Research
NICOR GAS
DESCRIPTION
Nicor heats the hearths of the Heartland and carries cargo in the Caribbean. The holding company's principal subsidiary, gas utility Northern Illinois Gas (doing business as Nicor Gas), has 34,000 miles of mains and service pipes that distribute natural gas to almost 2.2 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Illinois. Nicor Gas also operates eight underground gas storage facilities; it obtains its supply through long-term contracts and on the spot market. Nicor also ships container cargo through its Florida-based Tropical Shipping subsidiary.
STAPLES
DESCRIPTION
| Staples is clipping along as the #1 office supply superstore operator in the US. It sells office products, furniture, computers, and other supplies through its chain of about 1,900 Staples and Staples Express stores in the US and Canada and some 20 other countries. (About 1,620 of its superstores are located in North America.) In addition to its retail outlets, Staples sells office products through the Internet and through its catalog and direct sales operations, including subsidiary Staples also provides document management and copying services through its retail chain, as well as promotional products. The firm targets small businesses and home office professionals, as well as consumers. |