Staples-Office Depot Deal Dies on Regulatory Issues

The video discusses a failed merger attempt between two companies due to regulatory challenges and market skepticism. The companies faced a low chance of success, with the market spread indicating doubts. Despite their rationale of industry consolidation and competition from Amazon, the deal was blocked. The future remains uncertain as the industry is highly consolidated, and Amazon poses a significant threat.

What were the two reasons mentioned for the low chances of the deal getting done?

How did the regulators respond to the proposed deal between the companies?

What rationale did the companies provide for attempting the deal despite the risks?

What is the current state of the industry in terms of consolidation and potential for future deals?

What impact does the presence of Amazon have on the competitive landscape according to the discussion?