China Approves Staples Request to Acquire Office Depot

Staples, Inc. announced it has received clearance from the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China for the acquisition of Office Depot.

Framingham-based Staples announced its plan to purchase rival Office Depot, in a cash and stock deal valued at $6 billion in early February 2015.

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

The Commerce Commission of New Zealand gave its clearance for the transaction last week.

“We continue to make progress on this transaction, and we’re pleased with this decision by China’s Ministry of Commerce,” said Ron Sargent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Staples. “We continue to work closely with regulatory agencies around the world and expect the transaction to be completed by the end of the year.”