EXHIBIT 23.2


               CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the 
incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 
33-62739) of United Stationers Inc. and in the related Prospectus of our 
report dated January 23, 1995 on the consolidated financial statements and 
schedule of Associated Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 1994 and for the 
year ended December 31, 1994 and to all references to our Firm included in 
the Annual Report (Form 10-K) of United Stationers Inc. for the year ended 
December 31, 1996.

                                   /S/ Arthur Andersen LLP


Chicago, Illinois
March 25, 1997