Buhrmann NV, the business services and distribution company, today announced its intention to change its name and operate globally under the Corporate Express brand for all its office products activities. Pending approval by the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 12 April 2007, the statutory name of the Company and the name of the shares listed on Euronext and New York stock exchange will be changed to Corporate Express NV.
Buhrmann is one of the world’s leading suppliers of office products and services to businesses and institutions with 2006 annual sales of EUR 6.3 billion. The Company currently employs close to 19,000 people and operates a global distribution network spanning North America, Europe and Australia.
Frans Koffrie, President and CEO of Buhrmann commented: ‘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.’
The costs associated with the name change are expected to be limited. Most activities are already branded as Corporate Express and, to a large extent, natural replacement will be used. Following the rebranding, advantages will be achieved through economies of scale in areas such as merchandising, labour market communication and the use of a unified corporate identity.