USR

One of the offers, which first came in June from USR Parent Inc, the parent of Staples and a portfolio company of private equity firm Sycamore Partners, had quoted $1 billion in cash for the division.

The Liberals chose against rebuilding a centrist coalition with former ally USR Plus, which withdrew from the cabinet in a row over a controversial regional development fund in early September, stripping Prime Minister Florin Citu of a parliamentary majority.

“There are great chances to rebuild our coalition, talks today were like group therapy,” Citu told reporters, adding that the USR had agreed to allow him to propose a prime minister.

A previous Liberal coalition unravelled last month after USR, a relatively new grouping, withdrew its ministers in a row over a regional development fund, stripping Citu of a parliamentary majority.

Adding USR would give them a functioning majority of 243 seats.