The paper merchanting and office products group, which includes UK merchants Howard Smith Paper and Robert Horne, proposed more cuts in November after issuing its third profit warning in 18 months (PrintWeek, 18 October).

Corporate communications manager Ewold de Bruijne said it was too early to say how many jobs would be affected in European businesses, but warned that some would go in back-office and support functions.

Between 50%-60% of the cuts will occur across the group?s North American office products business. Buhrmann should save 19m in 2003, and 38m a year from 2004.