Office Depot Earns Perfect Score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index

Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), celebrating 25 years as a leading global provider of office supplies and services, today announced that the Company earned a 100 percent score in the 2012 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) issued by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). The ranking recognizes Office Depot as one of HRC's Best Places to Work for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Equality. In addition, the Company will be included in the HRC Foundation Employer Search, a free online database of thousands of private and public sector U.S. employers, and Buying for Workplace Equality 2012, a consumer-oriented guide based on CEI ratings.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign with a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index and as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality,” said Michael Allison, Executive Vice President of Human Resources for Office Depot. “At Office Depot, we believe that providing equal opportunities, rights and benefits to all of our Associates is imperative to conducting a successful business and recruiting the best talent. Office Depot is committed to supporting diversity in our employees, products, suppliers and services, and we will continue to work hard to maintain an inclusive work environment.”

The CEI rates companies on 40 policies and practices that contribute to equality in the workplace. To achieve a perfect score and the distinction of Best Places to Work for LGBT Equality, Office Depot had to have fully inclusive equal employment opportunity policies, provide equal employment benefits, demonstrate organizational LGBT competency, evidence the Company's commitment to equality publicly, and exercise responsible citizenship.

To meet the 2012 requirements, Office Depot augmented its benefits to include equal health coverage for transgender individuals and created the Office Depot Equality Alliance Committee. Policies already in place included prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, sexual expression or identity; offering partner health insurance; launching a diversity training covering sexual orientation; and more.

“Corporate America is leading the charge for equality in the workplace,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “We commend Office Depot for participating in the CEI. The Company understands that LGBT-inclusive workplace policies are the right thing to do and good business practices.”

About The Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

About Office Depot

Celebrating 25 years as a leading global provider of office supplies and services, Office Depot is Taking Care of Business for millions of customers around the globe. For the local corner store as well as Fortune 500 companies, Office Depot provides supplies and services to its customers through 1,656 worldwide retail stores, a dedicated sales force, top-rated catalogs and global e-commerce operations. Office Depot has annual sales of approximately $11.6 billion, and employs about 40,000 associates around the world. The Company provides more office supplies and services to more customers in more countries than any other company, and currently sells to customers directly or through affiliates in 58 countries.

Office Depot's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP. Additional press information can be found at: http://mediarelations.officedepot.com and http://socialpress.officedepot.com/.