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 Monday December 17 2001
Buhrmann has renegotiated some of the terms
Under the agreement reached with Buhrmann's banking syndicate, some of the covenants like the consolidated leverage ratio and consolidated interest coverage ratio have been amended to ensure continued, financial flexibility in the future. In exchange additional levels in the so-called pricing grid for the interest margin were accepted.

Friday November 16 2001
Buhrmann completes sale part of office products activities in The Netherlands
Buhrmann has completed the sale of its office products subsidiary formerly operating under the name of Corporate Express Nederland to Guilbert, as announced on 16 October 2001. The sale of these activities was necessary to obtain approval from the European Commission for Buhrmann's acquisition of the office products division of Samas.

Thursday November 15 2001
Q3 2001 net profit Buhrmann
Buhrmann:Net sales increased by 10% to EUR 2,580 mln in the third quarter. The increase relates primarily to the acquisitions of the US Office Products and the Samas office supplies divisions. Organic sales revenues in the third quarter were level with the same period of last year. In the Office Products North America Division strong organic growth in software sales was offset by a sales decline in office supplies.

Becker to be nominated as Executive Board member Buhrmann
The Supervisory Board of Buhrmann will nominate Rudi de Becker (55) as a member of the Executive Board of the company at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, on 2 May 2002. Rudi de Becker, a Belgian national, is currently the President and CEO of Buhrmann's Office Products Europe Division, headquartered in Amsterdam.

Monday October 29 2001
Buhrmann acquires distributor of display products
Buhrmann has aquired Udesen Grafiskt Fagcenter (UGF) based in Velje, Denmark, to further develop its activities in the market for Adhesive and Display Products (ADP). UGF is the local market leader in supplies to sign makers and textile printers. It also sells self-adhesive materials, inks and cleaning articles.

Wednesday October 17 2001
Buhrmann affiliate, Corporate Express Australia partners with Saggio
Buhrmann affiliate, Corporate Express Australia., and Hong Kong based Saggio Holdings., with its sister company AsiaEC.com, have announced a marketing alliance to service joint customers in the Asia-Pacific region. The agreement enables Buhrmann's Office Products Divisions in North America, Europe and Australia, which operate under the "Corporate Express" brand, to expand their global services offering for customers into Asian markets.

Friday September 28 2001
Hoffman to be nominated as Executive Board Member Buhrmann NV
Mark Hoffman, currently the President of Corporate Express' North American Office Product Division, will succeed Robert (Bob) L. King as President and CEO of Buhrmann's North American Operations effective 8 October 2001. In addition, the Supervisory Board of Buhrmann will nominate Mr. Hoffman as a member of the Executive Board of the company at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, on May 2, 2002.

Thursday September 20 2001
Buhrmann ADRs listed on New York Stock Exchange
The previously announced listing of Buhrmann American Depository Receipts (ADRs) on the New York Stock Exchange will be effective as of on Thursday, 20 September 2001. These ADRs will be quoted, under the symbol BUH, with each ADR representing one ordinary share Buhrmann. The listing will provide Buhrmann with additional access to US-based investors and is expected to support the visibility of the stock.

Friday August 10 2001
Suggested pay-out on claim Buhrmann premature
Upon request of Euronext Amsterdam, Buhrmann wishes to confirm that no new facts have emerged that may resonably lead to the conclusion that a claim of EUR 131 mln by Buhrmann against the French company Ipfo Bail S.A. may result in a pay-out to Buhrmann before the end of this year. A newspaper report in one of the leading morning papers in the Netherlands yesterday unjustly led investors to believe that a legal proceeding regarding a claim by one of Buhrmann's predecessors, dating from 1992, may come to a conclusion before the end of this year.

Thursday August 2 2001
Buhrmann shares reach record low
Shares in Buhrmann, the world's biggest office products supplier, touched a record low on Thursday as the company ditched growth targets, scaled back its full-year forecast and announced earnings well below analysts' worst expectations. Buhrmann followed two recent profit warnings with a second- quarter net loss.

Tuesday June 26 2001
Buhrmann revises outlook
Buhrmann announces that on the basis of the results of April and May and the first anticipated sales revenues of June, the earnings per share for the second quarter will be markedly lower than last year and the first quarter of this year. This development is due to lower than expected sales in the North American office products market and a continuation of below expected demand in Paper Merchanting.

Monday May 14 2001
Buhrmann completes USOP transaction
Buhrmann on Monday announced the completion of its transaction with US Office Products Company. Under the terms of the transaction, Buhrmann has purchased substantially all of US Office Products' North American office products assets, including certain stand-alone furniture businesses, for a purchase price of USD 172 mln.

Thursday May 10 2001
Net results Q1 2001 for Buhrmann EUR 47 mln
Buhrmann increased sales by 8% in the first quarter to EUR 2,448 mln (2000: EUR 2,264 mln). After eliminating the effects of acquisitions and divestments, the sales growth was 6%, with currency effects (mainly the US dollar) accounting for approximately 3% of this figure. The organic growth adjusted for business days therefore amounted to 5%.

Tuesday March 13 2001
Buhrmann: announcement of details of EUR 600-700 mln global equity offering
On 5 March 2001, Buhrmann announced its intention to execute a global equity offering ("the Offering") consisting of approximately EUR 600-700 mln in ordinary shares. In addition, Buhrmann intends to grant syndicate banks an over-allotment option, potentially increasing the total proceeds by a maximum of 15%.

Monday March 5 2001
Buhrmann to acquire North American office products activities of USOP
Buhrmann on Monday announced a definitive agreement with US Office Products Company (OTC Bulletin Board:OFIS) to purchase substantially all of US Office Product's (USOP's) North American office products assets (USOP - North America). The purchase price will be USD 250 mln, with the total cost to Buhrmann, including restructuring expenses, expected to be USD 400 mln.

Announcement of EUR 600-700 mln global equity offering
In December 2000 Buhrmann announced its intention to acquire the office products division of Samas-Groep N.V. which is expected to cost approximately EUR 320 mln. As part of the financing for the acquisition of the office products division of Samas-Groep N.V. and of the office products distribution activities of US Office Products Company, as well as to provide financing for its ongoing acquisition programme, Buhrmann intends to raise approximately EUR 600-700 mln through an equity offering of ordinary shares.

Friday February 16 2001
Buhrmann seeking new takeovers
Buhrmann is planning new takeovers, shortly after having acquired the office equipment division of Dutch counterpart Samas. The company wants to acquire a large company. Buhrmann chairman Frans Koffrie had already drawn up a list of candidates at the presentation of the annual figures on Thursday. it is still unclear where Buhrmann plans to make its next acquisition, as the company has to wait which of its candidates will be put up for sale.

Thursday February 15 2001
Full-year results of Buhrmann
Buhrmann: The year 2000 was a year of good progress in sales and profit in all three main activities: Office Products, Paper Merchanting and Graphic Systems. Sales rose 65% from EUR 5.834 bn to EUR 9.603 bn. Excluding the impact of acquisitions, the sales growth was 16%, with currency effects (mainly the US Dollar) accounting for approximately 8% of this figure.

Friday February 2 2001
Buhrmann withdraws from Sappi
Buhrmann has sold its remaining 5.5% stake in South African paper and pulp producer Sappi. The sale yielded a positive balance of EUR 75 mln, which the group will use to decrease its bank debts. The book profit amounted to Fl 44m. Buhrmann, known as KNP BT until 1996, sold the KNP Leykam paper factories to Sappi in 1997. The Amsterdam-based company acquired a stake of some 20% in the South African paper producer as a result.

Thursday February 1 2001
Buhrmann sells holding in paper producer Sappi
Buhrmann has on Thursday sold its holding of over 5% in the South African paper producer Sappi Limited. The transaction involved the sale of 13.1 million shares at a price of SAR 58.75. After the settlement of hedging and other transaction costs, the result is a positive cash flow of EUR 75 mln. This will be used to reduce bank borrowings.

Wednesday January 31 2001
Buhrmann to sell Italian computer company
Buhrmann has reached agreement on the sale of its Italian computer company NPO Sistemi S.p.A. in Milan to the company's management. The sale is a consequence of Buhrmann's strategy of concentrating on its core activities: trading and distribution of office products, paper and graphic systems. Since the distribution of IT hardware by NPO Sistemi does not fit in with these core activities, the decision was taken to divest the company.

Wednesday January 17 2001
EU seeks comments on Buhrmann's bid for Samas
The European Commission said it invites comments under the EU's merger regulation on Buhrmann NV's bid for the Dutch office furniture and supplier group Samas Groep. Samas operates in the Netherlands, Germany and the UK, while Buhrmann operates within the EU, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Friday January 5 2001
Buhrmann strengthens position in Belgian market for self-adhesive materials
Buhrmann's subsidiary Epacar, located in Kontich, Belgium, has reached agreement to acquire the activities of the distributor in self-adhesive materials Erivier, based in Deinze (B). Epacar is already active in this market through its subsidiary Triton. Erivier distributes adhesive display products (basic material for signs, large posters and billboards, and lettering for shop windows, buses and aircraft).

Tuesday January 2 2001
Buhrmann to withdraw Ahrend bid
Buhrmann is withdrawing its bid for Koninklijke Ahrend, since it has become clear that a number of the conditions of Buhrmann's offer will not be met. On December 22nd 2000 Buhrmann withdrew its offer for the Samas-Groep, after agreement was reached on the purchase of Samas' Office Products Division by Buhrmann.

Friday December 22 2000
Buhrmann purchases Samas office products division
Samas and Buhrmann were able to reach agreement on a possible transaction involving office products only, while it became clear that Samas would not comply with the conditions of Buhrmann's offer for the whole of Samas. As a result the relevant conditions of Buhrmann's offer will not be complied with and, in accordance with the SER Merger Code, Buhrmann announces that its offer for Samas will be withdrawn.

Friday December 15 2000
Buhrmann acquires Irish paper merchants
Buhrmann's Dublin based paper merchant Robert Horne Paper (Ireland) Limited has announced the acquisition of Supreme Paper Company Limited in Dublin and Paper Sales Limited in Cork with combined sales of EUR 6.3 mln and employing 15 people. These merchants fit well with Robert Horne's strategy in Ireland to offer fast and responsive service in all parts of the country.

Thursday December 7 2000
Buhrmann expands in Italy
Buhrmann is pleased to announce the acquisition of a majority interest (60 %) in Caledonia Srl, based in Milan, Italy, and has reached agreement to acquire the remaining shares within the next 24 months. Caledonia Srl is a privately owned distribution specialist in Italy, active in the supply of materials to sign makers and screen printers.

Monday December 4 2000
Buhrmann offer documents for ahrend and Samas available today
Following the announcement on 1 November that Buhrmann considered to make a public offer for all the outstanding shares in Ahrend and Samas, and after the consultation on 6 respectively 13 November with the management boards respectively the trade unions involved Buhrmann has informed the management and supervisory boards of Ahrend and Samas of its decision to make an offer for both Ahrend and Samas.

Friday November 24 2000
Buhrmann sells ICT department Corporate Express to AAC Cosmos
Buhrmann and AAC Cosmos are expected to reach agreement on the sale of the ICT department of Buhrmann's subsidiary Corporate Express Nederland BV to AAC Cosmos. The sale is in line with the strategy that the provisioning of ICT services is no longer part of Buhrmann's core activities. The ICT department at Corporate Express Nederland has a staff of approximately 160 people and is based in Zwolle.

Monday November 20 2000
Buhrmann to acquire Swedish Paper Merchant
Buhrmann's Paper Merchanting Division has reached agreement to acquire all the shares of Grafiskt Papper Norden AB (Stockholm) from Mets-Serla Oyj. Grafiskt Papper is a fine paper merchant focussing on advertising printers. The company employs 20 people and achieved sales in 1999 of more than EUR 15 mln.

Thursday November 16 2000
Buhrmann to proceed with public offers for Ahrend and Samas
Following the announcement on 1 November that Buhrmann is considering making a public offer for all the outstanding shares in Ahrend and Samas, and after the consultation on 6 respectively 13 November with the management boards respectively the trade unions involved, Buhrmann has this afternoon informed the management and supervisory boards of Ahrend and Samas of its decision to proceed with its intended offers for both Ahrend and Samas.

Thursday November 9 2000
Buhrmann looking forward to constructive dialogue with Ahrend and Samas
Buhrmann has taken note of the announcement by Ahrend and Samas that they have issued preference shares and need some time to consider whether to enter into a dialogue on the merits of a merger. Buhrmann is looking forward to having an open dialogue with the Boards of Ahrend and Samas on the strategic, operating and financial benefits of the proposed business combination of the three companies.

Tuesday November 7 2000
Buhrmann to consult trade unions
Following the announcement on 1st November that Buhrmann is considering making a public offer for all the outstanding shares in Koninklijke Ahrend and Samas-Groep, talks were held yesterday between the Buhrmann Executive Board and the Executive Boards of Ahrend and Samas. During the talks, the Boards of Ahrend and Samas asked Buhrmann to observe a so-called 6-week "stand still".

Thursday November 2 2000
Buhrmann bids for rivals
Buhrmann, the world's biggest supplier of office products to businesses, on Wednesday announced it was considering mounting a E600m (USD 509 mln) takeover bid for Ahrend and Samas, two Dutch rivals which are negotiating their own merger. Hans Koenders, Ahrend chief executive, branded the move hostile.

Wednesday November 1 2000
Buhrmann launches bid for Dutch rivals
Buhrmann, the world's biggest supplier of office products to businesses, on Wednesday announced it was considering mounting a E600m (USD 509 mln) takeover bid for Ahrend and Samas, two Dutch rivals which are negotiating their own merger. Hans Koenders, Ahrend chief executive, branded the move hostile.

Buhrmann plans bid for all outstanding shares in Ahrend and Samas
In the light of the contacts that Buhrmann has had with each of Ahrend and Samas in the past, Buhrmann has concluded from the announcement of the merger between Ahrend and Samas that they do not choose for a co-operation with Buhrmann. This has been confirmed in contacts after the merger announcement.

Tuesday October 10 2000
Burhmann invests in new e-business strategy
Buhrmann on Tuesday announced its plan to expand its leadership in the e-Business arena. Buhrmann will invest EUR 100 mln over three years in next-generation eCommerce systems designed to boost organic growth and cut process cost for Buhrmann and procurement cost for its customers. With this technology investment Buhrmann takes advantage of the ongoing trends of globalisation, rapid consolidation and reducing customer procurement costs.

Thursday October 5 2000
Buhrmann strengthens Spanish paper merchanting position
Buhrmann announces the acquisition of a majority interest in Union Papelera S.A., based in Barcelona, Spain. Union Papelera is a privately owned Paper Merchant in Catalonia, focused on the sale of fine paper and specialities to printers, advertising agencies and local resellers. The paper products are used for several purposes, e.g.

Tuesday October 3 2000
Singapore government has more than 5% stake in Buhrmann
Under the provisions of the Disclosure of Major Holdings in Listed Companies Act, a notification has been received from the Government of Singapore Investment Corporation Pte., informing that this corporation has a capital interest and voting rights of 5.04277 % in Buhrmann.

Wednesday August 16 2000
Buhrmann acquires Belgian Ropapin
Buhrmann has acquired Ropapin Interpapier. Ropapin has an establishment in Merksem, Belgium. The entire Ropapin group generates EUR 10 mlno turnover and employs 50 people. Buhrmann has not revealed financial details about the acquisition. Buhrmann has become the largest distributor in office equipment in the world over the past few years, especially after the USD 2.3 bn takeover of US company Corporate Express.

Monday August 14 2000
Buhrmann buys Danish wholesaler
Buhrmann announced on Monday the acquisition of Danish wholesaler Christian Christensen in Holstebro. Christian Christensen distributes industrial and retail packaging consumables, paper, office supplies and office furniture. Its market covers large and medium-sized companies. Christian Christensen achieves annual sales of EUR 70 million and has 273 employees.

Wednesday August 9 2000
Buhrmann sees 2000 net up over 50%
Buhrmann said it expects full-year net profit from ordinary operations after goodwill to rise by more than 50%, compared with a forecast of "at least" a 47% increase in May, and reiterated its forecast for growth in EPS ater goodwill of more than 15%. Buhrmann posted second-quarter sales of EUR 2.373 bn, a 69% increase compared to the year-earlier period.

Tuesday July 11 2000
Buhrmann buys ANFA
Buhrmann is buying Paris-based ANF, a distributor of office supplies. Under the name of Corporate Express, Buhrmann's Office Products Divisions now operate in eleven European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Corporate Express has acquired ANFA because this company offers the possibility of building up a strong position in the French market.

Monday July 3 2000
Buhrmann sells unit to United Stationers
Buhrmann said on Monday its office products arm Corporate Express had agreed to sell unit Call Center Services to United Stationers. Call Center Services provides telephony and web services for third parties. The firm has outlets in Pennsylvania and Maryland and handles more than 28 million calls per year.

Friday June 16 2000
Buhrmann acquires British paper firm
Buhrmann announced on Friday that Howard Smith Paper Group in Northapton, a unit of Buhrmann's Paper Merchanting division, has acquired British paper wholesaler Precision Publishing Papers for an undisclosed sum. Precision Publishing Papers has annual turnover of GBP 25 mln (EUR 42 mln). Buhrmann said that the acquisition strengthens the position of Howard Smith Paper Group. Precision Publishing Papers employs 24 people and has offices in Yeovil and Farnham.

Thursday May 18 2000
Buhrmann acquired thermoplastics wholesaler
Buhrmann announced it buys thermoplastics wholesaler Williaam Cox Plastics, for an undisclosed sum. The company is established in UK. Williaam Cox booked sales of EUR 26 mln in 1999 and employs 150 staff in seven distribution centres.

Friday May 12 2000
Buhrmann sees 47% profit rise
Buhrmann said it sees its full-year net profit increasing by "at least" 47% after goodwill, while it sees earnings per share growing by 15% after goodwill. Buhrmann posted net sales of EUR 2.264 bn, a 67% increase compared to the year-earlier period. Growth adjusted for the impact of acquisitions and divestments was 15% including 7% currency effects.

Thursday May 4 2000
Buhrmann finalises sale of IT unit
Buhrmann announced on Thursday that it has finalised the sale of its unit Information Systems to the Specialist Computer Holdings Group of Great Britain. Financial details of the sale were not disclosed. The Information Systems division employs 1,700 people and has annual turnover of EUR 1.3 bn.

Tuesday May 2 2000
Buhrmann unit acquires stake in Sweden
Buhrmann announced on Tuesday that its aper Merchanting Division has acquired more than 50% of the shares of the Swedish company FinpappersSpecialisten (FPS) and its Danish and Finnish subsidiaries. FPS concentrates on the printing and office papers market with its focus on providing high service levels.

Thursday April 13 2000
Buhrmann Q1 results rise strong
Buhrmann reported: On the basis of provisional figures, sales in the first quarter rose 67 % compared to the same period last year (1999: EUR 1.356 mln). Organic sales growth amounted to 8 % (exclusive acquisitions and currency effects). Net earnings per share before amortisation of goodwill will rise by approximately 65 % in the first quarter (1999: EUR 0.28).

Friday March 3 2000
Buhrmann in Australian acquisitions
Buhrmann said on Friday that its 52%-owned subsidiary Corporate Express Australia (CE Australia) has acquired two companies and also signed a long term agreement for the supply of office products and computer supplies. The companies, Promotif Marketing Australia in Melbourne and Ambassador Stationery Wholesalers in Sydney, with combined sales of EUR 28 mln, are now part of our group.

Wednesday February 16 2000
Buhrmann 1999 EPS up
Buhrmann reported on Tuesday net profit from ordinary operations to EUR 138 mln from 150 million a year earlier. Before goodwill amortisation, this corresponded to an EPS of EUR 1.68, from EUR 1.49 a year earlier. The company said it was raising its earnings per share growth target to 15% after a 13% rise in EPS in 1999.

Buhrmann net profit down NLG 1,072.0 mln
Buhrmann reported on Wednesday net profit for 1999 fell NLG 1,072.0 mln to NLG 83.0 mln, compared with net profit of NLG 1,155.0 mln the company booked in the comparible period of 1998. Turnover fell 55% from NLG 12,985.0 mln to NLG 5,834.0 mln. Operating income fell 57% from NLG 464.0 mln to NLG 199.0 mln.

Thursday December 23 1999
Buhrmann sells off IT unit
Trading company Buhrmann said on Thursday that it is selling its information technology subsidiary CompuTrain to investment company Natwest Equity Partners for an undisclosed sum. CompuTrain's management will buy out some of the shares and develop the company into a European network of traning centers for IT staff with the help from Natwest. CompuTrain has annual turnover of between EUR 30 mln and EUR 40 mln and has operations in the Netherlands, Belgium and France.

Tuesday November 16 1999
Buhrmann sells more Sappi stock
Buhrmann has sold off more of its stake in South African paper maker Sappi than earlier planned raising a total of USD 210 mln. It used the money to pay off loans taken out to finance its takeover of Corporate Express of the US. Buhrmann announced yesterday it had sold 25.5 million Sappi shares, the sale of which went hand-in-hand with a new share issue by Sappi itself. Buhrmann retains 19.1 million Sappi shares after the latest sale.

Wednesday November 10 1999
Buhrmann wins USD 57,5 mln U.S. Navy order
Buhrmann said on Wednesday its office products and distribution division Corporate Express had won a five-year contract from the US Navy valued at about USD 57.5 mln. Corporate Express will provide the US Navy with office products, janitorial products, tools, hardware and other maintenance and operating related items.

Wednesday October 27 1999
Buhrmann sees strong core growth
Dutch business supplies group Buhrmann reported a 35% rise in third quarter earnings per share on Wednesday and forecast continued healthy growth of its core Office Products and Paper Merchanting divisions. The Dutch firm, about to become the world's largest office products trader with its USD 2.3 bn purchase of US Corporate Express, reported net profit of EUR 30 mln (USD 31.6 mln) from last year's EUR 27 mln, above analysts' consensus forecast of 26 million.

Buhrmann seeks more acquisitions
The $2.3bn takeover of Corporate Express will make the Dutch group the world's biggest office supplier. But its hunt is not over yet, writes Gordon Cramb in Amsterdam Buhrmann said on Thursday it would seek further acquisitions after completing the $2.3bn takeover of Corporate Express in the US. Today's takeover of the Denver-based group makes Buhrmann the biggest office products supplier to business world-wide.

Monday October 25 1999
Buhrmann to announce results early
Buhrmann on Monday took the unusual step of anticipating an official results announcement by telling shareholders that third-quarter operating profit would be more than 30% higher than the same period last year. The announcement came two days before the official publication tomorrow of third-quarter figures.

Thursday October 14 1999
Buhrmann sells 1/3 of Sappi stake
Dutch office goods trader Buhrmann said on Thursday that it intends to divest one-third of its 20% stake in South African paper group Sappi. Based on current stock exchange prices, the slice would have a value of some USD 150 mln. Buhrmann said the sale was related with Sappi's intention to issue for USD 200 worth of new shares.

Monday September 27 1999
Buhrmann sets price for Corp Express
Dutch office goods and printing equipment trader Buhrmann said on Monday the final price for its takeover of Corporate Express in the US was set at the earlier price of USD 9.70 per common share. On July 13 Buhrmann announced it planned to buy Colorado-based Corporate Express for USD 2.3 bn, paying USD 9.70 in cash a share, although there was a provision for price adjustments.

Monday September 13 1999
EC okay's Corporate Express takeover by Buhrmann
The European Commission has given Buhrmann the green light to takeover the office and computer products and services supplier Corporate Express. US anti-trust authorities have already approved the transaction. The companies expect to finalise the acquisition in late October following approval by Corporate Express' shareholders.

Tuesday August 31 1999
Corporate Express H1 net down 9%
Corporate Express, on which Buhrmann has made a public bid in July, booked a 8.9% lower Ebitda at USD 57.1 mln for the second-quarter of 1999, compared with USD 62.7 mln for the second-quarter of 1998. Revenues from continuing operations for the second quarter increased to USD 973.1 mln, compared with USD 935.1 mln in second quarter 1998, an increase of 4.1%.

Thursday August 12 1999
Buhrmann's Corporate Express buy approved
Dutch office goods and printing equipment trader Buhrmann said on Thursday it had been notified the US Federal Trade Commission's Premerger Notification Office had no objections against Buhrmann's takeover of Corporate Express. After Buhrmann's shareholders gave their approval last week, this implies another important step towards finalising the planned transaction with Corporate Express, the Dutch group said in a statement.

Wednesday August 4 1999
Buhrmann shareholders okay U.S. takeover
Dutch office goods and printing equipment trader Buhrmann said on Wednesday its extraordinary meeting of shareholders had approved the takeover of US sector peer Corporate Express. The meeting has also enabled Buhrmann to issue USD 400 mln worth of convertible preference shares and EUR 350 mln of ordinary shares on completion of the deal.

Tuesday August 3 1999
Buhrmann H1 EPS up, outlook pleases
Office goods group Buhrmann, fresh from the acquisition of US Corporate Express, posted a 13% rise in first half earnings per share on Tuesday and forecast a clear rise in full-year EPS. The Dutch firm, about to become the world's largest office products trader, said net profits from ordinary operations had fallen to EUR 58 mln (USD 61.85 mln) from 67 mln a year earlier -- a result of hiving off its non-core packaging business.

Monday August 2 1999
Buhrmann H1 seen lower, long-term positive
Dutch office goods group Buhrmann, fresh from the USD 2.3 bn takeover of US Corporate Express, will post lower first-half profits on Tuesday but its long-term prospects are good, analysts say. Analysts' estimates on Buhrmann's first-half net profits ranged from EUR 47 mln to EUR 66 mln (USD 50.2-USD 70.5 mln), with consensus at 55 million.

Thursday July 15 1999
Goldman lowers Buhrmann
Goldman Sachs said on Thursday it lowered its investment recommendation on Dutch office products firm Buhrmann to market performer from market outperformer. In a research note, Goldman analysts noted Buhrmann's shares had risen to just below their 12-month price target of EUR 20 following its USD 2.3 bn acquisition of Corporate Express, but gave no further detail.

Tuesday July 13 1999
Buhrmann buys Corporate Express
Dutch business services and distribution group Buhrmann on Tuesday announced the acquisition of US-based Corporate Express for USD 2.3 bn, creating what it called the world's largest distributor of office supplies. The Dutch company will pay USD 9.70 in cash for every share of Corporate Express, a provider of office and computer supplies based in Broomfield, Colo.

Buhrmann to sell Sappi stake later
Dutch office goods trader Buhrmann said on Tuesday it did not plan to sell its 20% stake in South African paper group Sappi at short notice. "We have a contractual obligation not to sell the stake before January 2001 without notifying the Sappi board first, and we do not expect to sell the interest before that date", Buhrmann's Chief Executive Frans Koffrie told reporters.

Wednesday June 30 1999
Buhrmann acquires M6 Paper Group
Buhrmann announced on Wednesday that it has reached agreement on the acquisition of the M6 Paper Group of Macclesfield, England. The new acquisition will become a meber of Buhrmann's Paper Merchaning Division. The M6 Paper Group generated annual sales of over NLG 155 mln and has 100 employees.

Buhrmann expands in Austria
Buhrmann announced on Wednesday that its Office Products Europe division has reached agreement on the take over of HECK Burobedraf Gesellschaft of Vienna, Austria. HECK employs 14 people and has annual sales of NLG 8 mln. The new acquisition will become part of Buro Austria, Buhrmann's Austrian subsidiary, through which Buhrmann already has a network of distributors in Austria.

Friday May 7 1999
Buhrmann Q1 net profit down 17%
Buhrmann reported on Friday net profit for the first-quarter of 1999 decreased 17% to EUR 24 mln, compared with net profit of EUR 29 mln the company booked in the comparible period of 1998. Turnover decreased 17% from EUR 1,629 mln to EUR 1,356 mln. Operating income fell 36% from EUR 59 mln to EUR 38 mln.

Monday March 15 1999
Buhrmann buys office supplier
Kuipers Group, a subsidiary of business services and distribution group Buhrmann NV, has reached agreement about the acquisition of Medo in Den Bosch. Medo is a supplier of office products, office machines, office furniture and computer supplies with 18 employees and annual sales of NLG 9 mln. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Wednesday March 10 1999
Buhrmann expands in US
BT Office Products is buying Joseph Rithbard & Co of the US for the undisclosed sum. BT Office Products is a subsidiary of Buhrmann. Joseph Rothbard booked turnover of USD 13 mln last year with 50 employees at sites in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Both BT Ofiice and Rothbard specialise in Kimball office furniture.

Tuesday March 9 1999
Buhrmann covers Sappi risk
Buhrmann has taken out an insurance with an international bank to cover the risk of a further possible share price fall in its 20% stake in South African paper producer Sappi. In exchange, Buhrmann has agreed to pass on part of possible share price gains should the stock recover. The company does not have to pay for the insurance.

Wednesday February 10 1999
Buhrmann achieves profit forecast
Buhrmann reported operating profit rose 11% at NLG 355 mln in 1998, compared with 1997. The company had earlier said it might not reach 10% operating profit growth, due to the dollar and sterling exchange rates. The bourse reacted favourably and the share closed 3% higher at EUR 15.40. Buhrmann is striving for sales of NLG 20 bn in 2002, nearly double its current turnover.

Friday February 5 1999
Buhrmann acquires three firms
Buhrmann has acquired three German paper companies with combined turnover of NLG 30 mln and 52 employees. The three companies are: Klinger of Hannover, Dirimex of Munich and D+D Folienservice in Osnabruck. Financial details of the acquisitions were not supplied.

Thursday January 21 1999
Buhrmann buys German firms
Buhrmann has acquired two German office products distributors, Buro-Einrichtungshaus W. Quitmann and Fritz Palm Buromaschinen-Burobedarf. Quitmann turns over NLG 32 mln annually with 85 staff, while Fritz Palm books annual sales of some NLG 28 mln with 80 workers.

Monday December 21 1998
Buhrmann acquires Scottish paper merchant
Buhrman announced on Monday the acquisition of Glenmore Lomond Group of Scotland by its subsidiary Robert Horne Group. The company is focussed on the sale of the office papers and has sales of NLG 35 mln. The transaction is expected to be completed at the end of this year. Buhrman said the acquisition is consistent with Buhrmann's policy to expand its European paper merchanting interests, notably in niche markets where products are sold with a higher added value.

Buhrmann acquires German office products distributor
Buhrmann announced on Monday the acquisition of German office products distributor Hans Bihler Bro- und EDV-Organisation GmbH at Zorneding near Munich by its Office Products Europe division. Hans Bihler Bro- und EDV-Organisation has annual sales of approximately NLG 20 mln. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Friday November 6 1998
Buhrmann sees lower profit growth
Buhrmann reported on Friday net profit for the third quarter of 1998 decreased 7.7% to NLG 60 mln, compared with net profit of NLG 65 mln for the third quarter of 1997. Sales increased 1% from NLG 2,782 mln to NLG 2,811 mln. Operating profit rose 9% from NLG 64 mln to NLG 70 mln. Earnings per share increased from NLG 0.52 to NLG 0.58.

Friday October 9 1998
Buhrnann in three takeovers
Buhrmann has made acquisitions in Ireland, Sweden and Germany. Irish firm Contact Papers booked 1997 sales of NLG 25 mln. The two office supplies firms, Curt Magnusson and Buroplan VanderHeyden, generate combined turnover of NLG 35 mln.

Monday October 5 1998
Buhrmann sells Asian division
Buhrmann has sold Votra in Asia to MAN Roland Druckmaschinen of Germany. The company said that the step was forced by the Asian financial crisis. Asian customers have postponed the purchase of new machinery because Buhrmann's printing equipment is priced in German marks.

Friday October 2 1998
Buhrmann not write down Sappi stake
Buhrmann will not again write down its 21% stake in South African paper producer Sappi. Buhrmann said Sappi's share price may rise again before it becomes necessary to sell the stake. Buhrmann wrote off NLG 300 mln on its Sappi shareholding as the company's share price continued to sink.

Tuesday September 29 1998
BT Office Products consummates merger
BT Office Products International announced on Tuesday that at a special stockholders meeting held this morning its stockholders had approved the Agreement and Plan of Merger with Buhrmann, the majority owner of the outstanding capital stock of BTOPI. The Agreement and Plan of Merger required the vote of a majority of the minority stockholders.

Wednesday August 26 1998
BT Office sets date for Buhrman merger
BT Office Products International said it will hold a special shareholders meeting on September 29 to approve a proposed merger with Buhrmann, the majority owner of the outstanding capital stock of BT Office. BT Office shareholders of record on September 3 may vote at the meeting. A majority vote is required to complete the transaction, the company said on Thursday.

Monday August 10 1998
BT Office Products reports Q1 down
BT Office Products International reports income before extraordinary item for the second quarter of 1998 fell 44% to USD 2.8 mln, compared with USD 5.0 mln for the same period in the previous year. Net sales rose 11.2% from USD 390.7 mln to USD 434.4 mln. The increase in the current quarter resulted from internal growth at existing divisions of 8.0% and acquisition growth of 4.2%, offset by the negative effect of currency translation of 1.0%.

Friday July 31 1998
Buhrmann reports Q2 income up 5%
Buhrmann (KNP BT) reports income from normal operations for the second quarter of 1998 increased with 5% to NLG 89 mln, compared with NLG 85 mln for the second quarter of 1997. Due to the divestment of KNP LEYKAM and the packaging group, figures are difficult to compare with the second quarter of 1997.

Buhrmann acquires stake in Groupe Allium
Buhrmann (KNP BT) has acquired French bank Societe Generale's 50% stake in Groupe Allium. Buhrmann now holds a 100% stake in Groupe Allium and will incorporate it in Buhrmann's Information Systems Division. Allium is a supplier of personal computers, networks, peripherals and services. The company books annual sales of NLG 1.5 bn with some 1,000 employees and has subsidiaries in France, Italy and Spain. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Friday July 10 1998
KNP BT sells Gelderse Papiergroep
KNP BT is to sell its 67.4% interest in Gelderse Papiergroep to Gilde Buy-Out Fund for NLG 31.4 mln. Gilde is paying NLG 42.50 a share for Gelderse. Once the transaction has been completed in mid-August, Gilde will make an offer for the remaining shares. KNP BT says the sale price corresponds approximately to the book value of its stake in Gelderse. It also takes into account the book loss on the sale of two Golderse production facilities in June.

Thursday June 18 1998
KNP BT name change effective in July
KNP BT said on Thursday its shareholders had approved the proposed changes in the firm's articles of association. This enables it to finalise its previously announced name change into Buhrmann NV by the end of July. The changes also give the company's shareholders a more direct influence. The general meeting of shareholders will be given the authority to approve the firm's annual accounts and to appoint board members.

KNP BT sells Votra
KNP has sold its printing press agency in Asia, Votra, to Man Roland for an undisclosed sum. Votra operates in 16 countries and booked sales of NLG 400 mln last year. KNP BT is also in talks on selling its 34% stake in European distributor Omnigraph to Man Roland. Man Roland already has a 30% stake in Omnigraph.

Friday June 5 1998
KNP BT/BT Office Products merger plans signed
KNP BT and BT Office Products International (BTOPI) have signed a definitive agreement and plan of merger with KNP BT. Under the terms of the agreement, BTOPI stockholders will receive USD 13.75 in cash for each share of BTOPI stock they own. BT Office Products had previously announced on May 7, 1998 an agreement in principle for KNP BT to acquire the outstandingminority interest in BTOPI.

Friday May 29 1998
KNP BT buys back own shares
KNP BT has bought in 10.7 million of its own shares, of which 4.8 million are ordinary shares and the rest cumulative preference shares. Of these shares 2.9 million ordinary shares and 5.9 million cumulative preference shares will be withdrawn. The rest will be used as part of staff share options. As a result of the announced legal merger with Letterhaave NV, which will be effected shortly, a further 5.9 million shares will be withdrawn.

Thursday May 28 1998
KNP BT seeks acquisition of Austrian firm
KNP BT plans to acquire Wertprasent OHG of Austria from Germany's Veslagsgruppe Passau. Financial details were not disclosed. Wertprasent OHG is a Vienna based office products company with annual turnover of some NLG 110 mln and 180 employees.

Monday May 11 1998
KNP BT sells packaging unit
KNP BT announced today it had agreed to sell its packaging division to venture capital consortium CVC Capital Partners/Cinven. KNP said the sale price was NLG 3.4 bn in cash. KNP BT's packaging arm is the third largest market player in Europe, big enough to scoop up other firms in a consolidating market.

Thursday May 7 1998
KNP to acquire all BT Office
KNP BT (said on Thursday it had reached an agreement in principle to acquire the outstanding minority interest in U.S. firm BT Office Products. KNP said it would pay USD 13.75 per share, under a deal struck with the special committee of BT Office Products' board of directors. The agreement is subject to final documentation, final board approval by BT Office Products and approval by a majority of public stockholders in the firm.

Tuesday May 5 1998
KNP BT reports Q1 net profit up 21%
KNP BT reports net profit for the first quarter of 1998 increased with 21% to NLG 63 mln, compared with NLG 52 mln for the first quarter of 1997. Turnover decreased decreased 3% from NLG 3.7 bn to NLG 3.6 bn. Operating income rose by 5% to NLG 128 mln from NLG 122 mln. Distribution division operating profits grew by 15% to NLG 70 mln while the group's packaging arm improved operating profit by 10% to NLG 68 mln.

Friday May 1 1998
BT Office Products reports Q1 net profit down 2%
BT Office Products, a 70%-owned US subsidiary of KNP BT, today reported that net income for the first quarter 1998 totaled USD 4.3 mln, or USD 0.13 per share on a diluted basis, compared with USD 4.4 million, or USD 0.13 per share on a diluted basis, for same period in the previous year. Net sales for the quarter rose approximately 11% USD 444.2 mln, versus USD 401.6 mln reported in 1997, despite a 2.7% negative effect of currency translation.

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