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OfficeMax asks state for tax breaks

OfficeMax is asking the state of Illinois for tax breaks to keep the company's headquarters in-state after the office supply chain's merger with Office Depot is complete.  State Senator Tom Cullerton made his pitch Tuesday during a hearing on the state's pension crisis. He was joined by OfficeMax CEO Ravi Saligram, who says the combined company could be located here or in Florida, where Office Depot is headquartered.

 
"As we make our evaluations, we want to make sure that each of the locations can put their best foot forward, and that's why we are seeking the credit -- the tax credit,” Cullerton says.

 
Cullerton is a Villa Park Democrat sponsoring legislation to provide incentives if the company keeps
at least 2,000 full-time jobs at its headquarters and other non-retail locations.
Office Depot and Naperville-based OfficeMax announced plans to merge in February.
Governor Pat Quinn signed similar legislation in 2011 that gave Sears and other companies more than $100 million in subsidies when they threatened to leave the state.