Acco Brands posted better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit, although net sales fell 2% to to $350.7 million.
 

"While consumer and business spending continued to be constrained in the fourth quarter in both the U.S. and Europe, we managed the business well and are pleased with our bottom-line performance for the quarter and the year," said Robert J. Keller, chairman and chief executive officer. "We've set the stage for a transformation of ACCO Brands. Our pending merger with MeadWestvaco's Consumer and Office Products business marks an important first step in that transformation."
 

Volume declined nearly 4% in the fourth quarter but was partially offset by favorable pricing, which added more than 1%. ACCO Brands Americas fourth quarter net sales decreased 4% to $174.4 million from $181.7 million in the prior-year quarter. Volume declined 5%, partially offset by pricing which added 2%.
 

ACCO Brands International net sales decreased 4% to $122.2 million from $126.9 million in the prior-year quarter.