By Sandra M. Jones | United Stationers Inc. said it acquired Denver-based technology firm MBS Dev Inc. for $15 million to help boost its Internet presence.

The Deerfield-based wholesale distributor of business products said the purchase price could include an additional $3 million based on achieving certain financial goals.

The acquisition will add about $10 million in sales in 2010 and provide
a “modest” addition to earnings per share this year, the company said.

MBS Dev helps resellers manage their businesses and e-commerce services.

“We made a number of advances in our
on-line merchandising and marketing capabilities in 2009, said Richard Gochnauer, president and chief executive
officer of United Stationers. “We expect to
further accelerate those efforts with the recent acquisition of MBS
Dev.”