History

Corporate Express NV finds its origin out of a merger between three companies in 1993. These three companies were: Koninklijke Nederlandsche Papierfabrieken NV (KNP), Bührmann-Tetterode nv and VRG-Groep N.V. As a result of the merger, the combined company NV Koninklijke KNP BT was formed, a paper, packaging and distribution company.

From paper to officeproducts
In 1997, the company sold its paper production activities to Sappi Limited and the packaging division was divested in 1998. In 1997, KNP BT's remaining distribution activities were renamed into Buhrmann NV (without the Umlaut!). In October 1999, Buhrmann acquired Corporate Express, Inc., a global supplier of office and computer supplies, office furniture, imaging and computer graphic supplies and computer desktop software. This acquisition involved the new employment of more than 13,000 people. In 2003, Buhrmann sold its Paper Merchanting Division to PaperlinX Limited and transformed into an even more focused b-to-b direct distributor of office products (representing 94% of the Group's total sales), with Corporate Express as its flagship brand for all office products operations.

Becoming Corporate Express
The history of Corporate Express goes back to a regional operation in Colorado (USA) expanding to a large multinational enterprise with locations throughout North America and numerous international markets. Through the acquisition of Corporate Express, until then one of Buhrmann’s major competitors, Buhrmann has made significant progress with their growth strategy. Buhrmann is one of the world’s largest distributors in the still highly fragmented market for office products. On April the 20th 2007 the statutory name of the Company and the name of the shares listed on Euronext and New York stock exchange changed to Corporate Express NV.

Benefits of one brand
Operating under one brand makes strong marketing sense. The vast majority of our operations are conducted under the Corporate Express name and annual sales of our own branded products already account for over EUR 1 billion. It will increase recognition of the Company worldwide, help us drive sales and reinforce our identity with all stakeholders.

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History Corporate Express NV finds its origin out of a merger between three companies in 1993. These three companies were: Koninklijke Nederlandsche Papierfabrieken NV (KNP), Bührmann-Tetterode nv and VRG-Groep N.V. As a result of the merger, the combined company NV Koninklijke KNP BT was formed, a paper, packaging and distribution company. From paper to officeproducts In 1997, the company sold its paper production activities to Sappi Limited and the packaging division was divested in 1998. In 1997, KNP BT's remaining distribution activities were renamed into Buhrmann NV (without the Umlaut!). In October 1999, Buhrmann acquired Corporate Express, Inc., a global supplier of office and computer supplies, office furniture, imaging and computer graphic supplies and computer desktop software. This acquisition involved the new employment of more than 13,000 people. In 2003, Buhrmann sold its Paper Merchanting Division to PaperlinX Limited and transformed into an even more focused b-to-b direct distributor of office products (representing 94% of the Group's total sales), with Corporate Express as its flagship brand for all office products operations. Becoming Corporate Express The history of Corporate Express goes back to a regional operation in Colorado (USA) expanding to a large multinational enterprise with locations throughout North America and numerous international markets. Through the acquisition of Corporate Express, until then one of Buhrmann’s major competitors, Buhrmann has made significant progress with their growth strategy. Buhrmann is one of the world’s largest distributors in the still highly fragmented market for office products. On April the 20th 2007 the statutory name of the Company and the name of the shares listed on Euronext and New York stock exchange changed to Corporate Express NV. Benefits of one brand Operating under one brand makes strong marketing sense. The vast majority of our operations are conducted under the Corporate Express name and annual sales of our own branded products already account for over EUR 1 billion. It will increase recognition of the Company worldwide, help us drive sales and reinforce our identity with all stakeholders.
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