UNITED STATIONERS INC
S-3, 1996-04-04
PAPER & PAPER PRODUCTS
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     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 4, 1996.

                                                           Registration No. 333-



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM S-3

             REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


                             UNITED STATIONERS INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

       DELAWARE                    2200 EAST GOLF ROAD              36-3141189
(State or other jurisdiction  DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS 60616-1267  (I.R.S. Employer
   of incorporation or                (847) 699-5000             Identification
      organization)         (Address, including ZIP code, and          No.)
                             telephone number, including area
                              code, of registrant's principal
                                   executive offices)


              THOMAS W. STURGESS                         Copies to: 
       CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHIEF 
              EXECUTIVE OFFICER
            UNITED STATIONERS INC.                      MARY R. KORBY
             2200 EAST GOLF ROAD                  WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES LLP
       DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS 60016-1267       100 CRESCENT COURT, SUITE 1300
                (847) 699-5000                    DALLAS, TEXAS 75201-6950
  (Name,address, including ZIP code, and 
   telephone number, including area code,
         of agent for service)



        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon
as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

        If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box: [_]

        If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered
on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act
of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box: [X]

        If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_] ______________

        If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                       CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
========================================================================================================================
                                                                                   PROPOSED
                                                             PROPOSED              MAXIMUM
                                                              MAXIMUM             AGGREGATE             AMOUNT OF
         TITLE OF SHARES              AMOUNT TO BE        AGGREGATE PRICE          OFFERING           REGISTRATION
        TO BE REGISTERED               REGISTERED           PER UNIT(1)            PRICE(1)                FEE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>                     <C>                <C>                   <C>         
Common Stock, $0.10 par value          809,280(2)              $22.50             $18,208,800           $6,278.90(2)
========================================================================================================================
<FN>
(1)     Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee
        pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
        based upon the last reported sale price of such Common Stock as reported
        by the Nasdaq National Market as of March 29, 1996.
(2)     1,225,964 of the shares (which reflect a 100% stock dividend effective
        November 9, 1995) to which the combined prospectus contained herein
        relate were previously registered on an earlier Registration Statement
        on Form S-3 (Registration No. 33-62739), and a fee of $5,707.07 was
        previously paid in respect of such shares.
</FN>
</TABLE>


        THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.

        The combined prospectus contained herein pursuant to Rule 429(a) under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relates to the earlier Registration
Statement on Form S-3 of United Stationers Inc., Registration No. 33-62739.



<PAGE>
<PAGE>


                   SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 4, 1996


PROSPECTUS


                                2,035,244 SHARES

                             UNITED STATIONERS INC.

                                  COMMON STOCK

                           (PAR VALUE $0.10 PER SHARE)

                              ---------------------


     TO BE OFFERED BY HOLDERS OF THE COMMON STOCK OF UNITED STATIONERS INC.

                              ---------------------


        This Prospectus relates to the offering (the "Offering") from time to
time of up to 2,035,244 shares (the "Shares") of common stock, par value $0.10
per share (the "Common Stock"), by the Selling Stockholders named herein under
"Selling Stockholders," of United Stationers Inc. (the "Company"), certain
shares of which have been or will be issued to the Selling Stockholders upon the
exercise of warrants to purchase Common Stock or conversion of shares of
Nonvoting Common Stock, $0.01 par value (the "Nonvoting Common Stock"), of the
Company. The distribution of the Shares by the Selling Stockholders is not
subject to any underwriting agreement.

        The Shares may be sold from time to time by the Selling Stockholders, or
by pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest. The sales may
be made on one or more exchanges or in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise
at prices and at terms then prevailing or at prices related to the then current
market price or in negotiated transactions. In addition, the Selling
Stockholders may sell the Shares through customary brokerage channels and
transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers. See "Plan of
Distribution."

        As of the close of trading on March 29, 1996, the closing sale price of
the Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market was $22.50 per share.
None of the proceeds from the sale of the Shares of Common Stock offered hereby
will be received by the Company.

        FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH
AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK, SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 4.


          THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE
           SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
          COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR
           ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
               ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO
                       THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                              ---------------------


                 The date of this Prospectus is       , 1996.


                                          



<PAGE>
<PAGE>


                              AVAILABLE INFORMATION

        The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). In accordance
with the Exchange Act, the Company files reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The
reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied at
the public reference facilities that the Commission maintains at Room 1024, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's regional
offices located at 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048,
and Suite 1400, Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 
60661. Copies of these materials can be obtained at prescribed rates from the 
Public Reference Section of the Commission at the principal offices of the 
Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549.

        The Company has filed with the Commission a registration statement on
Form S-3 (herein, together with all amendments and exhibits, referred to as the
"Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"Securities Act"). This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set
forth in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further
information, reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement.

                             ----------------------

                 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

        The following documents (or specified portions thereof) filed by the
Company with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act (File No. 0-10653) or
the Securities Act are incorporated in this Prospectus by reference:

        1.     The Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
               ended December 31, 1995;

        2.     The description of the Company's Common Stock in Item 1 of the
               Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated September 7,
               1982; and

        3.     All other documents filed by the Company pursuant to Sections
               13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of
               this Prospectus and before the termination of the offering of the
               Common Stock.

        The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of
this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of any such
person, a copy of any or all of the documents that are incorporated by
reference, other than exhibits to such documents not specifically incorporated
by reference. Requests for such copies should be directed to United Stationers
Inc., 2200 East Golf Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016-1267, Attention: Investor
Relations, telephone (847) 699-5000.

        Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein
shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to
the extent that a statement contained herein modifies or supersedes such
statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed,
except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.


                                        2



<PAGE>
<PAGE>


                                   THE COMPANY

        As used in this Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated or the context
otherwise requires, references herein to the "Company" include (i) United
Stationers Inc., its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including United
Stationers Supply Co. ("USSC"), the principal operating subsidiary of the
Company, and (ii) the business conducted by United Stationers Inc. ("United"),
Associated Holdings, Inc. ("Associated") and Associated Stationers, Inc.
("ASI"), the operating subsidiary of Associated, prior to the merger of
Associated with United and ASI with USSC on March 30, 1995 (collectively, the
"Merger").

        The Company is the largest general line business products wholesaler in
the United States, with 1995 pro forma net sales of $2.2 billion. The Company
stocks and distributes the broadest and deepest product line in the industry,
consisting of over 25,000 items, including traditional office supplies, office
furniture and desk accessories, computer supplies, peripherals and hardware and
facilities management supplies. the Company markets its products primarily
through catalogs with a total annual circulation of more than 7.5 million
copies, including a general line office products catalog that has more than 900
pages. The Company supplements its general line catalog with several specialized
catalogs and related marketing programs designed for the office products, office
furniture, computer products, facilities management and supplies and certain
other specialty markets. The Company purchases its products from more than 450
manufacturers who rely on it to inventory, market and distribute their products
efficiently to a broad range of approximately 12,000 resellers, consisting
primarily of office products dealers (including commercial, contract and
retail), computer resellers, office furniture dealers, office products
superstores, mailorder companies and mass merchandisers.

        United's operating subsidiary, USSC, began operations in 1922 under the
name Utility Supply Company, and has operated under its current name since 1960.
In June 1992, United acquired Stationers Distributing Company, Inc. ("SDC"), a
privately held office products wholesaler. SDC was based in Fort Worth, Texas,
and operated 22 distribution facilities throughout the continental United
States. Prior to such acquisition, SDC had annual revenues of more than $400
million. Associated was formed in January 1992 by an investor group led by
Wingate Partners, L.P. to effect the acquisition (the "Associated Transaction")
of the wholesale office products division of Boise Cascade Office Products
Corporation. To further its geographical presence and increase market share, in
October 1992 Associated acquired Lynn-Edwards Corp., a privately held office
products wholesaler based in Sacramento, California.

        On March 30, 1995, Associated purchased 92.5% of the then-outstanding
shares of pre-Merger United common stock for approximately $266.6 million in
the aggregate pursuant to a tender offer (the "Tender Offer"). Immediately
thereafter, Associated merged with and into United, and ASI merged with and into
USSC, with the Company and USSC continuing as the respective surviving
corporation (the "Merger" and, collectively with the Tender Offer, the
"Acquisition"). As a result of share conversions in the Merger, immediately
after the Merger, (i) the former holders of common stock and common stock
equivalents of Associated owned shares of Common Stock and warrants or options
to purchase shares of Common Stock constituting in the aggregate approximately
80% of the shares of Common Stock on a fully diluted basis, and (ii) holders of
pre-Merger United common stock owned in the aggregate approximately 20% of the
shares of Common Stock on a fully diluted basis. As a result of the Merger, USSC
assumed $430 million of indebtedness incurred by ASI in connection with the
Acquisition. In order to refinance a portion of such indebtedness, USSC
subsequently sold $150 million aggregate principal amount of its 12 3/4% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2005 (the "Notes").

        The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 2200 East
Golf Road, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016-1267, telephone number (847) 699-5000.

                                        3


<PAGE>
<PAGE>

                                  RISK FACTORS

        The following risk factors should be carefully considered in evaluating
the Company and its business before purchasing the Common Stock offered hereby.

COMPETITION

        The Company operates in a highly competitive environment. The Company
competes with office products manufacturers and with other national, regional
and specialty wholesalers of office products, office furniture, computer
products and related items. Some of such competitors are larger than the Company
and have greater financial and other resources available to them than does the
Company, and there can be no assurance that the Company can continue to compete
successfully with such competitors. Increased competition in the office products
industry, together with increased advertising, has heightened price awareness
among end-users. As a result, purchasers of commodity office products have been
extremely price sensitive, and therefore the Company has increased its efforts
to market to resellers the continuing advantages of its competitive strengths
(as compared to those of manufacturers and other wholesalers), such as marketing
and catalog programs, speed of delivery, and the ability to offer resellers on a
"one-stop shop" basis a broad line of business products from multiple
manufacturers with lower minimum order quantities. In addition, such heightened
price awareness has led to margin pressure on commodity office products. In the
event that such a trend continues, the Company's profit margins could be
adversely affected.

CONSOLIDATION

        Consolidation continues throughout all levels of the office products
industry. Consolidation of commercial dealers and contract stationers has
resulted in (i) an increased ability of those resellers to buy goods directly
from manufacturers on their own or through their participation in buying groups
and (ii) fewer independent resellers to purchase from wholesalers. In addition,
over the last decade, office products superstores (which largely buy directly
from manufacturers) have entered virtually every major metropolitan market.
Continuing consolidation could adversely affect the Company's financial results.

SUBSTANTIAL LEVERAGE

        As a result of the Acquisition, the Company has significant debt and
debt service obligations. The degree to which the Company is leveraged could
have important consequences, including the following: (i) the Company's ability
to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital
expenditures, potential acquisition opportunities, general corporate purposes or
other purposes may be impaired; (ii) a substantial portion of the Company's cash
flow from operations must be dedicated to the payment of principal and interest
on its indebtedness; (iii) the Company may be more vulnerable to economic
downturns, may be limited in its ability to withstand competitive pressures and
may have reduced flexibility in responding to changing business and economic
conditions; and (iv) fluctuations in market interest rates will affect the cost
of the Company's borrowings to the extent not covered by interest rate hedge
agreements because interest under the Credit Facilities (as hereinafter defined)
are payable at variable rates.

ABILITY TO SERVICE DEBT

        The Company's ability to service its indebtedness will be dependent on
its future performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions
and financial, business and other factors, certain of which are beyond the
Company's control. The Company believes that, based upon current levels of
operations, it should be able to meet its debt service obligations when


                                        4



<PAGE>
<PAGE>


due. If, however, the Company were unable to service its indebtedness, it would
be forced to pursue one or more alternative strategies such as selling assets,
restructuring or refinancing its indebtedness or seeking additional equity
capital (which may substantially dilute the ownership interest of holders of
Common Stock). There can be no assurance that any of these strategies could be
effected on satisfactory terms, if at all.

RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY TERMS OF INDEBTEDNESS

        The Indenture (the "Indenture") governing the $150 million in aggregate
principal amount of Notes of USSC and the credit agreement (the "Credit
Agreement") governing the Company's senior credit facilities (the "Credit
Facilities") contain numerous restrictive covenants that limit the discretion of
management with respect to certain business matters. These covenants place
significant restrictions on, among other things, the ability of the Company to
incur additional indebtedness, to create liens or other encumbrances, to make
certain payments, investments, loans and guarantees and to sell or otherwise
dispose of assets and merge or consolidate with another entity. The Credit
Agreement also contains a number of financial covenants that require the Company
to meet certain financial ratios and tests. A failure to comply with the
obligations in the Credit Agreement or the Indenture could result in an event of
default under the Credit Agreement, or an event of default under the Indenture,
which, if not cured or waived, could permit acceleration of the indebtedness
thereunder and acceleration of indebtedness under other instruments that may
contain cross- acceleration or cross-default provisions which could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.

CHANGING END-USER DEMANDS

        The Company's sales and profitability are largely dependent on its
ability to continually enhance its product offerings to meet changing end-user
demands. End-users' traditional demands for office products have changed over
the last several years as a result of, among other things, the widespread use of
computers and other technological advances (resulting in the elimination or
reduction in use of traditional office supplies), efforts by various businesses
to establish "paperless" work environments, increased recycling efforts and a
trend toward non-traditional offices (such as home-offices). The Company's
ability to continually monitor and react to such trends and changes in end-user
demands will be necessary to avoid adverse effects on its sales and
profitability. In addition, the Company's financial results could be adversely
affected if and to the extent that end-user demand for a broad product selection
or the need for overnight delivery were to substantially diminish or end-user
demand for a higher proportion of low margin products were to substantially
increase.

IMPACT OF CHANGING MANUFACTURERS' PRICES

        The Company maintains substantial inventories to accommodate the prompt
service and delivery requirements of its customers. Accordingly, the Company
purchases its products on a regular basis in an effort to maintain its inventory
at levels that it believes to be sufficient to satisfy the anticipated needs of
its customers based upon historic buying practices and market conditions.
Although the Company has historically been able to pass through manufacturer
price increases to its customers on a timely basis, competitive conditions will
influence how much of future price increases can be passed on to the Company's
customers. Conversely, when manufacturers' prices decline, lower sales prices
could result in lower margins as the Company sells existing inventory. Changes
in the prices paid by the Company for its products therefore could adversely
affect the Company's net sales, gross margins and net income.



                                        5


<PAGE>
<PAGE>

EFFECT OF CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY

        Demand for office products is affected by, among other things, white
collar employment levels. Changes in the economy resulting in decreased white
collar employment levels may therefore adversely affect the Company's operations
and profitability. In addition, pricing and, to an extent, profitability of the
Company's product offerings, generally decrease under deflationary economic
conditions. Deflationary swings in the economy may therefore adversely affect
the Company's profitability.

EFFECTS OF THE MERGER

        Changes to the Company's product selection, ordering systems, pricing,
marketing strategies and personnel effected in connection with the Company's
consolidation plan may adversely affect the Company's relationship with certain
resellers in the future and thereby adversely affect the Company's financial
performance.

SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS

        Substantially all of the Company's shipping, warehouse and maintenance
employees at certain of the Company's facilities in Chicago, Detroit,
Philadelphia, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and New York City are covered
by various collective bargaining agreements, which expire at various times
during the next three years. Although the Company considers its relationships
with its employees to be satisfactory, a prolonged labor dispute could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business (including its ability to
deliver its products readily) as well as the Company's results of operations and
financial condition. Although the Company has been able to maintain its service
levels during past work stoppages by distributing to its customers from
unaffected distribution centers, profitability has been reduced during such
periods as a result of higher distribution costs. The Company's ability to
receive and deliver products is largely dependent on the availability of trucks
utilized by manufacturers and the Company. Therefore, the occurrence of a
national trucking strike could also impair the Company's operations. The
Company's service levels would also be affected in the event of an interruption
in operation of its computers or telecommunications network on a company-wide
scale for an extended period of time, although the Company has developed
contingency plans to limit its exposure.

RESTRICTIONS ON PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS

        The Company conducts its business through USSC and has no operations of
its own. The primary asset of the Company is all of the capital stock of USSC.
Consequently, the Company's sole source for cash from which to make dividend
payments will be dividends distributed or other payments made to it by USSC. The
right of the Company to participate in any distribution of earnings or assets of
USSC is subject to the prior claims of the creditors of USSC. In addition, the
Indenture and the Credit Agreement contain certain restrictive covenants,
including covenants that restrict or prohibit USSC's ability to pay dividends
and make other distributions to the Company. Any determination to declare and
pay dividends will be made by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board
of Directors") in light of the Company's earnings, financial position, capital
requirements, credit agreements and such other factors as the Board of Directors
deems relevant at the time.

DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL

        The Company's success relies on the efforts and abilities of its
executive officers and certain other key employees, particularly Mr. Thomas W.
Sturgess, the Company's Chairman of the Board,


                                        6



<PAGE>
<PAGE>


President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Daniel H. Bushell, an Executive Vice
President and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, and Mr. Michael D.
Rowsey and Mr. Steven R. Schwarz, each an Executive Vice President of the
Company, the loss of any of whom could have a material adverse effect on the
Company. The Company has entered into employment agreements having terms ranging
from two to three years with the executive officers listed above. The Company
currently does not have any "key man" life insurance for its key personnel.

POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE

        As a result of the Acquisition, the number of publicly traded shares of
Common Stock was reduced from approximately 37.2 million shares to approximately
2.8 million shares (in each case adjusted to give effect to the 100% stock
dividend effective November 9, 1995). Consequently, the market price for Common
Stock has been subject to greater volatility as a result of the reduced number
of publicly traded shares. In addition, the market price for shares of the
Common Stock has varied significantly and may be volatile depending on news
announcements and changes in general market conditions. In particular, news
announcements regarding quarterly or annual results of operations, competitive
developments or litigation impacting the Company could cause significant
fluctuations in the Company's stock price.

POSSIBLE ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS

        The Company has available for issuance approximately 1.5 million shares
of preferred stock, which the Board of Directors is authorized to issue, in one
or more series, without any further action on the part of the Company's
stockholders. Subject to limitations imposed by law or the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation (as amended from time to time, the "Charter"), the
Board of Directors is empowered to determine the designation of and the number
of shares constituting each series of preferred stock; the dividend rate for
each series; the terms and conditions of any voting, conversion and exchange
rights for each series; the amounts payable on each series upon redemption or
the Company's liquidation, dissolution or winding-up; the provisions of any
sinking fund for the redemption or purchase of shares of any series; and the
preferences and the relative rights among the series of preferred stock. At the
discretion of the Board of Directors, and subject to its fiduciary duties, the
preferred stock could be used to deter any takeover attempt, by tender offer or
otherwise. In addition, preferred stock could be issued with voting and
conversion rights which could adversely affect the voting power and/or economic
value to holders of Common Stock. The issuance of preferred stock could also
result in a series of securities outstanding that would have preferences over
the Common Stock with respect to dividends and in liquidation.

        The Company's Charter and Restated Bylaws (as amended from time to time,
the "Bylaws") contain certain other provisions that may be deemed to have
anti-takeover effects and may delay, deter or prevent a takeover attempt that a
stockholder of the Company might consider to be in the best interests of the
Company or its stockholders. In addition, the Indenture provides that, upon the
occurrence of a change of control (which term includes the acquisition by any
person or group of more than 50% of the voting power of the outstanding Common
Stock or certain significant changes in the composition of the Board of
Directors), the Company shall be obligated to offer to repurchase all
outstanding Notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount thereof.
Such obligation, if it arose, could have a material adverse effect on the
Company. Such provision could also delay, deter or prevent a takeover attempt.

                                       7

<PAGE>
<PAGE>

INFLUENCE OF CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS

        As of the date of this Prospectus, Wingate Partners, L.P. ("Wingate
Partners"), Wingate Partners II, L.P. ("Wingate II"), Wingate Affiliates, L.P.
("Wingate Affiliates") and Wingate Affiliates II, L.P. ("Wingate Affiliates II"
and, collectively with Wingate Partners, Wingate II and Wingate Affiliates,
"Wingate"), Cumberland Capital Corporation ("Cumberland") and Mr. Daniel J. Good
and certain of his affiliates beneficially own approximately 50.3%, 15.7% and
2.2%, respectively, of the outstanding shares of Common Stock. Four of the
current nine directors of the Company are indirect general partners of Wingate
Partners or Wingate II. In addition, Mr. Gary G. Miller, who is the President
and a stockholder of Cumberland, and Mr. Good each serve as directors of the
Company. Consequently, such persons and their affiliates have significant
influence over the policies of the Company and any matter submitted to a
stockholder vote.

IMPACT OF SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

        Future sales by existing stockholders could adversely affect the
prevailing market price of the Common Stock. Holders of approximately 7,741,492
shares of Common Stock are parties to a registration rights agreement whereby
the Company must register such shares under the Securities Act at the request of
a holder of at least 20% of such shares. Therefore, a large number of shares of
Common Stock may be available for sale in the public market by such stockholders
at various times. The sale of a large block of such shares, and the availability
of additional large blocks for sale, could have an adverse effect on the
prevailing market price of the Common Stock.




                                        8



<PAGE>
<PAGE>


                                 USE OF PROCEEDS

        The proceeds from the sale of the Shares of Common Stock to which this
Prospectus relates will be the property of the Selling Stockholders and will be
utilized by them as they see fit. No part of the proceeds will be received by
the Company.


                              SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

        The following table sets forth the name and relationship with the
Company of each Selling Stockholder and the number of shares of Common Stock
that each Selling Stockholder (i) owned of record as of March 29, 1996, (ii) the
maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be offered for the account of
the Selling Stockholder under this Prospectus, and (iii) the amount and
percentage of Common Stock to be owned by the Selling Stockholder after
completion of the offering assuming the sale of all the Common Stock which may
be offered hereunder.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

=========================================================================================================
                                                                              Amount and Percentage
  Selling Security Holder's                          Maximum Number of           of Common Stock
     Name & Relationship        Shares Owned as of   Shares Which May Be           Owned After
         to Company             March 29, 1996(1)(2) Offered Hereunder           the Offering(3)

                                                                             Amount       Percentage(4)
=========================================================================================================
<S>                                   <C>                <C>           <C>                <C>
Chase Manhattan Investment            1,235,061          1,235,061            ---               *
Holdings, Inc.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arab Banking Corporation (B.S.C.)       164,451            164,451            ---               *
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Long-Term Credit Bank of            173,449            173,449            ---               *
Japan, Ltd., Chicago Branch
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wingate Partners, L.P.                4,491,163            171,802        4,319,361           32.0%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wingate Partners, II, L.P.            1,451,153            240,539        1,210,614            9.0%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wingate Affiliates, L.P.                 77,957              2,981           74,976             *
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wingate Affiliates II, L.P.              25,549              4,157           21,392             *
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daniel J. Good(5)                       204,918             42,804          162,114            1.2%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<FN>
 *      Less than 1%.

(1)     The foregoing is based upon information provided by the persons
        described. At March 29, 1996, there were 11,446,306 shares of Common
        Stock outstanding. Except as otherwise noted, beneficial ownership
        includes sole voting and investment powers.

(2)     Includes shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of all warrants
        to purchase Common Stock and conversion of all shares of Nonvoting
        Common Stock held by such Selling Stockholder.

(3)     Assumes sale of all shares of Common Stock registered hereunder,
        although, to the Company's knowledge, none of the Selling Stockholders
        has made any arrangements to sell any shares of Common Stock at this
        time.




                                        9


<PAGE>
<PAGE>

(4)     For purposes of calculating the percentage of Common Stock owned by each
        Selling Stockholder, it was assumed that each Selling Stockholder had
        exercised all options, conversion rights or warrants by which such
        Selling Stockholder had the right, within 60 days following , 1996, to
        acquire shares of Common Stock.

(5)     Does not include (i) 363,899 shares of Common Stock held by Good Capital
        Co., Inc., of which Mr. Good is Chairman and a controlling Stockholder,
        and (ii) 8,426 warrants exercisable for shares of Common Stock and
        18,086 shares of Common Stock owned by the Julie Good Mora Grantor Trust
        and 8,426 warrants exercisable for shares of Common Stock and 18,086
        shares of Common Stock owned by the Laura Good Stathos Grantor Trust,
        each of which Mr. Good serves as trustee. Mr. Good disclaims beneficial
        ownership of all shares not owned by him of record. Mr. Good serves as a
        director of the Company.
</FN>
</TABLE>

        The Company will pay the expenses of registering the shares of Common
Stock being sold hereunder which are estimated to be $25,000.

        The following is a description of material relationships between the
Company and the Selling Stockholders during the past three years:

VOTING TRUST AGREEMENT

        Prior to the Merger, substantially all shares of Associated common stock
were held in a voting trust (the "Voting Trust") pursuant to the Voting Trust
Agreement, dated as of January 31, 1992, as amended (the "Voting Trust
Agreement"). As of the consummation of the Merger, the Voting Trust Agreement
was amended to govern shares of Common Stock held by the parties thereto in
substantially the same manner as such agreement previously governed shares of
Associated common stock. The trustees of the Voting Trust are Thomas W.
Sturgess, Frederick B. Hegi, Jr., James A. Johnson, Daniel J. Good and Gary G.
Miller. The trustees of the Voting Trust hold all voting power to vote the
shares of Common Stock held in the Voting Trust and may act by a majority vote
of the trustees. The trustees agree to vote all of the shares of Common Stock
held in trust to elect a board of directors of the Company with (i) a least one
representative designated by Good Capital Co., Inc., (ii) at least one
representative designated by ASI Partners, L.P., the sole general partner of
which is Cumberland, (iii) at least one representative designated by certain
former key executives of Associated and (iv) such number of directors that will
represent a majority of the total number of directors designated by Wingate
Partners. The Voting Trust terminates on January 31, 2005 or upon the
consummation of an underwritten public offering of the shares of Common Stock
which meets certain criteria specified in the Voting Trust Agreement. Messrs.
Sturgess and Hegi are indirect general partners of Wingate Partners, Wingate II,
Wingate Affiliates and Wingate Affiliates II. Mr. Johnson is an indirect general
partner of Wingate II and Wingate Affiliates II.

MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

        Pursuant to an Investment Banking Fee and Management Agreement dated as
of January 31, 1992 among Associated, ASI and Wingate Partners, Wingate Partners
provided certain financial advisory services to Associated and ASI in connection
with the Associated Transaction in exchange for a one-time fee of $500,000
(which was paid in January 1992 upon the consummation of the Associated
Transaction). The Company assumed the obligation of Associated under such
agreement by operation of law as a result of the Merger and such agreement has
been amended accordingly. Pursuant to the amended agreement, Wingate Partners
has agreed to provide certain oversight and monitoring services to the Company
and USSC and their subsidiaries in exchange for an annual fee of up to $725,000,
payment (but not accrual) of which is subject to restrictions under the Credit
Agreement related to certain Company performance criteria. Upon consummation of
the Acquisition, the Company paid aggregate fees to Wingate Partners of $2.3
million for services rendered in connection therewith. Pursuant to the $350,000
annual fee limit previously in effect under such agreement, Wingate Partners
earned an aggregate of $603,000, $350,000 and $210,000 with respect to each of
the fiscal years ended 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, for such oversight


                                        10



<PAGE>
<PAGE>

and monitoring services. Under the amended agreement, the Company is obligated
to reimburse Wingate Partners for its out-of-pocket expenses and indemnify
Wingate Partners and its affiliates from loss in connection with these services.
The agreement expires on January 31, 2002, provided that the agreement continues
in effect on a year to year basis thereafter unless terminated in writing by one
of the parties at least 180 days before the expiration of the primary term or
any subsequent yearly term.

        Pursuant to an Investment Banking Fee and Management Agreement dated as
of January 31, 1992 among Associated, ASI and Good Capital Co., Inc. ("Good
Capital"), Good Capital provided financial advisory services to Associated and
ASI in connection with the Associated Transaction in exchange for 31,480 shares
of Associated common stock and 185 shares of Associated class A preferred stock.
The Company assumed the obligations of Associated under such agreement by
operation of law as a result of the Merger and such agreement has been amended
accordingly. Pursuant to the amended agreement, Good Capital has agreed to
provide certain oversight and monitoring services to the Company and USSC and
their subsidiaries, in exchange for (i) an annual fee of up to $137,500, payment
(but not accrual) of which is subject to restrictions under the Credit Agreement
related to certain Company performance criteria and (ii) previously issued
shares of Associated common stock converted pursuant to the Merger into 154,125
shares of Common Stock. Subject to certain exceptions, the issuance of such
shares of Common Stock are subject to rescission if the agreement is terminated
before January 31, 2002. Upon consummation of the Acquisition, the Company paid
aggregate fees to Good Capital of $100,000 for services rendered in connection
therewith. Pursuant to the $75,000 annual fee limit previously in effect under
such agreement, Good Capital earned an aggregate of $129,000, $75,000 and
$45,000 in each of the fiscal years ended 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, for
such oversight and monitoring services. The Company is also obligated to
reimburse Good Capital for its out-of-pocket expenses and indemnify Good Capital
and its affiliates from loss in connection with these services. The agreement
expires on January 31, 2002, provided that the agreement continues in effect
thereafter on a year to year basis unless terminated in writing by one of the
parties at least 180 days before the expiration of the primary term or any
subsequent yearly term. Daniel J. Good is the chairman and a controlling
stockholder of Good Capital.

CERTAIN INTERESTS OF CHASE BANK

        The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association) ("Chase Bank"), an
affiliate of Chase Manhattan Investment Holdings, Inc. ("CMIHI"), has certain
interests in the Company in addition to its affiliate, Chase Securities, Inc.
("Chase Securities"), which served as the initial purchaser of the Notes and
received a discount in the amount of $4.5 million. As a result of the sale of
the Notes, CMIHI beneficially owned (as of March 29, 1996) approximately 9.7%
of the shares of Common Stock outstanding as a result of its ownership of (i)
warrants received in connection with the original Associated transaction that
entitle CMIHI to purchase 476,067 shares of Common Stock for $0.10 per share,
(ii) 480,045 shares of Nonvoting Common Stock purchased or received in
connection with the Acquisition and (iii) 278,949 shares of Nonvoting Common
Stock transferred to CMIHI from pre-Merger holders of Associated common stock
upon consummation of the sale of the Notes.

        Chase Securities served as financial advisor to Associated in connection
with the Acquisition. Chase Bank is the agent and a lender under the Credit
Facilities. In addition, in connection with the Tender Offer, Chase Securities
served as dealer manager and Chase Bank served as depositary for tendered shares
of Common Stock. A substantial portion of the net proceeds from the sale of the
Notes were used to repay in full a credit facility, created in connection with
the Acquisition, under which Chase Bank and an affiliate thereof were the
lenders, and a portion of the remainder was used to prepay portions of a term
loan under the Credit Facilities. In all such capacities, Chase Bank and its
affiliates received an aggregate of approximately $23.3 million in fees
(although certain of such


                                       11

<PAGE>
<PAGE>

fees were shared with other members of the lending groups) and had certain of
their expenses reimbursed.

        Arab Banking Corporation also serves as a lender under the Credit
Facilities.

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        The shares may be sold from time to time by the selling shareholders, or
by pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest. The sales may
be made on one or more exchanges or in the over-the-counter market, or otherwise
at prices and at terms then prevailing or at prices related to the then current
market price, or in negotiated transactions. The shares may be sold by ordinary
brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers.
In addition, any securities covered by this Prospectus which qualify for sale
pursuant to Rule 144 may be sold under Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this
Prospectus.


                            VALIDITY OF COMMON STOCK

        The validity of the shares of Common Stock being offered herein is being
passed upon for the Company by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, Dallas, Texas.


                                     EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements of United Stationers Inc. as of
and for the year ended December 31, 1995, and the consolidated financial 
statements of United Stationers Inc. as of and for the seven months ended
March 30, 1995, appearing in United Stationers Inc.'s Annual Report (Form 10-K)
for the year ended December 31, 1995, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
independent auditors, as set forth in their reports thereon included therein
and incorporated herein by reference.  Such consolidated financial statements
are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given upon
the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


                                       12



<PAGE>
<PAGE>



================================================================================

NO  PERSON  HAS  BEEN  AUTHORIZED  TO  GIVE  ANY  INFORMATION  OR  TO  MAKE  ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS,  AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  DOES  NOT  CONSTITUTE  AN  OFFER  TO  SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION  OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY  SECURITIES  OTHER THAN THE  SECURITIES  TO
WHICH IT  RELATES  OR ANY OFFER TO SELL OR THE  SOLICITATION  OF AN OFFER TO BUY
SUCH  SECURITIES IN ANY  CIRCUMSTANCES  IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR  SOLICITATION  IS
UNLAWFUL.  NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS  PROSPECTUS  NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER
SHALL,  UNDER ANY  CIRCUMSTANCES,  CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO
CHANGE  IN THE  AFFAIRS  OF THE  COMPANY  SINCE  THE  DATE  HEREOF  OR THAT  THE
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.


                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                         Page

               Available Information......................  2
               Incorporation of Certain Documents by
                     Reference............................  2
               The Company................................  3
               Risk Factors...............................  4
               Use of Proceeds............................  9
               Selling Stockholders.......................  9
               Plan of Distribution....................... 12
               Validity of Common Stock................... 12
               Experts ................................... 12


                                2,035,244 SHARES
                              
                             
                                     UNITED
                                 STATIONERS INC.
                              
                                  COMMON STOCK
                           (PAR VALUE $0.10 PER SHARE)
                              
                            
                              
                                ----------------
                              
                                   PROSPECTUS
                              
                                ----------------
                            
                              
                                              , 1996
                              

================================================================================

<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                                     PART II

                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION

        The estimated expenses payable by United Stationers Inc. (the "Company")
in connection with the registration of the securities offered hereby, other than
underwriting discounts and commissions, are as follows:

SEC filing fee...................................................      $6,278.90
NASD filing fee..................................................           *
Blue Sky fees and expenses.......................................           *
Printing and engraving expenses..................................           *
Legal fees and expenses..........................................           *
Accounting fees and expenses.....................................           *
Transfer agent and registrar fees................................           *
Miscellaneous....................................................           *
                                                                      ----------
        Total....................................................    $      *
                                                                      ==========
- --------------
* To be supplied by amendment.

ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

        The Charter and Restated Bylaws of the Company provide for the
indemnification of directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("DGCL"). Pursuant to the
provisions of Section 145 of the DGCL, the Company has the power to indemnify
any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
threatened, pending or completed action, suit, or proceeding (other than an
action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that he is or
was a director, officer, employee, or agent of the Company against any and all
expenses, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and
reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding. The
power to indemnify applies only if such person acted in good faith and in a
manner he reasonably believed to be in the best interest, or not opposed to the
best interest, of the Company and with respect to any criminal actions or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.

        Indemnification is not available if such person has been adjudged to
have been liable to the Company, unless and only to the extent the court in
which such action was brought determines that, despite the adjudication of
liability, but in view of all the circumstances, the person is reasonably and
fairly entitled to indemnification for such expenses as the court shall deem
proper. The Company has the power to purchase and maintain insurance for such
persons. The statutes also expressly provide that the power to indemnify
authorized thereby is not exclusive of any rights granted under any bylaw,
agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.

        The above discussion of the Charter and Restated Bylaws of the Company
and of Section 145 of the DGCL is not intended to be exhaustive and is qualified
in its entirety by such Charter and Restated Bylaws of the Company and the DGCL.

        The Company also carries director and officer liability insurance
policies.

        Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the
Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been
advised that in the opinion of the Commission, such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other
than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer, or controlling person thereof in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by a director, officer,


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled
by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question of whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication
of such issue.

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS

Exhibit
  No.                                Description of Exhibit
  ---                                ----------------------

   4.1      --Charter (Exhibit 3(a) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
            dated November 19, 1987)(4).

   4.2      --Certificate of Ownership and Merger merging Associated into
            United(2).

   4.3      --Restated Bylaws(1).

   5.1      --Opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP as to the validity of the
            securities registered hereby.**

   9.1      --Voting Trust Agreement, dated as of January 31, 1992, among the
            Company, the stockholders party thereto and Messrs. Sturgess, Hegi,
            Miller, Good and Johnson, as voting trustees(1).

   9.2      --First Amendment to Voting Trust Agreement, dated as of March 30,
            1995, among the Company, the stockholders party thereto and Messrs.
            Sturgess, Hegi, Miller, Good and Johnson, as voting trustees(1).

   10.1     --Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1995, among USSC, the
            Company, certain Lenders named therein and The Chase Manhattan Bank
            (National Association) ("Chase Bank"), as Agent and Lender (Exhibit
            4.A.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
            ended March 31, 1995)(4).

   10.2     --Waiver and Amendment No. 1, dated as of April 13, 1995, among
            USSC, the Company, each of the lenders party thereto and Chase Bank
            (1).

   10.3     --Waiver and Amendment No. 2, dated as of December 21, 1995, among
            the Company, USSC, each of the lenders party thereto and Chase
            Bank.**

   10.4     --Assumption Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1995, among USSC, the
            Company and Chase Bank, as agent (included in Exhibit 10.1, 
            Exhibit F).

   10.5     --Form of Revolving Credit Note, issuable under the Credit Agreement
            (included in Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit A-I).

   10.6     --Form of Tranche A Term Loan Note, issuable under the Credit
            Agreement (included in Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit A-2).


                                      II-2


<PAGE>
<PAGE>


Exhibit
  No.                                Description of Exhibit
  ---                                ----------------------

   10.7     --Form of Tranche B Term Loan Note, issuable under the Credit
            Agreement (included in Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit A-3).

   10.8     --Security Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1995, between USSC and
            Chase Bank, as agent (included in Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit C).

   10.9     --Form of Indenture of Mortgage, Assignment of Rents, Security
            Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated as of March 30, 1995, by USSC in
            favor of Chase Bank (included in Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit E).

   10.10    --Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 26, 1995, among
            the Company, USSC and Chase Securities, Inc.(1).

   10.11    --Purchase Agreement, dated April 26, 1995, among the Company, USSC,
            and Chase Securities, Inc.(1).

   10.12    --Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 31, 1992,
            between the Company and Chase Manhattan Investment Holdings, Inc.
            ("CMIHI") (included in Exhibit 10.15, Annex 2).

   10.13    --Amendment No. 1 to Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of
            March 30, 1995, among the Company, CMIHI and certain other holders
            of Lender Warrants(1).

   10.14    --Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of
            March 30, 1995, among the Company, Wingate Partners, L.P. ("Wingate
            Partners"), Cumberland Capital Corporation ("Cumberland"), Good
            Capital Co., Inc. and certain other Company stockholders(1).

   10.15    --Warrant Agreement, dated as of January 31, 1992, among the
            Company, USSC and CMIHI(1).

   10.16    --Amendment No. 1 to Warrant Agreement, dated as of October 27,
            1992, among the Company, USSC, CMIHI and the other parties
            thereto(1).

   10.17    --Letter Agreement dated as of February 10, 1995, amending certain
            provisions of the Warrant Agreement, among the Company, USSC, CMIHI
            and the other parties thereto.**

   10.18    --Amendment No. 2 to Warrant Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1995,
            among the Company, USSC, CMIHI and the other parties thereto(1).

   10.19    --Amendment No. 3 to Warrant Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1995,
            among the Company, USSC, CMIHI and the other parties thereto.**

   10.20    --Amendment No. 4 to Warrant Agreement, dated as of February , 1996,
            among the Company, USSC, CMIHI and the other parties thereto.**

   10.21    --Warrant Agreement, dated as of January 31, 1992, between the
            Company and Boise Cascade Corporation(1).

                                      II-3


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



Exhibit
  No.                                Description of Exhibit
  ---                                ----------------------

   10.22    --Amendment No. 1 to Warrant Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1995,
            between the Company and Boise Cascade Corporation(1).

   10.23    --Indenture, dated as of May 3, 1995, among USSC, the Company and
            The Bank of New York(1).

   10.24    --First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 28, 1995, among
            USSC, the Company, and The Bank of New York(1).

   10.25    --Investment Banking Fee and Management Agreements, dated as of
            January 31, 1992, among the Company, USSC and each of Wingate
            Partners, Cumberland and Good Capital Co., Inc.(1).

   10.26    --Amendment No., 1 to Investment Banking Fee and Management
            Agreements, dated as of March 30, 1995, among USSC, the Company and
            each of Wingate Partners, Cumberland and Good Capital Co., Inc.(1).

   10.27    --1992 Management Stock Option Plan, dated as of January 31,
            1992(1).

   10.28    --Amendment No. 1 to 1992 Management Stock Option Plan, dated as of
            March 30, 1995(1).

   10.29    --Amendment No. 2 to 1992 Management Stock Option Plan, dated as of
            September 27, 1995(3).

   10.30    --Letter agreements, dated January 31, 1992, between the Company (as
            successor-in-interest to Associated) and each of Michael D. Rowsey,
            Robert W. Eberspacher, Lawrence E. Miller, Daniel J. Schleppe, Duane
            J. Ratay and Daniel H. Bushell regarding grants of stock options(1).

   10.31    --Amendment to Stock Option Grants, dated as of March 30, 1995,
            between the Company and each of Michael D. Rowsey, Robert W.
            Eberspacher, Lawrence E. Miller, Daniel J. Schleppe, Duane J. Ratay
            and Daniel H. Bushell(1).

   10.32    --Forms of Stock Option Agreements dated October 2, 1995 granting
            options to certain management employees, subject to stockholder
            approval of Amendment No. 2 to Stock Option Plan(3).

   10.33    --Forms of Amendments to Stock Option Grants, dated September 29,
            1995 between the Company and each of Michael D. Rowsey, Robert W.
            Eberspacher, Lawrence E. Miller, Daniel J. Schleppe and Daniel H.
            Bushell.**

   10.34    --Stock Option Agreements dated as of January 1, 1996 between the
            Company and Thomas W. Sturgess, granting options subject to
            stockholder approval of Amendment No. 2 to Stock Option Plan(3).

   10.35    --Executive Stock Purchase Agreements, dated as of January 31, 1992,
            among the Company, Wingate Partners, ASI Partners, L.P. and each of

                                      II-4


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



Exhibit
  No.                                Description of Exhibit
  ---                                ----------------------


            Michael D. Rowsey, Robert W. Eberspacher, Lawrence E. Miller and 
            Daniel J. Schleppe(1).

   10.36    --First Amendments to Executive Stock Purchase Agreements, dated as
            of March 30, 1995, among the Company, Wingate Partners, ASI
            Partners, L.P. and each of Michael D. Rowsey, Robert W. Eberspacher,
            Lawrence E. Miller and Daniel J. Schleppe(1).

   10.37    --Executive Bonus Plan (Exhibit 10(a)(i)(F) to the Company's Report
            on Form 10-K dated November 17, 1988)(4).

   10.38    --Amendment to Executive Bonus Plan adopted February 13, 1995(2).

   10.39    --Supplemental Benefits Plan as amended and restated as of July 13,
            1988 (Exhibit 10(a)(H)(1) to the Company's Report on Form 10-K dated
            November 17, 1988)(4).

   10.40    --Management Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10(a)(i)(L) to the Company's
            Report on Form 10-K dated November 17, 1988)(4).

   10.41    --Amendment to Management Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10(a)(i)(C)(1) to
            the Company's Report on Form 10-K dated November 23, 1994)(4).

   10.42    --Amendment to Management Incentive Plan adopted February 13,
            1995(2).

   10.43    --Management Incentive Plan for period 4/1/95 through 12/31/95(3).

   10.44    --Management Incentive Plan for 1996(3).

   10.45    --Profit Share PluSavings Plan (Exhibit 10(a)(i)(F)(2)(f) to the
            Company's Report on Form 10-K dated November 20, 1989)(4).

   10.46    --United Stationers Supply Co. Pension Plan as amended (See the
            Company's Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal years ended August 31,
            1985, 1986, 1987 and 1989)(4).

   10.47    --Amendment to Pension Plan adopted February 10, 1995(2).

   10.48    --One Time Merger Integration Bonus Plan(3).

   10.49    --Employment Agreements, dated as of January 31, 1992, among the
            Company, USSC and each of Michael D. Rowsey, Robert W. Eberspacher,
            Lawrence E. Miller, Daniel J. Schleppe, Duane J. Ratay and Daniel H.
            Bushell(1).

   10.50    --Amended and Restated Employment and Consulting Agreement dated
            April 15, 1993 among the Company, USSC and Joel D. Spungin (Exhibit
            10(b) to the Company's Report on Form 10-K dated November 22,
            1993)(4).


                                      II-5

<PAGE>
<PAGE>



Exhibit
  No.                                Description of Exhibit
  ---                                ----------------------

   10.51    --Amendment dated February 13, 1995 to the Amended and Restated
            Employment and Consulting Agreement among the Company, USSC and Joel
            D. Spungin(2).

   10.52    --Form of Employment and Consulting Agreement among the Company,
            USSC and certain officers (Exhibit 10(j) to the Company's Report on
            Form 10-K dated November 19, 1987)(4).

   10.53    --Amendment dated February 13, 1995 to Employment and Consulting
            Agreement among the Company, USSC and Jerold A. Hecktman(2).

   10.54    --Amendment dated February 13, 1995 to Employment and Consulting
            Agreement among the Company, USSC and Ted S. Rzeszuto(2).

   10.55    --Amendment dated February 13, 1995 to Employment and Consulting
            Agreement among the Company, USSC and Otis H. Halleen(2).

   10.56    --Amendment dated February 13, 1995 to Employment and Consulting
            Agreement among the Company, USSC and Robert H. Cornell(2).

   10.57    --Amendment dated February 13, 1995 to Employment and Consulting
            Agreement among the Company, USSC and Steven R. Schwarz(2).

   10.58    --Employment and Consulting Agreement dated March 1, 1990 between
            the Company, USSC and Jeffrey K. Hewson (Exhibit 10(1) to the
            Company's Report on Form 10-K dated November 20, 1990)(4).

   10.59    --Amendment dated April 10, 1991 of Employment and Consulting
            Agreement between the Company, USSC and Jeffrey K. Hewson (Exhibit
            10(1)(i) to the Company's Report on Form 10-K dated November 25,
            1991)(4).

   10.60    --Amendment dated September 1, 1994 of Hewson Employment and
            Consulting Agreement (Exhibit 10(e)(ii) to the Company's Report on
            Form 10-K dated November 23, 1994)(4).

   10.61    --Amendment to Employment and Consulting Agreement dated February
            13, 1995 between the Company, USSC and Jeffrey K. Hewson(2).

   10.62    --Amendment dated May 25, 1995 to Employment and Consulting
            Agreement between the Company, USSC and Jeffrey K. Hewson(3).

   10.63    --Severance Agreement between the Company, USSC and James A. Pribel
            dated February 13, 1995(2).

   10.64    --Letter Agreement dated February 13, 1995 between the Company and
            Ergin Uskup(2).

   10.65    --Amendment dated August 30, 1995 to Employment and Consulting
            Agreement between the Company, USSC and Steven R. Schwarz(3).


                                      II-6

<PAGE>
<PAGE>



Exhibit
  No.                                Description of Exhibit
  ---                                ----------------------

   10.66    --Amendment dated August 30, 1995 to Employment and Consulting
            Agreement between the Company, USSC and Ted S. Rzeszuto(3).

   10.67    --Employment Agreements dated October 1, 1995 between USSC and each
            of Daniel H. Bushell, Michael D. Rowsey, Steven R. Schwarz, Robert
            H. Cornell, Ted S. Rzeszuto, and Al Shaw(3).

   10.68    --Employment Agreement dated November 1, 1995 between USSC and Otis
            H. Halleen(3).

   10.69    --Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between the
            Company, USSC and Thomas W. Sturgess(3).

   10.70    --Deferred Compensation Plan (Exhibit 10(f) to the Company's Annual
            Report on Form 10-K dated October 6, 1994)(4).

   10.71    --Consulting Agreement dated October 1, 1995 between the Company and
            Jeffrey K. Hewson(3).

   10.72    --Letter Agreement dated November 29, 1995 granting shares of
            restricted stock to Joel D. Spungin(3).

   10.73    --Option Agreement dated November 29, 1995 between the Company and
            Jeffrey K. Hewson(3).

   10.74    --Lease Agreement, dated as of March 4, 1988, between Crow-Alameda
            Limited Partnership and Stationers Distributing Company, Inc., as
            amended(1).

   10.75    --Industrial Real Estate Lease, dated as of May 17, 1993, among
            Majestic Realty Co. and Patrician Associates, Inc., as landlord, and
            United Stationers Supply Co., as tenant(1).

   10.76    --Standard Industrial Lease, dated as of March 15, 1991, between
            Shelley B. & Barbara Detrik and Lynn Edwards Corp.(1).

   10.77    --Lease Agreement, dated as of January 12, 1993, as amended, among
            Stationers Antelope Joint Venture, AVP Trust, Adon V. Panattoni and
            Yolanda M. Panattoni, as landlord, and United Stationers Supply Co.,
            as tenant(1).

   10.78    --Lease, dated as of February 1, 1993, between CMD Florida Four
            Limited Partnership and United Stationers Supply Co., as amended(1).

   10.79    --Standard Industrial Lease, dated March 2, 1992, between Carol
            Point Builders I and Associated Stationers, Inc.(1).

   10.80    --Lease, dated March 22, 1973, between National Boulevard Bank of
            Chicago, as trustee under Trust Agreement dated March 15, 1973 and
            known as Trust No. 4722, and United Supply Company, as amended(1).

                                      II-7

<PAGE>
<PAGE>



Exhibit
  No.                                Description of Exhibit
  ---                                ----------------------

   10.81    --Lease Agreement, dated July 20, 1993, between OTR, acting as the
            duly authorized nominee of the Board of the State Teachers
            Retirement System of Ohio, and United Stationers Supply Co., as
            amended(1).

   10.82    --Lease Agreement, dated as of December 20, 1988, between Corporate
            Property Associates 8, L.P., and Stationers Distributing Company,
            Inc., as amended(1).

   10.83    --Industrial Lease, dated as of February 22, 1988, between Northtown
            Devco and Stationers Distributing Company, as amended(1).

   10.84    --Lease, dated as of April 17, 1989, between Isaac Heller and United
            Stationers Supply Co., as amended(1).

   10.85    --Lease Agreement dated as of May 10, 1984, between Westbelt
            Business Park Joint Venture and Boise Cascade Corporation, as
            amended(1).

   10.86    --Lease, dated as of January 19, 1981, between Propco, Inc. and
            Crown Zellerbach Corporation, as amended(1).

   10.87    --Lease Agreement, dated as of August 17, 1981, between Gulf United
            Corporation and Crown Zellerbach Corporation, as amended(1).

   10.88    --Lease Agreement, dated as of March 31, 1978, among Gillich O.
            Traughber and J.T. Cruin, Joint Venturers, and Boise Cascade
            Corporation, as amended(1).

   10.89    --Lease Agreement, dated November 7, 1988, between Dalware II
            Associates and Stationers Distributing Company, Inc., as amended(1).

   10.90    --Lease Agreement, dated November 7, 1988, between Central East
            Dallas Development Limited Partnership and Stationers Distributing
            Company, Inc., as amended(1).

   10.91    --Lease Agreement, dated as of March 17, 1989, between Special Asset
            Management Company of Texas, Inc., and Stationers Distributing
            Company, Inc., as amended(1).

   10.92    --Sublease, dated January 9, 1992, between Shadrall Associates and
            Stationers Distributing Company, Inc.(1).

   10.93    --Industrial Lease, dated as of June 12, 19889, between Stationers
            Distributing Company, Inc. and Dual Asset Fund V, as amended(1).

   10.94    --Lease Agreement, dated as of July , 1994, between Bettilyon
            Mortgage Loan Company and United Stationers Supply Co.(1).

   10.95    --Agreement of Lease, dated as of January 5, 1994, between the
            Estate of James Campbell, deceased, and United Stationers Supply
            Co.(1).


                                      II-8

<PAGE>
<PAGE>



Exhibit
  No.                                Description of Exhibit
  ---                                ----------------------

   10.96    --Lease Agreement dated January 5, 1996 between Robinson Properties,
            L.P. and USSC.*

   10.97    --Real Estate Agreement dated January 9, 1996 between USSC as seller
            and Seid Street, Ltd. as purchaser(3).

   10.98    --Real Estate Agreement dated October 19, 1995 between USSC as
            seller and Boise Cascade Office Products Corporation as
            purchaser(3).

   10.99    --Agreement for Data Processing Services, dated January 31, 1992,
            between USSC (as successor-in-interest to ASI) and Affiliated
            Computer Services, Inc.(1).

   10.100   --Amended and Restated First Amendment to Agreement for Data
            Processing Services, dated as of August 29, 1995, between USSC and
            Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.(1).

   10.101   --Form of Director's Agreement to Cash Out and Cancel Stock Options
            dated February 13, 1995 (Exhibit 10.53 to the Company's Report on
            Form 10-K dated June 27, 1995)(3).

   10.102   --Form of Employee's Agreement to Cash Out and Cancel Stock Options
            dated February 13, 1995 (Exhibit 10.54 to the Company's Report on
            Form 10-K dated June 27, 1995)(4).

   10.103   --US Employee Benefits Trust Agreement dated March 21, 1995 between
            the Company and American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago
            as Trustee(2).

   10.104   --USI Bonus Benefits Trust Agreement dated March 21, 1995 between
            the Company and American National Bank and Trust Company of Chicago
            as Trustee(2).

   10.105   --Certificate of Insurance covering directors' and officers'
            liability insurance effective November 1, 1994 through November 1,
            1995 (Exhibit 10.57 to the Company's Report on Form 10-K dated June
            27, 1995)(4).

   10.106   --Certificate of Insurance covering directors' and officers'
            liability insurance effective March 30, 1995 through March 30, 1996
            (Exhibit 10.81 to Company's Form S-3 (No. 33-62739, as amended)(4).

   10.107   --Amendment to Medical Plan Document for the Company(2).

   10.108   --The Company Severance Plan, adopted February 10, 1995(2).

   10.109   --Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 28, 1995, among
            the Company, Boise Cascade, Wingate Partners, Wingate Partners II,
            L.P., Wingate Affiliates, L.P., Wingate Affiliates II, L.P., ASI
            Partners III, L.P., the Julie Good Mora Grantor Trust and the Laura
            Good Stathos Grantor Trust(1).


                                      II-9


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



   21       --Subsidiaries of the Company(3).

   23.1     --Consent of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (included in the opinion
            filed as Exhibit 5 to the Registration Statement).

   23.2     --Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors.*

   23.3     --Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent certified public
            accountants.*

   23.4     --Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent certified public
            accountants.*

   24.1     --Powers of Attorney of directors and executive officers of the
            Registrant (Included on Page II-12 of this Registration Statement).

- ---------------

   *    Filed herewith.
   **   To be filed by amendment.
   (1)  Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form S-1 (No. 33-59811), as
        amended, initially filed with the Commission on June 12, 1995.
   (2)  Incorporated by reference to the Company's Schedule 14D-9 dated February
        21, 1995.
   (3)  Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form S-2 (No. 333-01089), as
        filed with the Commission on February 20, 1996. 
   (4)  Incorporated by reference to other prior filings of the Company as 
        indicated.

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS

        The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

        1. To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made of
the securities registered hereby, a post-effective amendment to this
Registration Statement:

               (i)   To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of 
the Securities Act.

               (ii)  To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this Registration
Statement;

               (iii) To include any material information with respect to the
plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this Registration Statement or
any material change to such information in this Registration Statement;

provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in Paragraph (i) and (ii)
above do not apply if the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports
filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act
that are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement.


                                      II-10


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



        2. That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.

        3. To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.

        4. That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or
section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

        5. That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this
Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h)
under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this Registration
Statement as of the time it was declared effective.

        Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such liabilities (other than payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.

                                      II-11


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                        SIGNATURES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the City of Des Plaines, State of Illinois, on April 2,
1996.


                                    UNITED STATIONERS INC.



                                    By: /s/ Daniel H. Bushell
                                        ---------------------------------
                                            Daniel H. Bushell
                                            Executive Vice President, 
                                            Chief Financial Officer and
                                            Assistant Secretary


        Each person whose signature to this Registration Statement appears below
hereby appoints Thomas W. Sturgess, Daniel H. Bushell and James A. Johnson, and
each of them, any one of whom may act without the joinder of any of the others,
as his attorney-in-fact to sign on his behalf individually and in the capacity
stated below and to file all pre- and post-effective amendments to this
Registration Statement (and, in addition, any registration statement filed
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for the
offering to which this Registration Statement relates), which may make such
changes in and additions to this Registration Statement as such attorney-in-fact
may deem necessary or appropriate.

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:


Signature                          Title                              Date
- ---------                          -----                              ----


/s/ Thomas W. Sturgess        Chairman of the Board,             April 2, 1996 
- ----------------------------  President and Chief         
Thomas W. Sturgess            Executive Officer (Principal 
                              Executive Officer)           
                                                          

/s/ Daniel H. Bushell         Executive Vice President,          April 2, 1996
- ----------------------------  Chief Financial Officer and  
Daniel H. Bushell             Assistant Secretary          
                              (Principal Financial Officer)
                            

/s/ Ted S. Rzeszuto           Vice President, Controller         April 2, 1996
- ---------------------------   and Assistant Secretary  
Ted S. Rzeszuto               (Principal Accounting      
                              Officer)                   
                              

/s/ Michael D. Rowsey         Director                           April 2, 1996
- ---------------------------
Michael D. Rowsey



<PAGE>
<PAGE>


/s/ Frederick B. Hegi, Jr.    Director                           April 2, 1996
- ----------------------------
Frederick B. Hegi, Jr.


/s/ James A. Johnson          Director                           April 2, 1996
- ----------------------------
James A. Johnson


/s/ Jeffrey K. Hewson         Director                           April 2, 1996
- ----------------------------
Jeffrey K. Hewson






<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                             UNITED STATIONERS INC.
                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

                                                                      Sequential
Exhibit                                                                  Page
  No.                  Description of Exhibit                           Number
  ---                  ----------------------                           ------


4.1  --     Charter (Exhibit 3(a) to the Company's Annual Report on
            Form 10-K dated November 19, 1987)(4).

4.2  --     Certificate of Ownership and Merger merging Associated
            into United(2).

4.3  --     Restated Bylaws(1).

5.1  --     Opinion of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP as to the validity
            of the securities registered hereby.**

9.1  --     Voting Trust Agreement, dated as of January 31, 1992,
            among the Company, the stockholders party thereto and
            Messrs. Sturgess, Hegi, Miller, Good and Johnson, as voting
            trustees(1).

9.2  --     First Amendment to Voting Trust Agreement, dated as of
            March 30, 1995, among the Company, the stockholders party
            thereto and Messrs. Sturgess, Hegi, Miller, Good and
            Johnson, as voting trustees(1).

10.1 --     Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1995, among USSC,
            the Company, certain Lenders named therein and Chase Bank,
            as Agent and Lender (Exhibit 4.A.1 to the Company's
            Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
            31, 1995)(4).

10.2 --     Waiver and Amendment No. 1, dated as of April 13, 1995,
            among USSC, the Company, each of the lenders party thereto
            and Chase Bank (1).

10.3 --     Waiver and Amendment No. 2, dated as of December 21, 1995,
            among the Company, USSC, each of the lenders party thereto
            and Chase Bank **.

10.4 --     Assumption Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1995, among
            USSC, the Company and Chase Bank, as agent (included in
            Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit F).

10.5 --     Form of Revolving Credit Note, issuable under the Credit
            Agreement (included in Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit A-I).

10.6 --     Form of Tranche A Term Loan Note, issuable under the
            Credit Agreement (included in Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit A-2).

10.7 --     Form of Tranche B Term Loan Note, issuable under the
            Credit Agreement (included in Exhibit 10.1, Exhibit A-3).

10.8 --     Security Agreement, dated as of March 30, 1995, between
            USSC and Chase Bank, as agent (included in Exhibit 10.1,
            Exhibit C).



                                       (i)


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                                                                      Sequential
Exhibit                                                                  Page
  No.                    Description of Exhibit                         Number
  ---                    ----------------------                         ------

10.9 --     Form of Indenture of Mortgage, Assignment of Rents,
            Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated as of March 30,
            1995, by USSC in favor of Chase Bank (included in Exhibit
            10.1, Exhibit E).

10.10 --    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of April 26,
            1995, among the Company, USSC and Chase Securities, Inc.(1).

10.11 --    Purchase Agreement, dated April 26, 1995, among the
            Company, USSC, and Chase Securities, Inc.(1).

10.12 --    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 31,
            1992, between the Company and CMIHI (included in Exhibit
            10.15, Annex 2).

10.13 --    Amendment No. 1 to Registration Rights Agreement, dated
            as of March 30, 1995, among the Company, CMIHI and certain
            other holders of Lender Warrants(1).

10.14 --    Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated
            as of March 30, 1995, among the Company, Wingate Partners,
            Cumberland, Good Capital Co., Inc. and certain other Company
            stockholders(1).

10.15 --    Warrant Agreement, dated as of January 31, 1992, among
            the Company, USSC and CMIHI(1).


10.16 --    Amendment No. 1 to Warrant Agreement, dated as of October
            27, 1992, among the Company, USSC, CMIHI and the other
            parties thereto(1).

10.17 --    Letter Agreement dated as of February 10, 1995, amending
            certain provisions of the Warrant Agreement, among the
            Company, USSC, CMIHI and the other parties thereto.**

10.18 --    Amendment No. 2 to Warrant Agreement, dated as of March
            30, 1995, among the Company, USSC, CMIHI and the other
            parties thereto(1).

10.19 --    Amendment No. 3 to Warrant Agreement, dated as of July
            28, 1995, among the Company, USSC, CMIHI and the other
            parties thereto.**

10.20 --    Amendment No. 4 to Warrant Agreement, dated as of
            February , 1996, among the Company, USSC, CMIHI and the
            other parties thereto.**

10.21 --    Warrant Agreement, dated as of January 31, 1992, between
            the Company and Boise Cascade Corporation(1).

10.22 --    Amendment No. 1 to Warrant Agreement, dated as of March
            30, 1995, between the Company and Boise Cascade
            Corporation(1).

10.23 --    Indenture, dated as of May 3, 1995, among USSC, the
            Company and The Bank of New York(1).


                                      (ii)



<PAGE>
<PAGE>




                                                                      Sequential
Exhibit                                                                  Page
  No.                    Description of Exhibit                         Number
  ---                    ----------------------                         ------


10.24 --    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 28, 1995,
            among USSC, the Company, and The Bank of New York(1).

10.25 --    Investment Banking Fee and Management Agreements, dated
            as of January 31, 1992, among the Company, USSC and each of
            Wingate Partners, Cumberland and Good Capital Co., Inc.(1).

10.26 --    Amendment No., 1 to Investment Banking Fee and Management
            Agreements, dated as of March 30, 1995, among USSC, the
            Company and each of Wingate Partners, Cumberland and Good
            Capital Co., Inc.(1).

10.27 --    1992 Management Stock Option Plan, dated as of January
            31, 1992(1).

10.28 --    Amendment No. 1 to 1992 Management Stock Option Plan,
            dated as of March 30, 1995(1).

10.29 --    Amendment No. 2 to 1992 Management Stock Option Plan,
            dated as of September 27, 1995(3).

10.30 --    Letter agreements, dated January 31, 1992, between the
            Company (as successor-in-interest to Associated) and each of
            Michael D. Rowsey, Robert W. Eberspacher, Lawrence E.
            Miller, Daniel J. Schleppe, Duane J. Ratay and Daniel H.
            Bushell regarding grants of stock options(1).

10.31 --    Amendment to Stock Option Grants, dated as of March 30,
            1995, between the Company and each of Michael D. Rowsey,
            Robert W. Eberspacher, Lawrence E. Miller, Daniel J.
            Schleppe, Duane J. Ratay and Daniel H. Bushell(1).

10.32 --    Forms of Stock Option Agreements dated October 2, 1995
            granting options to certain management employees, subject to
            stockholder approval of Amendment No. 2 to Stock Option
            Plan(3).

10.33 --    Forms of Amendments to Stock Option Grants, dated
            September 29, 1995 between the Company and each of Michael
            D. Rowsey, Robert W. Eberspacher, Lawrence E. Miller, Daniel
            J. Schleppe and Daniel H. Bushell.**

10.34 --    Stock Option Agreements dated as of January 1, 1996
            between the Company and Thomas W. Sturgess, granting options
            subject to stockholder approval of Amendment No. 2 to Stock
            Option Plan(3).

10.35 --    Executive Stock Purchase Agreements, dated as of January
            31, 1992, among the Company, Wingate Partners, ASI Partners,
            L.P. and each of Michael D. Rowsey, Robert W. Eberspacher,
            Lawrence E. Miller and Daniel J. Schleppe(1).

10.36 --    First Amendments to Executive Stock Purchase Agreements,
            dated as of March 30, 1995, among the Company, Wingate
            Partners, ASI Partners, L.P.


                                      (iii)



<PAGE>
<PAGE>




                                                                      Sequential
Exhibit                                                                  Page
  No.                    Description of Exhibit                         Number
  ---                    ----------------------                         ------

           and each of Michael D. Rowsey, Robert W. Eberspacher,
           Lawrence E. Miller and Daniel J. Schleppe(1).

10.37 --   Executive Bonus Plan (Exhibit 10(a)(i)(F) to the
           Company's Report on Form 10-K dated November 17, 1988)(4).

10.38 --   Amendment to Executive Bonus Plan adopted February 13,
           1995(2).

10.39 --   Supplemental Benefits Plan as amended and restated as of
           July 13, 1988 (Exhibit 10(a)(H)(1) to the Company's Report
           on Form 10-K dated November 17, 1988)(4).

10.40 --   Management Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10(a)(i)(L) to the
           Company's Report on Form 10-K dated November 17, 1988)(4).

10.41 --   Amendment to Management Incentive Plan (Exhibit
           10(a)(i)(C)(1) to the Company's Report on Form 10-K dated
           November 23, 1994)(4).

10.42 --   Amendment to Management Incentive Plan adopted February
           13, 1995(2).

10.43 --   Management Incentive Plan for period 4/1/95 through
           12/31/95(3).

10.44 --   Management Incentive Plan for 1996(3).

10.45 --   Profit Share PluSavings Plan (Exhibit 10(a)(i)(F)(2)(f)
           to the Company's Report on Form 10-K dated November 20,
           1989)(4).

10.46 --   United Stationers Supply Co. Pension Plan as amended (See
           the Company's Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal years
           ended August 31, 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1989)(4).

10.47 --   Amendment to Pension Plan adopted February 10, 1995(2).

10.48 --   One Time Merger Integration Bonus Plan(3).

10.49 --   Employment Agreements, dated as of January 31, 1992,
           among the Company, USSC and each of Michael D. Rowsey,
           Robert W. Eberspacher, Lawrence E. Miller, Daniel J.
           Schleppe, Duane J. Ratay and Daniel H. Bushell(1).

10.50 --   Amended and Restated Employment and Consulting Agreement
           dated April 15, 1993 among the Company, USSC and Joel D.
           Spungin (Exhibit 10(b) to the Company's Report on Form 10-K
           dated November 22, 1993)(4).

10.51 --   Amendment dated February 13, 1995 to the Amended and
           Restated Employment and Consulting Agreement among the
           Company, USSC and Joel D. Spungin(2).



                                      (iv)


<PAGE>
<PAGE>




                                                                      Sequential
Exhibit                                                                  Page
  No.                    Description of Exhibit                         Number
  ---                    ----------------------                         ------

10.52 --   Form of Employment and Consulting Agreement among the
           Company, USSC and certain officers (Exhibit 10(j) to the
           Company's Report on Form 10-K dated November 19, 1987)(4).

10.53 --   Amendment dated February 13, 1995 to Employment and
           Consulting Agreement among the Company, USSC and Jerold A.
           Hecktman(2).

10.54 --   Amendment dated February 13, 1995 to Employment and
           Consulting Agreement among the Company, USSC and Ted S.
           Rzeszuto(2).

10.55 --   Amendment dated February 13, 1995 to Employment and
           Consulting Agreement among the Company, USSC and Otis H.
           Halleen(2).

10.56 --   Amendment dated February 13, 1995 to Employment and
           Consulting Agreement among the Company, USSC and Robert H.
           Cornell(2).

10.57 --   Amendment dated February 13, 1995 to Employment and
           Consulting Agreement among the Company, USSC and Steven R.
           Schwarz(2).

10.58 --   Employment and Consulting Agreement dated March 1, 1990
           between the Company, USSC and Jeffrey K. Hewson (Exhibit
           10(1) to the Company's Report on Form 10-K dated November
           20, 1990)(4).

10.59 --   Amendment dated April 10, 1991 of Employment and
           Consulting Agreement between the Company, USSC and Jeffrey
           K. Hewson (Exhibit 10(1)(i) to the Company's Report on Form
           10-K dated November 25, 1991)(4).

10.60 --   Amendment dated September 1, 1994 of Hewson Employment
           and Consulting Agreement (Exhibit 10(e)(ii) to the Company's
           Report on Form 10-K dated November 23, 1994)(4).

10.61 --   Amendment to Employment and Consulting Agreement dated
           February 13, 1995 between the Company, USSC and Jeffrey K.
           Hewson(2).

10.62 --   Amendment dated May 25, 1995 to Employment and Consulting
           Agreement between the Company, USSC and Jeffrey K.
           Hewson(3).

10.63 --   Severance Agreement between the Company, USSC and James
           A. Pribel dated February 13, 1995(2).

10.64 --   Letter Agreement dated February 13, 1995 between the
           Company and Ergin Uskup(2).

10.65 --   Amendment dated August 30, 1995 to Employment and
           Consulting Agreement between the Company, USSC and Steven R.
           Schwarz(3).

10.66 --   Amendment dated August 30, 1995 to Employment and
           Consulting Agreement between the Company, USSC and Ted S.
           Rzeszuto(3).


                                       (v)


<PAGE>
<PAGE>




                                                                      Sequential
Exhibit                                                                  Page
  No.                    Description of Exhibit                         Number
  ---                    ----------------------                         ------


10.67 --    Employment Agreements dated October 1, 1995 between USSC
            and each of Daniel H. Bushell, Michael D. Rowsey, Steven R.
            Schwarz, Robert H. Cornell, Ted S. Rzeszuto, and Al Shaw(3).

10.68 --    Employment Agreement dated November 1, 1995 between USSC
            and Otis H. Halleen(3).

10.69 --    Employment Agreement dated as of January 1, 1996 between
            the Company, USSC and Thomas W. Sturgess(3).

10.70 --    Deferred Compensation Plan (Exhibit 10(f) to the
            Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated October 6,
            1994)(4).

10.71 --    Consulting Agreement dated October 1, 1995 between the
            Company and Jeffrey K. Hewson(3).

10.72 --    Letter Agreement dated November 29, 1995 granting shares
            of restricted stock to Joel D. Spungin(3).

10.73 --    Option Agreement dated November 29, 1995 between the
            Company and Jeffrey K. Hewson(3).

10.74 --    Lease Agreement, dated as of March 4, 1988, between
            Crow-Alameda Limited Partnership and Stationers Distributing
            Company, Inc., as amended(1).

10.75 --    Industrial Real Estate Lease, dated as of May 17, 1993,
            among Majestic Realty Co. and Patrician Associates, Inc., as
            landlord, and United Stationers Supply Co., as tenant(1).

10.76 --    Standard Industrial Lease, dated as of March 15, 1991,
            between Shelley B. & Barbara Detrik and Lynn Edwards
            Corp.(1).

10.77 --    Lease Agreement, dated as of January 12, 1993, as
            amended, among Stationers Antelope Joint Venture, AVP Trust,
            Adon V. Panattoni and Yolanda M. Panattoni, as landlord, and
            United Stationers Supply Co., as tenant(1).

10.78 --    Lease, dated as of February 1, 1993, between CMD Florida
            Four Limited Partnership and United Stationers Supply Co.,
            as amended(1).

10.79 --    Standard Industrial Lease, dated March 2, 1992, between
            Carol Point Builders I and Associated Stationers, Inc.(1).

10.80 --    Lease, dated March 22, 1973, between National Boulevard
            Bank of Chicago, as trustee under Trust Agreement dated
            March 15, 1973 and known as Trust No. 4722, and United
            Supply Company, as amended(1).



                                      (vi)


<PAGE>
<PAGE>




                                                                      Sequential
Exhibit                                                                  Page
  No.                    Description of Exhibit                         Number
  ---                    ----------------------                         ------

10.81 --    Lease Agreement, dated July 20, 1993, between OTR, acting
            as the duly authorized nominee of the Board of the State
            Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, and United Stationers
            Supply Co., as amended(1).

10.82 --    Lease Agreement, dated as of December 20, 1988, between
            Corporate Property Associates 8, L.P., and Stationers
            Distributing Company, Inc., as amended(1).

10.83 --    Industrial Lease, dated as of February 22, 1988, between
            Northtown Devco and Stationers Distributing Company, as
            amended(1).

10.84 --    Lease, dated as of April 17, 1989, between Isaac Heller
            and United Stationers Supply Co., as amended(1).

10.85 --    Lease Agreement dated as of May 10, 1984, between
            Westbelt Business Park Joint Venture and Boise Cascade
            Corporation, as amended(1).

10.86 --    Lease, dated as of January 19, 1981, between Propco, Inc.
            and Crown Zellerbach Corporation, as amended(1).

10.87 --    Lease Agreement, dated as of August 17, 1981, between
            Gulf United Corporation and Crown Zellerbach Corporation, as
            amended(1).

10.88 --    Lease Agreement, dated as of March 31, 1978, among
            Gillich O. Traughber and J.T. Cruin, Joint Venturers, and
            Boise Cascade Corporation, as amended(1).

10.89 --    Lease Agreement, dated November 7, 1988, between Dalware
            II Associates and Stationers Distributing Company, Inc., as
            amended(1).

10.90 --    Lease Agreement, dated November 7, 1988, between Central
            East Dallas Development Limited Partnership and Stationers
            Distributing Company, Inc., as amended(1).

10.91 --    Lease Agreement, dated as of March 17, 1989, between
            Special Asset Management Company of Texas, Inc., and
            Stationers Distributing Company, Inc., as amended(1).

10.92 --    Sublease, dated January 9, 1992, between Shadrall
            Associates and Stationers Distributing Company, Inc.(1).

10.93 --    Industrial Lease, dated as of June 12, 19889, between
            Stationers Distributing Company, Inc. and Dual Asset Fund V,
            as amended(1).

10.94 --    Lease Agreement, dated as of July , 1994, between
            Bettilyon Mortgage Loan Company and United Stationers Supply
            Co.(1).



                                      (vii)


<PAGE>
<PAGE>



                                                                      Sequential
Exhibit                                                                  Page
  No.                    Description of Exhibit                         Number
  ---                    ----------------------                         ------

10.95 --     Agreement of Lease, dated as of January 5, 1994, between
             the Estate of James Campbell, deceased, and United
             Stationers Supply Co.(1).

10.96 --     Lease Agreement dated January 5, 1996 between Robinson
             Properties, L.P. and USSC.*

10.97 --     Real Estate Agreement dated January 9, 1996 between USSC
             as seller and Seid Street, Ltd. as purchaser(3).

10.98 --     Real Estate Agreement dated October 19, 1995 between USSC
             as seller and Boise Cascade Office Products Corporation as
             purchaser(3).

10.99 --     Agreement for Data Processing Services, dated January 31,
             1992, between USSC (as successor-in-interest to ASI) and
             Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.(1).

10.100 --    Amended and Restated First Amendment to Agreement for
             Data Processing Services, dated as of August 29, 1995,
             between USSC and Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.(1).

10.101 --    Form of Director's Agreement to Cash Out and Cancel
             Stock Options dated February 13, 1995 (Exhibit 10.53 to the
             Company's Report on Form 10-K dated June 27, 1995)(3).

10.102 --    Form of Employee's Agreement to Cash Out and Cancel
             Stock Options dated February 13, 1995 (Exhibit 10.54 to the
             Company's Report on Form 10-K dated June 27, 1995)(4).

10.103 --    US Employee Benefits Trust Agreement dated March 21,
             1995 between the Company and American National Bank and
             Trust Company of Chicago as Trustee(2).

10.104 --    USI Bonus Benefits Trust Agreement dated March 21, 1995
             between the Company and American National Bank and Trust
             Company of Chicago as Trustee(2).

10.105 --    Certificate of Insurance covering directors' and
             officers' liability insurance effective November 1, 1994
             through November 1, 1995 (Exhibit 10.57 to the Company's
             Report on Form 10-K dated June 27, 1995)(4).

10.106 --    Certificate of Insurance covering directors' and
             officers' liability insurance effective March 30, 1995
             through March 30, 1996 (Exhibit 10.81 to Company's Form S-3
             (No. 33-62739, as amended)(4).

10.107 --    Amendment to Medical Plan Document for the Company(2).

10.108 --    The Company Severance Plan, adopted February 10,
             1995(2).



                                     (viii)


<PAGE>
<PAGE>




                                                                      Sequential
Exhibit                                                                  Page
  No.                    Description of Exhibit                         Number
  ---                    ----------------------                         ------

10.109 --    Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 28,
             1995, among the Company, Boise Cascade, Wingate Partners,
             Wingate Partners II, L.P., Wingate Affiliates, L.P., Wingate
             Affiliates II, L.P., ASI Partners III, L.P., the Julie Good
             Mora Grantor Trust and the Laura Good Stathos Grantor
             Trust(1).

21   --      Subsidiaries of the Company(3).

23.1 --      Consent of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (included in the
             opinion filed as Exhibit 5 to the Registration Statement).

23.2 --      Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors.*

23.3 --      Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent certified
             public accountants.*

23.4 --      Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent certified
             public accountants.*

24.1 --      Powers of Attorney of directors and executive officers of
             the Registrant (Included on Page II-12 of this Registration
             Statement).


*       Filed herewith.
**      To be filed by amendment.
(1)     Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form S-1 (No. 33-59811), as 
        amended, initially filed with the Commission on June 12, 1995.
(2)     Incorporated by reference to the Company's Schedule 14D-9 dated 
        February 21, 1995.
(3)     Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form S-2 (No. 333-01089), 
        as filed with the Commission on February 20, 1996.
(4)     Incorporated by reference to other prior filings of the Company as 
        indicated.



                                      (ix)

DAFS02...:\33\78533\0015\1671\FRM2186X.58E


                                                               EXHIBIT 23.2

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

        We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of United
Stationers Inc. for the registration of 809,280 shares of its common stock and
the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated June 27, 1995 and
January 29, 1996 (except for Note 16, as to which the date of March 27, 1996),
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of United
Stationers Inc. for the seven month transition period ended March 30, 1995 and
the year ended December 31, 1995, respectively, included in its Annual Report
(Form 10K) for the year ended December 31, 1995, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.


                                   /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois 
March 28, 1996







                                                              EXHIBIT 23.3

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

        As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) of United
Stationers Inc. and in the related Prospectus of our report dated January 23,
1995 (except with respect to the matters discussed in Note 1 as to which the
date is February 13, 1995) on the consolidated financial statements and schedule
of Associated Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 1994 and for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1993 and to the reference to our firm under the caption
"Experts" included in this registration statement.


                                   /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois 
April 3, 1996





                                                               EXHIBIT 23.4

                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

        As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-3) of United
Stationers Inc. and in the related Prospectus of our report dated October 6,
1994 on the consolidated financial statements and schedule of United Stationers
Inc. as of August 31, 1994 and 1993 and for the years ended August 31, 1994,
1993 and 1992 and to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts"
included in this registration statement.


                                   /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois 
April 3, 1996





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