Office Depot, Inc. (NASDAQ:ODP), a leading global provider of office products, services, and solutions, which entered into a definitive agreement on February 4, 2015 to be acquired by Staples Inc., today announced that the company is a co-sponsor of National Small Business Week (NSBW) and hosting an event on Monday, May 4 at the Office Depot headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida.

Since 1963, NSBW, sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), has served as the nation’s way of honoring small and medium-sized business owners (SMBs). As part of NSBW, the SBA highlights the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year, more than two-thirds (69 percent) of SMBs plan on participating in the week-long event, according to Office Depot’s latest Small Business Index.

“Office Depot is thrilled to be a key contributor in this year’s National Small Business Week,” said Steve Calkins, executive vice president, business solutions division for Office Depot, Inc. “At Office Depot, we know that success starts with great relationships and we are proud to help SMBs thrive through our extensive business solutions. We greatly value our small business partnerships and are eager to continue supporting them across the nation.”

“The U.S. Small Business Administration is very excited about Office Depot’s involvement with National Small Business Week,” said Iris Argueta, acting assistant administrator for communications and public liaison at the SBA. “Small business needs are continually changing and we are confident that this event will provide a variety of great benefits and insights to inspire and assist all small business owners.”

U.S. Small Business Administrator, Maria Contreras-Sweet, will give a keynote presentation and the event will also feature panel discussions with Office Depot executives, credit unions, banks, local small business owners and partners, and much more.

“Office Depot realizes that all small businesses are unique, and therefore require specific resources supplied by quality experts in various industries,” said Calkins. “Because of this, Office Depot offers a personalized small business experience with customized products and services tailored to help meet the needs of each individual small business.”

Seventy-one percent of businesses plan to recognize NSBW by shopping at other small businesses. Office Depot’s Small Business Index also shows that the majority (71 percent) of small business owners agree that their community makes a deliberate effort to shop and support local businesses.

About Office Depot, Inc.

Office Depot, Inc. is a leading global provider of products, services, and solutions for every workplace – whether your workplace is an office, home, school or car.

Office Depot, Inc. is a resource and a catalyst to help customers work better. We are a single source for everything customers need to be more productive, including the latest technology, core office supplies, print and document services, business services, facilities products, furniture, and school essentials.

The company has annual sales of approximately $16 billion, employs approximately 56,000 associates, and serves consumers and businesses in 56 countries with approximately 1,800 retail stores, award-winning e-commerce sites and a dedicated business-to-business sales organization – all delivered through a global network of wholly owned operations, joint ventures, franchisees, licensees and alliance partners. The company operates under several banner brands including Office Depot, OfficeMax, OfficeMax Grand & Toy, Reliable and Viking. The company’s portfolio of exclusive product brands includes TUL, Foray, Brenton Studio, Ativa, WorkPro, Realspace and HighMark.

Office Depot, Inc.’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ODP. Additional press information can be found at: http://news.officedepot.com.