Law firm Simpson Thacher announced that it is representing Office Depot in connection with the announced merger with OfficeMax.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, the companies will be combined in an all-stock merger of equals transaction. The transaction is subject to stockholder approval from both companies, the receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. It is expected to close by year-end 2013.

Office Depot provides office supplies and services through 1,629 worldwide retail stores, a field sales force, catalogs and global e-commerce operations. OfficeMax provides integrating products, solutions and services for the workplace.

The Simpson Thacher team includes Mario Ponce, Eric Swedenburg, Sebastian Tiller, Adam Glenn and Audra Amarosa (M&A); Brian Robbins, Jamin Koslowe, Douglas Tang and Daniel Avezbaki (Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits); Kevin Arquit, Aimee Goldstein, Matthew Reilly, Michael Naughton, Andrew Lacy, Diana Wielocha and Andrea Levine (Antitrust/Competition); Ris Norman and Karen Wang (Capital Markets and Securities); James Cross (Credit); John Creed and Sean Austin (Tax) and Adeeb Fadil (Environmental).