OFFICE DEPOT, INC. (NYSE: ODP), and the Willie E. Gary Law Firm of Stuart, Florida, today jointly announced that they have amicably resolved claims asserted earlier this year by Mr. Gary on behalf of several current and former employees of the Company. At the same time, Office Depot announced a series of programs that were developed by the Company to enhance opportunities for all its employees, regardless of race, gender or other classifications. These programs were developed in cooperation with Mr. Gary’s Law Firm and are supported by Mr. Gary and his clients.

Mr. Gary stated: "We were pleased from the beginning of our discussions with the positive attitude of Office Depot, its management team and attorneys. The company took our clients’ complaints seriously and moved quickly to ensure that its people and workplace policies and practices respect all employees for their unique perspectives, contributions, beliefs and cultural heritage." He added, "This is an example of a company committed to doing the right things and holding its management accountable for building a diverse workforce with opportunities for all employees. I now have a very good feeling about Office Depot and the climate in which minority employees will work at this company."

In announcing new and expanded programs to increase opportunities for all employees, Office Depot Chief Executive Officer Bruce Nelson said, "Workforce diversity is one of my highest priorities at Office Depot and its subsidiaries, Viking and 4Sure.com. Our statement of values is clear on this point, and I want to be vigilant that we mean what we say. This six-point program is designed to assure that we live our commitment to diversity in our management, in our workforce and in our relations with suppliers, vendors and customers."

Elements of the program, which will be implemented within the next twelve months, include:

Creation of a new executive level position of Vice President for Workforce Diversity to head the office of Workforce Diversity established by Office Depot earlier this year;

Diversity training for all employees, beginning immediately at the Delray Beach headquarters of the Company and extending to all locations;
A newly established mentoring program, to assist all employees, including minority employees, in advancing their careers by pairing them with successful Office Depot employees to serve as mentors in career development;

The Office Depot Diversity Council, established earlier this year, which reports to the CEO, Bruce Nelson, and which promotes diversity in the Company’s workforce and among its vendors and suppliers;

Extension of the Company’s internship programs to recruit MBA candidates on the campuses of historically black colleges and universities;

A number of enhancements to the Company’s job posting programs to develop a more diverse pool of candidates for job openings at Office Depot.

According to terms of the confidential agreements reached among Office Depot and the Gary Law Firm and its clients, there was no admission of liability on the part of Office Depot.

Office Depot, Inc.

Office Depot, Inc.

Office Depot provides more office products and services to more customers in more countries than any other company. Incorporated in 1986 and headquartered in Delray Beach, Fla., Office Depot has annual sales of nearly $15 billion, and employs approximately 50,000 associates around the world. Currently, the Company sells to customers directly or through affiliates in 42 countries. Office Depot is a leader in every distribution channel -- from retail stores and contract delivery to catalogs and e-commerce. Office Depot serves a wide range of customers through a dedicated sales force, telephone account managers, direct mail offerings, and multiple web sites.

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