OFFICE NETWORK, TOPP JOIN FORCES

The Office Network, which includes three Utah companies, has merged with The Office Products People to create a $650 million buying force. The companies are Office Supply Distributors, 3368 S. 275 East; Alpine Office Products, 6889 S. 400 West, Midvale; and The Write Stuff Inc., Sandy.

Bill Haas, Office Network president, said the merger will enable members to offer office products at lower prices to their customers than the two groups could achieve separately. "The savings potential for our customers is endless," Haas said.TOPP has members in seven Western states, and Office Network has offices in 31 states. The group will operate under the Office Network name and will have 215 members in 265 locations.