Staples Inc. Stock (SPLS): History, Privatization, and Market Sector
Staples Inc. stock, formerly traded under the ticker symbol SPLS, represented one of the most significant entities in the American retail sector for nearly three decades. As a multinational office supply corporation, Staples was a staple of the NASDAQ exchange until its high-profile transition to private ownership. For modern investors, understanding the history of Staples Inc. is essential for distinguishing between a specific corporate entity and the broader "Consumer Staples" investment category.
1. Overview of Staples Inc. (SPLS)
Staples Inc. was founded in 1986 and revolutionized the office supply industry by introducing the "office superstore" concept. Headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts, the company grew into a global powerhouse, providing everything from basic stationery to complex technology services for small businesses and enterprise clients. At its peak as a public entity, the Staples Inc. stock was a key indicator of the health of the retail and business-spending sectors.
2. Stock Market History
2.1 Initial Public Offering (IPO) and Growth
Staples went public in 1989, debuting on the NASDAQ. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the stock benefited from the massive expansion of "big-box" retail. During this era, Staples aggressively expanded its physical footprint across North America and Europe, leading to significant capital appreciation for early shareholders who tracked the Staples Inc. stock performance.
2.2 Historical Performance and Dividends
For many years, Staples was viewed as a reliable value play. The company maintained a consistent dividend payout policy, making it attractive to income-focused investors. However, as the retail landscape shifted toward e-commerce—led by giants like Amazon—and paperless offices became the norm, the stock faced significant headwinds in the mid-2010s, leading to increased volatility in its valuation.
3. The 2017 Privatization and Delisting
3.1 Sycamore Partners Buyout
In mid-2017, the era of Staples Inc. stock as a publicly traded security came to an end. The company reached a definitive agreement to be acquired by Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm specializing in retail and consumer investments. The deal was valued at approximately $6.9 billion.
3.2 Delisting from NASDAQ
Under the terms of the merger, Staples shareholders received $10.25 per share in cash. Following the completion of the acquisition in September 2017, the company was officially delisted from the NASDAQ. Consequently, Staples Inc. stock is no longer available for purchase on public exchanges or through retail brokerage platforms like Bitget.
4. Failed Merger with Office Depot
A pivotal moment in the history of the Staples Inc. stock occurred between 2015 and 2016. Staples attempted a $6.3 billion merger with its primary competitor, Office Depot. However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) blocked the deal on antitrust grounds, arguing it would stifle competition in the large-contract office supply market. The collapse of this merger significantly impacted investor sentiment and was a precursor to the company’s eventual privatization.
5. Distinction: Consumer Staples Sector vs. Staples Inc.
5.1 The "Staples" Industry Category
It is common for novice investors to confuse Staples Inc. stock with the Consumer Staples Sector. In financial terms, "staples" refers to essential products (food, beverages, household goods) that people buy regardless of the economic climate. While Staples Inc. sold products, it was technically classified under the "Consumer Discretionary" or "Retail" sector because office supplies are not considered life-essentials in the same way as groceries.
5.2 Related ETFs
Investors looking for "staples" today often look toward Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) such as the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP). As of late 2025 and early 2026, market reports indicate that while the broader tech-heavy indexes have seen volatility due to shifting Federal Reserve leadership (such as the nomination of Kevin Warsh), the Consumer Staples sector often acts as a defensive hedge. For example, recent data showed the XLP rising 0.5% even during sessions where the Nasdaq dipped.
6. Financial Metrics at Time of Delisting
Prior to going private, Staples Inc. maintained a market capitalization of approximately $6.73 billion. Its final reported revenue figures hovered around $20 billion annually, though the company was actively closing underperforming physical stores to pivot toward its more profitable "Staples Advantage" delivery business. The acquisition price of $10.25 represented a premium of roughly 20% over its 10-day average stock price at the time of the announcement.
7. Current Status
Today, Staples operates as a private entity. It has split its operations into three distinct businesses: Staples U.S. Retail, Staples Canada, and Staples North American Delivery. Because there is no longer a Staples Inc. stock ticker, retail investors cannot trade equity in the company. Those interested in the retail or consumer sectors may instead explore available assets on Bitget, which offers a wide range of tools for tracking market movements in the evolving digital and traditional financial landscapes.
As the market moves into 2026, investors remain focused on broader economic indicators, such as the rising US Dollar and shifts in the Federal Reserve, which continue to influence both traditional retail and the burgeoning crypto-asset markets. Exploring platforms like Bitget can provide the necessary insights to navigate these complex financial environments.
