Buhrmann company Corporate Express and Universal Office Supplies are to merge, following Buhrmann’s acquisition of Samas’ office supplies division last week.

Universal managing director Mike Dodson, will become MD of the new business and Paul Morgan, MD of Corporate Express, has been appointed deputy MD.

Commenting on the merger, Dodson said: “The new corporate Express will be more customer focused than ever. We will have the infrastructure, industry expertise and strong management teams that keep our products and services close to our customers. This will be the fusion of two market leaders which will create a dominant market presence.”

Morgan added: “Our exciting challenge is to create an effective and profitable combined business to continue to deliver unsurpassed service and satisfaction to our customers.”

l ISS has acquired Metropolitana, a facility services provider in the state of Parana, Brazil.

The Brazilian company derives a large portion of its £5m turnover from the food hygiene services segments and automotive services. It has 1,300 full-time employees.

Jessica Jarlvi