OP Exchange Selects Arthur Andersen To Implement New System For Competitive Office Product Auctions

Business Wire, Nov 14, 2000

Business Editors

OAK BROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 14, 2000

Office Products Exchange, Inc., developers of the first independent Web-based system focused on competitive bidding for office supplies, announced it has selected Arthur Andersen to manage the firm's systems integration.

The new site, www.opexchange.com, will bring together wholesalers, independent dealers, mega-dealers and customers in competitive auctions for office supplies. Utilizing the Ariba(r) (Nasdaq:ARBA) B2B Commerce Platform, the site features transactions for single orders for next day delivery, contracts for orders placed over a fixed period of time, and auctions for used and surplus goods.

The service will feature electronic catalog content from the office product industry's two major wholesalers--United Stationers (Nasdaq:USTR) and S.P. Richards--giving customers the most comprehensive selection of office supplies available.

"Our business demands industry-specific functionality and speed of implementation, so we wanted a firm that has experience in working with digital markets and implementing strategic technologies," said Roger Bottum, chief operating officer for opexchange. "Arthur Andersen was the logical choice for us because of its tremendous experience in building online marketplaces, and its relationship with Ariba."

"A variety of parties ranging from suppliers to customers can benefit from the efficiencies of an online marketplace," said Kevin Costello, global managing partner for digital market solutions at Arthur Andersen. "We're looking forward to helping opexchange develop a valuable tool for the office products industry."

About Office Products Exchange, Inc.

OP Exchange is the first Web-based auction system for the $200 billion office products industry. Its primary web address is www.opexchange.com, and the site will be functional this year. For more information, e-mail info@opexchange.com.

About Arthur Andersen

Arthur Andersen's vision is to be the partner for success in the new economy. The firm helps clients find new ways to create, manage and measure value in the rapidly changing global economy. With world-class skills in assurance, tax, consulting and corporate finance, Arthur Andersen has more than 77,000 people in more than 80 countries who are united by a single worldwide operating structure that fosters inventiveness, knowledge sharing and a focus on client success. Since its beginning in 1913, Arthur Andersen has realized 87 years of uninterrupted growth, with 2000 revenues of USD$8.4 billion. Learn more at www.arthurandersen.com.