Exhibit 23.2


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our 
report on the consolidated financial statements of United Stationers Inc. as of 
August 31, 1993 and 1994 and for the years ended August 31, 1992, 1993 and 1994 
and to the reference to our Firm under the caption "Experts" included in this 
registration statement.


                                             /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Chicago, Illinois
June 2, 1995