its intention to buy rival Office Depot, in a cash and stock deal valued at $6 billion.

Staples continues to seek clearance from regulatory agencies in the United States, the European Union, and Canada.

The Commerce Commission of New Zealand and the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China previously gave their clearance for the transaction in June.

“We continue to make progress on this transaction, and we’re pleased with this decision by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission,” said Ron Sargent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Staples, Inc, in a press statement. “We continue to work closely with regulatory agencies around the world and expect the transaction to be completed by the end of the year.”