Staples, Inc. Enters the Taiwan Office Products Market; Staples Signs Joint Venture Agreement with UB Express

"As Staples expands globally, the Taiwan market represents asignificant opportunity for the company," said Ron Sargent, Stapleschairman and chief executive officer. "This partnership combines UB'slocal business expertise and leading brand with Staples' bestpractices and global procurement strength. Staples looks forward toworking with the UB Express team including UB Office Systems chairmanand CEO Elton Lin who will lead operations of the joint venture."

Established in 1998 as a business unit of UB Office Systems, UBExpress provides next-day delivery of office supplies to corporatecustomers throughout Taiwan. UB Express customers, who place ordersvia catalog and online, include government agencies, large financialinstitutions and multi-national companies. UB Office Systems,established in 1973, is the largest office furniture manufacturer andretailer as well as the leading copy machine distributor servingcorporate customers in Taiwan. More information is available athttp://express.ubos.com.tw and http://www.ubos.com.tw.

About Staples

Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 andtoday is the world's largest office products company. With 69,000talented associates, the company is committed to making it easy to buya wide range of office products, including supplies, technology,furniture, and business services. With 2005 sales of $16.1 billion,Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-basedbusinesses to Fortune 500 companies in 21 countries throughout Northand South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston,Staples operates 1,786 office superstores and also serves itscustomers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contractbusinesses. More information is available at www.staples.com.