Regulators Ready to Block Staples-Office Depot Merger

Federal regulators scrutinizing Staples’ $6 billion-plus bid to buy rival Office Depot are leaning against the deal and are preparing to block it, The Post has learned. Regulators are wary of a tie-up that will result in a single nationwide office supply giant to serve big corporate and government clients, two sources said. The Federal Trade Commission has until Dec. 8 to decide whether to sue to halt the deal after extending its review.