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                                                                    Exhibit 15.2


November 14, 2002


The Board of Directors
United Stationers Inc.

We are aware of the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
on Form S-8 of United Stationers Inc. for the registration of 8,200,000
shares of its common stock in connection with United Stationers Inc. 1992
Management Equity Plan (as amended and restated as of July 31, 2002) of our
report dated October 23, 2002 relating to the unaudited condensed
consolidated interim financial statements of United Stationers Inc. which are
included in its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

Pursuant to Rule 436(c) of the Securities Act of 1933 our reports are not part
of the registration statement prepared or certified by accountants within the
meaning of Section 7 or 11 of the Securities Act of 1933.


                                            /s/ Ernst & Young LLP