What factors contributed to the failure of the Staples and Office Depot partnership?

The failure of the Staples and Office Depot partnership can be attributed to several factors. One of the main reasons was the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) opposition due to antitrust concerns. The FTC believed that the merger would lead to less competition and higher prices for consumers. Additionally, both companies had different corporate cultures and business models, which made integration challenging. There were also issues related to the rapid growth of online retailers like Amazon, which significantly impacted the office supply market.

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The right strategic partnerships are used by top brands to increase growth into new markets, cover weaknesses, or reinvent themselves. Kohl's partnered with Amazon in 2020 to provide hassle-free Amazon returns at the department store. In return, Kohl's added 2 million new customers over the course of the year with sales topping analyst's estimates. Others like Apple Pay and Mastercard, or Starbucks and Barnes & Noble, were integrated so seamlessly that it becomes a day-to-day norm for customers. On the other hand, failed partnerships can be a trainwreck. Like the Staples and Office Depot or AOL and Time Warner partnerships. (Slide 1)

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Strategic Partnership

How do you select the right partners and pool the best resources? Mutually beneficial relationships with another organization can elevate growth, inno...

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