Following a competitive, cross-agency pitch, global office supply giant Office Depot, Inc. has named UM and McCann as its media and advertising agencies of record. The move comes as part of Office Depot, Inc.’s overall efforts to consolidate resources while expanding its advertising and marketing activities to further reach and engage customers.

“This is a great example of cross-agency partnership,” said Daryl Lee, Global CEO, UM. “We are excited to work with McCann to build meaningful consumer connections through media for Office Depot, Inc.”

In February 2013, it was announced that Office Depot and Office Max would combine in an all-stock deal. The merger was completed in November of that year, resulting in the creation of the Office Depot, Inc., the largest office supplies chain in the U.S.

McCann and UM will help drive branding and develop a consistent stream of integrated, strategic marketing and advertising campaigns designed to differentiate both Office Depot and Office Max banners as Office Depot, Inc. continues to evolve and identify new growth opportunities.
The combined company has annual sales of approximately $17 billion, employs about 66,000 associates, and serves consumers and businesses in 59 countries with more than 2,200 retail stores, e-commerce sites and a business-to-business sales organization.

Based in Boca Raton, FL, the Office Depot group spent $105 million on U.S. measured media in 2013. Handled out of UM’s New York office, work will begin immediately for the calendar year beginning in January 2015.