<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.12
                                                                  FORM A

                                    RECITALS:

         A. OfficeMax, Inc. (the "Company") is entering into this severance
arrangement in order to induce [___________] ("Executive") to become employed by
the Company.

         B. The Company and Executive desire to establish certain arrangements
between the Company and Executive relating to severance payments under various
circumstances on the terms and conditions set forth below.

                                   AGREEMENTS:

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the covenants and
promises made herein to be kept and performed, and the benefits to be derived by
Executive hereunder, the parties agree as follows:

         1.       SEVERANCE PAYMENTS.

                  (a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, if
         Executive's employment with the Company is terminated by the Company
         (other than for "Cause" or "Disability" (each as described below)), or
         if Executive terminates his employment with the Company for "Good
         Reason" (as described below), then the Company shall pay to Executive
         the following:

                     (i)   Executive's monthly base salary through the end of
                           the month during which termination occurred, plus all
                           other unpaid amounts, if any, to which Executive is
                           entitled as of the date of termination; and

                     (ii)  commencing in the month following the month in which
                           termination occurs, (A) if such termination occurs
                           prior to the first anniversary of Executive's
                           employment, twelve (12) monthly severance payments,
                           (B) if such termination occurs during Executive's
                           second year of employment, twenty-four (24) monthly
                           severance payments, and (C) if such termination
                           occurs following the third anniversary of Executive's
                           employment, thirty-six (36) monthly severance
                           payments. Monthly severance payments will be in an
                           amount equal to Executive's monthly base salary as of
                           the date of termination and will be made on or about
                           the 15th day of each month; provided, however, if,
                           following termination of Executive's employment with
                           the Company, Executive violates, in any material way,
                           any provision of Section 2 below, then the Company's
                           obligation to make severance payments to Executive
                           will terminate.


                                      A-1
<PAGE>   2


                 (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1(a) above,
subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, if Executive's employment
with the Company is terminated by the Company (other than for Cause or
Disability), or if Executive terminates his employment with the Company for Good
Reason and if, in either case, such termination occurs within twenty-four (24)
months of the date of a "Change in Control" (as described below), then the
Company shall pay to Executive the following:

                     (i)   Executive's monthly base salary through the end of
                           the month during which termination occurred, plus all
                           other unpaid amounts, if any, to which Executive is
                           entitled as of the date of termination; and

                     (ii)  Commencing in the month following the month in which
                           termination occurs, twenty-four (24) monthly
                           severance payments in an amount equal to Executive's
                           monthly base salary as of the date of termination
                           (such monthly payments to be made on or about the
                           15th day of each month); provided, however, if,
                           following termination of Executive's employment with
                           the Company, Executive violates, in any material way,
                           any provision of Section 2 below, then the Company's
                           obligation to make severance payments to Executive
                           will terminate.

                (c) If Executive's employment with the Company is terminated
         because of Executive's death or is terminated by the Company for Cause
         or Disability, or if the Executive terminates his employment for other
         than Good Reason, then Executive shall not be entitled to, and the
         Company shall not be required to make, any severance payments, but the
         Company shall pay all unpaid amounts, if any, to which Executive is
         entitled as of the date of termination.

                (d) Termination by the Company for "Cause" means termination by
         the Company based on any of the following acts or omissions by
         Executive, whether directly or indirectly:

                     (i)   a violation of any policy of the Company that causes
                           material injury to the Company;

                     (ii)  an act of fraud, embezzlement, theft or any other
                           material violation of law which interferes with
                           Executive's ability to perform Executive's duties and
                           responsibilities;

                     (iii) intentional material damage to assets of the Company;

                     (iv)  wrongful disclosure of confidential information (as
                           described in paragraph 2(d) hereof) of the Company;

                     (v)   wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which
                           would constitute a breach of the duty of loyalty;


                                       A-2

<PAGE>   3

                     (vi)  continued failure or refusal to perform Executive's
                           duties and responsibilities after thirty (30) days
                           written notice from the Company of such failure or
                           refusal to perform;

                     (vii) failure to devote substantially all his working time
                           and efforts to the business and affairs of the
                           Company; or

                     (viii)making unauthorized comments to the media regarding
                           the Company.

                (e) Termination by the Company for "Disability" means
         termination by the Company based on the inability of Executive to
         perform his duties and responsibilities as a result of the Executive's
         illness (either physical or mental) or other incapacity for a total of
         one hundred twenty (120) days during any twelve (12) month period.

                (f) Termination by Executive for "Good Reason" means termination
         by Executive based on the occurrence of any of the following
         circumstances without Executive's express written consent:

                     (i)   a reduction in either Executive's annual rate of base
                           salary or level of participation in any bonus or
                           incentive plan for which he is eligible (other than
                           as part of a salary reduction or changes in bonus or
                           incentive plans generally imposed in a uniform manner
                           on all executive officers of the Company);

                     (ii)  an elimination or reduction of Executive's
                           participation in any benefit plan generally available
                           to executive officers of the Company, unless the
                           Company continues to offer Executive benefits
                           substantially similar to those made available by such
                           plan; provided, however, that a change to a plan in
                           which executive officers of the Company generally
                           participate, including termination of any such plan,
                           if it does not result in a proportionately greater
                           reduction in the rights of or benefits to Executive
                           as compared with the other executive officers of the
                           Company or is required by law or a technical change,
                           will not be deemed to be Good Reason;

                     (iii) failure of any successor (whether direct or indirect,
                           by purchase of stock or assets, merger, consolidation
                           or otherwise) to the Company to assume the Company's
                           obligations hereunder or failure by the Company to
                           remain liable to Executive hereunder after an
                           assignment by the Company (provided, however, that
                           the Company may only assign this Agreement to a
                           successor of the Company by reorganization, merger,
                           consolidation or liquidation or a transfer of all or
                           substantially all of the business or assets of the
                           Company);

                     (iv)  a transfer of Executive's principal business office
                           to a location outside of the Company's corporate
                           headquarters;


                                      A-3


<PAGE>   4

                     (v)   any material breach by the Company of its obligations
                           under this Agreement, which breach is not cured
                           within thirty (30) days of written notice from
                           Executive; or

                     (iv)  the failure of the Company to perform its obligations
                           under the OfficeMax Annual Incentive Bonus Plan or
                           the Company's Management Share Purchase Plan, which
                           failure is not cured within thirty (30) days of
                           written notice from Executive.

         Executive's right to terminate his employment pursuant to this
         paragraph (f) will not be affected by Executive's incapacity due to
         physical or mental illness. Executive's continued employment will not
         constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any
         circumstance constituting Good Reason; provided, however, that
         Executive will be deemed to have waived his rights pursuant to
         circumstances constituting Good Reason if he has not provided to the
         Company a written notice of termination to the Company within one
         hundred twenty (120) days following his knowledge of the circumstances
         constituting Good Reason.

                  (g)      "Change in Control" means the occurrence of any of
                           the following:

                     (i)   the Board of Directors or shareholders of the Company
                           approve a consolidation or merger that results in the
                           shareholders of the Company immediately prior to the
                           transaction giving rise to the consolidation or
                           merger owning less than 50% of the total combined
                           voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote
                           of the surviving entity immediately after the
                           consummation of the transaction giving rise to the
                           merger or consolidation;

                     (ii)  the Board of Directors or shareholders of the Company
                           approve the sale of substantially all of the assets
                           of the Company or the liquidation or dissolution of
                           the Company;

                     (iii) any person or other entity (other than the Company or
                           a subsidiary or any Company employee benefit plan
                           (including any trustee of any such plan acting in its
                           capacity as trustee)) purchases any shares of capital
                           stock of the Company (or securities convertible to
                           capital stock) pursuant to a tender or exchange offer
                           without the prior consent of the Board of Directors,
                           or becomes the beneficial owner of securities of the
                           Company representing 50% or more of the voting power
                           of the Company's outstanding securities; or

                     (iv)  during any two-year period, individuals who are at
                           the beginning of such a period constitute the entire
                           Board of Directors cease to constitute a majority of
                           the Board of Directors, unless the election or the
                           nomination for election of each new director is
                           approved by at least two-thirds of the directors then
                           still in office who were directors at the beginning
                           of that period.


                                      A-4
<PAGE>   5


                  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the consummation of a going
         private transaction or a buy-out of the Company which includes any
         current executive officers of the Company will not be deemed a "Change
         in Control."

                  (h) The severance payments provided hereunder shall constitute
         the exclusive payments due to Executive from, and the exclusive
         obligation of, the Company if Executive's employment with the Company
         is terminated, except for any benefits which may be payable to
         Executive in normal course under any employee benefit plan of the
         Company which provides benefits after the termination of employment.

                  (i) The obligation of the Company to make the severance
         payments hereunder is conditioned on the execution and delivery by
         Executive to the Company of a release, in form and substance reasonably
         satisfactory to the Company, of any and all claims Executive may have
         arising out of Executive's employment relationship with the Company
         under federal, state or local law (other than any claim for benefits
         which may be due to Executive in normal course under any employee
         benefit plan of the Company which provides benefits after termination
         of employment and/or claims in respect of severance payments
         hereunder).

                  (j) All payments to Executive shall be subject to withholding
         on account of federal, state and local taxes as required by law.


         2. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE AND CONFIDENTIALITY.

                  (a) Executive acknowledges that as a key management employee,
         Executive will be involved on a high level, in the development,
         implementation and management of the Company's business strategies and
         plans and that by virtue of Executive's unique and sensitive position
         and special background, employment of Executive by a competitor of the
         Company represents a serious competitive danger to the Company, and the
         use of Executive's talent and knowledge and information about the
         Company's business, strategies and plans can and would constitute a
         valuable competitive advantage over the Company. In view of the
         foregoing, Executive agrees that beginning on the date of termination
         of Executive's employment with the Company and continuing for a period
         of twelve (12) months following the date of such termination, Executive
         will not, directly or indirectly, do, or cause to be done, any of the
         following:

                     (i)   Own, manage, control or participate in the ownership,
                           management or control of, or be employed or engaged
                           by or otherwise rendered service to Staples, Office
                           Depot (or any combination of Staples and Office
                           Depot), or any other office products superstore
                           retail chain; provided, however, that the ownership
                           of not more than one percent (1%) of the equity of
                           any publicly-traded business entity will not be
                           deemed a violation of this covenant;


                                      A-5
<PAGE>   6


         (b)      Employ, assist in employing, or otherwise associate in
                  business with any person who was during the immediately
                  preceding twelve (12) months an associate, employee or officer
                  of the Company or any of its Affiliates (as hereinafter
                  defined) in a business that competes with the Company; or

         (c)      Induce any person who is an associate, employee, officer or
                  agent of the Company or any of its Affiliates to terminate
                  said relationship.

         (d)      Except to the extent required by law, Executive agrees that
                  from and after the date hereof, he will not disclose, divulge,
                  discuss, disseminate, copy or otherwise use or cause to be
                  used any of the confidential, proprietary or trade secret
                  information (including, but not limited to, customer lists,
                  pricing lists or information, purchasing information, service
                  distribution methods, formulae, marketing research or other
                  trade secrets, but excluding information which (i) is
                  generally available to or known by the public, (ii) is or
                  becomes known on a non-confidential basis from a source other
                  than Executive, or (iii) is or becomes known to Executive
                  without an obligation of confidentiality.

                  As used herein, the term "Affiliate" shall mean any person or
         entity, directly or indirectly, controlling, controlled by, or under
         common control with, the Company. As used in such definition,
         "controlling" (including, within its correlative meanings, "controlled
         by" and "under common control with") means possession, directly or
         indirectly, of power to direct or cause the direction of management or
         policies.

                  (c) Executive expressly agrees and understands that the remedy
         at law for any breach by him of this Section 2 will be inadequate and
         that the damages flowing from such breach are not readily susceptible
         to being measured in monetary terms. Accordingly, it is acknowledged
         that on adequate proof of his violation of any legally enforceable
         provision of this Section 2, the Company will be entitled to immediate
         injunctive relief and may obtain a temporary order restraining any
         threatened or further breach. Nothing in this Section 2 will be deemed
         to limit the Company's remedies at law or in equity for any breach by
         Executive of any of the provisions of this Section 2.

                  (d) If Executive violates any legally enforceable provision of
         this Section 2 as to which there is a specific time period during which
         Executive is prohibited from taking certain actions or from engaging in
         certain activities, as set forth in such provision, then, in such
         event, such violation will toll the running of such time period from
         the date of such violation until such violation ceases.

                  (e) If Executive violates any provision of this Section 2,
         then the obligation of the Company to make the severance payments to
         Executive will terminate and Executive will not be entitled to any
         further severance payments.



                                      A-6
<PAGE>   7

                  (f) EXECUTIVE HAS CAREFULLY CONSIDERED THE NATURE AND EXTENT
         OF THE RESTRICTIONS ON HIM AND THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CONFERRED ON THE
         COMPANY UNDER THIS SECTION 2 AND HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT
         THE SAME ARE REASONABLE IN TIME AND TERRITORY, ARE DESIGNED TO
         ELIMINATE COMPETITION WHICH OTHERWISE WOULD BE UNFAIR TO THE COMPANY
         AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, DO NOT STIFLE HIS INHERENT SKILL AND EXPERIENCE,
         WOULD NOT OPERATE AS A BAR TO HIS SOLE MEANS OF SUPPORT, ARE FULLY
         REQUIRED TO PROTECT THE LEGITIMATE INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY AND ITS
         SUBSIDIARIES AND DO NOT CONFER A BENEFIT ON THE COMPANY
         DISPROPORTIONATE TO THE DETRIMENT TO HIM.

         3. SEVERABLE PROVISIONS. The provisions hereof are severable and if any
one or more provisions may be determined to be illegal or otherwise
unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions and any partially
unenforceable provision to the extent enforceable in any jurisdiction shall,
nevertheless, be binding and enforceable.



                                       A-7
<PAGE>   8
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.12
                                                                  FORM B

                                                                 [**Executive**]

                               SEVERANCE AGREEMENT



         THIS SEVERANCE AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made as of the _____ day of
__________, between [FirstName] [LastName], an individual ("Executive"), and
OfficeMax, Inc., an Ohio corporation (the "Company").

                                    RECITALS:

A. The Company and Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to establish
certain severance and change in control arrangements between the Company and
Executive on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

         B. The Company and Executive are entering into this Agreement as an
additional benefit to be provided to Executive as part of the enhancements made
to Executive's overall compensation package in connection with Executive's
annual performance review.


                                   AGREEMENTS:

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the covenants and
promises made herein to be kept and performed, and the benefits to be derived by
Executive under this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

         1.       SEVERANCE PAYMENTS.

                  (a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, if
         Executive's employment with the Company is terminated by the Company
         (other than for "Cause" or "Disability" (each as described below)), or
         if Executive terminates his employment with the Company for "Good
         Reason" (as described below), then the Company shall pay to Executive
         the following:

                   (i)     Executive's monthly base salary through the end of
                           the month during which termination occurred, plus all
                           other unpaid amounts, if any, to which Executive is
                           entitled as of the date of termination; and

                   (ii)    commencing in the month following the month in which
                           termination occurs, twelve (12) monthly severance
                           payments in an amount equal to Executive's monthly
                           base salary as of the date of termination (such
                           monthly payments to be made on or about the 15th day
                           of each month); provided, however, if, following
                           termination of Executive's employment with the
                           Company, Executive violates any provision of Section
                           2 of this Agreement, then the Company's obligation to
                           make severance payments to Executive will terminate.


<PAGE>   9


                 (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 1(a) above,
         subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, if Executive's
         employment with the Company is terminated by the Company (other than
         for Cause or Disability), or if Executive terminates his employment
         with the Company for Good Reason and if, in either case, such
         termination occurs within twenty-four (24) months of the date of a
         "Change in Control" (as described below), then the Company shall pay to
         Executive the following:

                  (i)      Executive's monthly base salary through the end of
                           the month during which termination occurred, plus all
                           other unpaid amounts, if any, to which Executive is
                           entitled as of the date of termination; and

                  (ii)     Commencing in the month following the month in which
                           termination occurs, twenty-four (24) monthly
                           severance payments in an amount equal to Executive's
                           monthly base salary as of the date of termination
                           (such monthly payments to be made on or about the
                           15th day of each month); provided, however, if,
                           following termination of Executive's employment with
                           the Company, Executive violates and provision of
                           Section 2 of this Agreement, then the Company's
                           obligation to make severance payments to Executive
                           will terminate.

                (c) If Executive's employment with the Company is terminated
         because of Executive's retirement or death or is terminated by the
         Company for Cause or Disability, or if the Executive terminates his
         employment for other than Good Reason, then Executive shall not be
         entitled to, and the Company shall not be required to make, any
         severance payments.

                (d) Termination by the Company for "Cause" means termination by
         the Company based on any of the following acts or omissions by
         Executive, whether directly or indirectly:

                  (i)      a violation of any policy of the Company that causes
                           material injury to the Company;

                  (ii)     an act of fraud, embezzlement, theft or any other
                           material violation of law which interferes with
                           Executive's ability to perform Executive's duties and
                           responsibilities;

                  (iii)    wrongful damage to material assets of the Company;

                  (iv)     wrongful disclosure of confidential information of
                           the Company;

                  (v)      wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which
                           would constitute a breach of the duty of loyalty;

                  (vi)     failure or refusal to perform, or gross negligence in
                           the performance of, Executive's duties and
                           responsibilities; or



                                     B-2
<PAGE>   10

                  (vii)    making unauthorized comments to the media regarding
                           the Company.

                (e) Termination by the Company for "Disability" means
         termination by the Company based on the inability of Executive to
         perform his duties and responsibilities as a result of the Executive's
         illness (either physical or mental) or other incapacity for a total of
         one hundred twenty (120) days during any twelve (12) month period.

                (f) Termination by Executive for "Good Reason" means termination
         by Executive based on the occurrence of any of the following
         circumstances without Executive's express written consent:

                 (i)       a reduction in either Executive's annual rate of base
                           salary or level of participation in any bonus or
                           incentive plan for which he is eligible (other than
                           as part of a salary reduction or changes in bonus or
                           incentive plans generally imposed on all executive
                           officers of the Company);

                  (ii)     an elimination or reduction of Executive's
                           participation in any benefit plan generally available
                           to executive officers of the Company, unless the
                           Company continues to offer Executive benefits
                           substantially similar to those made available by such
                           plan; provided, however, that a change to a plan in
                           which executive officers of the Company generally
                           participate, including termination of any such plan,
                           if it does not result in a proportionately greater
                           reduction in the rights of or benefits to Executive
                           as compared with the other executive officers of the
                           Company or is required by law or a technical change,
                           will not be deemed to be Good Reason;

                  (iii)    failure of any successor (whether direct or indirect,
                           by purchase of stock or assets, merger, consolidation
                           or otherwise) to the Company to assume the Company's
                           obligations under this Agreement or failure by the
                           Company to remain liable to Executive under this
                           Agreement after an assignment by the Company of this
                           Agreement; or

                  (iv)     a transfer of Executive's principal business office
                           to a location outside of the area where the function
                           for which Executive is responsible is performed.

         Executive's right to terminate his employment pursuant to this
         paragraph (f) will not be affected by Executive's incapacity due to
         physical or mental illness. Executive's continued employment will not
         constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any
         circumstance constituting Good Reason; provided, however, that
         Executive will be deemed to have waived his rights pursuant to
         circumstances constituting Good Reason if he has not provided to the
         Company a written notice of termination to the Company within ninety
         (90) days following his knowledge of the circumstances constituting
         Good Reason.

                  (g) For purposes of this Agreement, "Change in Control" means
         the occurrence of any of the following:



                                     B-3
<PAGE>   11

                     (i)   the Board of Directors or shareholders of the Company
                           approve a consolidation or merger that results in the
                           shareholders of the Company immediately prior to the
                           transaction giving rise to the consolidation or
                           merger owning less than 50% of the total combined
                           voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote
                           of the surviving entity immediately after the
                           consummation of the transaction giving rise to the
                           merger or consolidation;

                  (ii)     the Board of Directors or shareholders of the Company
                           approve the sale of substantially all of the assets
                           of the Company or the liquidation or dissolution of
                           the Company;

                  (iii)    any person or other entity (other than the Company or
                           a subsidiary or any Company employee benefit plan
                           (including any trustee of any such plan acting in its
                           capacity as trustee)) purchases any shares of capital
                           stock of the Company (or securities convertible to
                           capital stock) pursuant to a tender or exchange offer
                           without the prior consent of the Board of Directors,
                           or becomes the beneficial owner of securities of the
                           Company representing thirty percent (30%) or more of
                           the voting power of the Company's outstanding
                           securities;

                  (iv)     during any two-year period, individuals who are at
                           the beginning of such a period constitute the entire
                           Board of Directors cease to constitute a majority of
                           the Board of Directors, unless the election or the
                           nomination for election of each new director is
                           approved by at least two-thirds of the directors then
                           still in office who were directors at the beginning
                           of that period; or

                  (v)      the individual serving as the Chief Executive Officer
                           of the Company on the date of this Agreement ceases
                           to serve (other than as a result of death or
                           disability) as the Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief
                           Executive Officer, Chairman or Co-Chairman of the
                           Company or any surviving entity.

                  (h) The severance payments provided under this Agreement shall
         constitute the exclusive payments due to Executive from, and the
         exclusive obligation of, the Company if Executive's employment with the
         Company is terminated, except for any benefits which may be payable to
         Executive in normal course under any employee benefit plan of the
         Company which provides benefits after the termination of employment.

                  (i) The obligation of the Company to make the severance
         payments under this Agreement is conditioned on the execution and
         delivery by Executive to the Company of a release, in form and
         substance satisfactory to the Company, of any and all claims Executive
         may have arising out of Executive's employment relationship with the
         Company under federal, state or local law (other than any claim for
         benefits which may be due to Executive in normal course under any
         employee benefit plan of the Company which provides benefits after
         termination of employment).

                  (j) All payments to Executive shall be subject to withholding
         on account of


                                     B-4
<PAGE>   12

         federal, state and local taxes as required by law.

         2. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE AND CONFIDENTIALITY.

            (a) Executive acknowledges that as a key management employee,
         Executive will be involved on a high level, in the development,
         implementation and management of the Company's business strategies and
         plans and that by virtue of Executive's unique and sensitive position
         and special background, employment of Executive by a competitor of the
         Company represents a serious competitive danger to the Company, and the
         use of Executive's talent and knowledge and information about the
         Company's business, strategies and plans can and would constitute a
         valuable competitive advantage over the Company. In view of the
         foregoing, Executive agrees that beginning on the date of termination
         of Executive's employment with the Company and continuing for a period
         of twelve (12) months following the month during which termination
         occurred, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, do, or cause to
         be done, any of the following:

                  (i)      Own, manage, control or participate in the ownership,
                           management or control of, or be employed or engaged
                           by or otherwise affiliated with, any other person,
                           corporation, firm, or other business entity (such as
                           Staples or Office Depot) that competes with the
                           businesses of the Company or any of its subsidiaries
                           or affiliates as such businesses are conducted at
                           anytime and anywhere during Executive's employment
                           with the Company (the "Business"); provided, however,
                           that the ownership of not more than one percent (1%)
                           of the equity of any publicly-traded business entity
                           will not be deemed a violation of this covenant;

                  (ii)     Employ, assist in employing, or otherwise associate
                           in business with any present, former or future
                           associate, employee, officer or agent of the Company
                           or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates in a
                           business that competes with the Business; or

                  (iii)    Induce any person who is an associate, employee,
                           officer or agent of the Company or any of its
                           subsidiaries to terminate said relationship

            (b) Executive agrees that from and after the date of this Agreement,
         he will not disclose, divulge, discuss, disseminate, copy or otherwise
         use or cause to be used any of the confidential, proprietary or trade
         secret information (including, but not limited to, customer lists,
         pricing lists or information, purchasing information, service
         distribution methods, formulae, marketing research or other trade
         secrets) of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates,
         except in connection with his duties and responsibilities as an
         executive of the Company.

            (c) Executive expressly agrees and understands that the remedy at
         law for any breach by him of this Section 2 will be inadequate and that
         the damages flowing from such breach are not readily susceptible to
         being measured in monetary terms. Accordingly, it is acknowledged that
         on adequate proof of his violation of any legally enforceable provision
         of


                                     B-5
<PAGE>   13

         this Section 2, the Company will be entitled to immediate injunctive
         relief and may obtain a temporary order restraining any threatened or
         further breach. Nothing in this Section 2 will be deemed to limit the
         Company's remedies at law or in equity for any breach by Executive of
         any of the provisions of this Section 2.

                  (d) If Executive violates any legally enforceable provision of
         this Section 2 as to which there is a specific time period during which
         Executive is prohibited from taking certain actions or from engaging in
         certain activities, as set forth in such provision, then, in such
         event, such violation will toll the running of such time period from
         the date of such violation until such violation ceases.

                  (e) If Executive violates any provision of this Section 2,
         then the obligation of the Company to make the severance payments to
         Executive will terminate and Executive will not be entitled to any
         further severance payments.

                  (f) EXECUTIVE HAS CAREFULLY CONSIDERED THE NATURE AND EXTENT
         OF THE RESTRICTIONS ON HIM AND THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CONFERRED ON THE
         COMPANY UNDER THIS SECTION 2 AND HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT
         THE SAME ARE REASONABLE IN TIME AND TERRITORY, ARE DESIGNED TO
         ELIMINATE COMPETITION WHICH OTHERWISE WOULD BE UNFAIR TO THE COMPANY
         AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, DO NOT STIFLE HIS INHERENT SKILL AND EXPERIENCE,
         WOULD NOT OPERATE AS A BAR TO HIS SOLE MEANS OF SUPPORT, ARE FULLY
         REQUIRED TO PROTECT THE LEGITIMATE INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY AND ITS
         SUBSIDIARIES AND DO NOT CONFER A BENEFIT ON THE COMPANY
         DISPROPORTIONATE TO THE DETRIMENT TO HIM.

         3. EMPLOYMENT AT WILL. Executive understands and agrees that this
Agreement does not constitute a contract of employment for a fixed term.
Executive acknowledges that he is free to resign from employment, and the
Company is free to terminate his employment, at any time for any reason.

         4. ARBITRATION. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to
this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in
accordance with the Rules of the American Arbitration Association then
pertaining in the City of Cleveland, Ohio, and judgment upon the award rendered
by the arbitrator or arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. The arbitrator or arbitrators shall be deemed to possess the powers to
issue mandatory orders and restraining orders in connection with such
arbitration; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 4 shall be
construed so as to deny the Company the right and power to seek and obtain
injunctive relief in a court of equity for any breach or threatened breach by
Executive of any of his covenants contained in Section 2 above.

         5. NOTICE. Notices, demands and all other communications provided for
in this Agreement shall be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given
when delivered, if delivered personally, or mailed by United States certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and when received if
delivered otherwise, and if mailed to the Company, shall be addressed to its
principal place of business, attention: General Counsel, and if mailed to
Executive, shall be addressed to Executive at his home address last shown on the
records of the Company, or to such other address as any party may have furnished
to the other in writing, except



                                     B-6
<PAGE>   14

that notices of change of address will be effective only on receipt.

         6. SEVERABLE PROVISIONS. The provisions of this Agreement are severable
and if any one or more provisions may be determined to be illegal or otherwise
unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions and any partially
unenforceable provision to the extent enforceable in any jurisdiction shall,
nevertheless, be binding and enforceable.

         7. GENERAL PROVISIONS. No provision of this Agreement may be modified,
waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to
in writing signed by the parties hereto. No waiver by either party to this
Agreement at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with,
any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party
will be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the
same or at any prior or subsequent time. The validity, interpretation,
construction and performance of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of
the State of Ohio without regard to its conflicts of law principles.

         8. NUMBER; GENDER. Whenever the context so requires, the singular
pronoun shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular, and
the gender of any pronoun shall include the other genders.

         9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.

         10. HEADINGS. The headings of paragraphs are included solely for
convenience of reference only and are not part of this Agreement and will not be
used in construing it.

         11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of
the parties in respect of the subject matter contained in this Agreement and
supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements,
communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any
officer, employee or representative of any party; and any prior agreement of the
parties in respect of the subject matter contained in this Agreement is
terminated and canceled.




                                     B-7
<PAGE>   15



         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Severance Agreement
as of the date first above written.

                                        OfficeMax, Inc.


                                        By:
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            Michael Feuer
                                            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer





                                        "EXECUTIVE"


                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        [FirstName][LastName]




                                     B-8
<PAGE>   16
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10.12
                                                                  FORM C

                                                                     [Executive]

                               SEVERANCE AGREEMENT



         THIS SEVERANCE AGREEMENT ("Agreement") is made as of the ____ day of
_________, between [FirstName] [LastName], an individual ("Executive"), and
OfficeMax, Inc., an Ohio corporation (the "Company").

                                    RECITALS:

A. The Company and Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to establish
certain severance and change in control arrangements between the Company and
Executive on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

         B. The Company and Executive are entering into this Agreement as an
additional benefit to be provided to Executive as part of the enhancements made
to Executive's overall compensation package in connection with Executive's
annual performance review.


                                   AGREEMENTS:

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the covenants and
promises made herein to be kept and performed, and the benefits to be derived by
Executive under this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

         1.       SEVERANCE PAYMENTS.

                 (a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, if
         Executive's employment with the Company is terminated by the Company
         (other than for "Cause" or "Disability" (each as described below)), or
         if Executive terminates his employment with the Company for Good Reason
         and if, in either case, such termination occurs within twenty-four (24)
         months of the date of a "Change in Control" (as described below), then
         the Company shall pay to Executive the following:

                  (i)      Executive's monthly base salary through the end of
                           the month during which termination occurred, plus all
                           other unpaid amounts, if any, to which Executive is
                           entitled as of the date of termination; and

                  (ii)     Commencing in the month following the month in which
                           termination occurs, [ ] monthly severance payments in
                           an amount equal to Executive's monthly base salary as
                           of the date of termination (such monthly payments to
                           be made on or about the 15th day of each month);
                           provided, however, if, following termination of
                           Executive's employment with the Company, Executive
                           violates and provision of Section 2 of this
                           Agreement, then the Company's obligation to make
                           severance payments to Executive will terminate.

                (b) If Executive's employment with the Company is terminated
         because of

<PAGE>   17


         Executive's retirement or death or is terminated by the Company for
         Cause or Disability, or if the Executive terminates his employment for
         other than Good Reason, then Executive shall not be entitled to, and
         the Company shall not be required to make, any severance payments.

                (c) Termination by the Company for "Cause" means termination by
         the Company based on any of the following acts or omissions by
         Executive, whether directly or indirectly:

                  (i)      a violation of any policy of the Company that causes
                           material injury to the Company;

                  (ii)     an act of fraud, embezzlement, theft or any other
                           material violation of law which interferes with
                           Executive's ability to perform Executive's duties and
                           responsibilities;

                  (iii)    wrongful damage to material assets of the Company;

                  (iv)     wrongful disclosure of confidential information of
                           the Company;

                  (v)      wrongful engagement in any competitive activity which
                           would constitute a breach of the duty of loyalty;

                  (vi)     failure or refusal to perform, or gross negligence in
                           the performance of, Executive's duties and
                           responsibilities; or

                  (vii)    making unauthorized comments to the media regarding
                           the Company.

                (d) Termination by the Company for "Disability" means
         termination by the Company based on the inability of Executive to
         perform his duties and responsibilities as a result of the Executive's
         illness (either physical or mental) or other incapacity for a total of
         one hundred twenty (120) days during any twelve (12) month period.

                (e)Termination by Executive for "Good Reason" means termination
         by Executive based on the occurrence of any of the following
         circumstances without Executive's express written consent:

                  (i)      a reduction in either Executive's annual rate of base
                           salary or level of participation in any bonus or
                           incentive plan for which he is eligible (other than
                           as part of a salary reduction or changes in bonus or
                           incentive plans generally imposed on all executive
                           officers of the Company);

                  (ii)     an elimination or reduction of Executive's
                           participation in any benefit plan generally available
                           to executive officers of the Company, unless the
                           Company continues to offer Executive benefits
                           substantially similar to those made available by such
                           plan; provided, however, that a change to a plan in
                           which executive officers of the Company generally
                           participate, including termination of any such plan,
                           if it does not result in a proportionately greater
                           reduction in


                                     C-2

<PAGE>   18


                           the rights of or benefits to Executive as compared
                           with the other executive officers of the Company or
                           is required by law or a technical change, will not be
                           deemed to be Good Reason;

                  (iii)    failure of any successor (whether direct or indirect,
                           by purchase of stock or assets, merger, consolidation
                           or otherwise) to the Company to assume the Company's
                           obligations under this Agreement or failure by the
                           Company to remain liable to Executive under this
                           Agreement after an assignment by the Company of this
                           Agreement; or

                     (iv)  a transfer of Executive's principal business office
                           to a location outside of the area where the function
                           for which Executive is responsible is performed.

         Executive's right to terminate his employment pursuant to this
         paragraph (e) will not be affected by Executive's incapacity due to
         physical or mental illness. Executive's continued employment will not
         constitute consent to, or a waiver of rights with respect to, any
         circumstance constituting Good Reason; provided, however, that
         Executive will be deemed to have waived his rights pursuant to
         circumstances constituting Good Reason if he has not provided to the
         Company a written notice of termination to the Company within ninety
         (90) days following his knowledge of the circumstances constituting
         Good Reason.

                  (f) For purposes of this Agreement, "Change in Control" means
         the occurrence of any of the following:

                  (i)      the Board of Directors or shareholders of the Company
                           approve a consolidation or merger that results in the
                           shareholders of the Company immediately prior to the
                           transaction giving rise to the consolidation or
                           merger owning less than 50% of the total combined
                           voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote
                           of the surviving entity immediately after the
                           consummation of the transaction giving rise to the
                           merger or consolidation;

                  (ii)     the Board of Directors or shareholders of the Company
                           approve the sale of substantially all of the assets
                           of the Company or the liquidation or dissolution of
                           the Company;

                  (iii)    any person or other entity (other than the Company or
                           a subsidiary or any Company Executive benefit plan
                           (including any trustee of any such plan acting in its
                           capacity as trustee)) purchases any shares of capital
                           stock of the Company (or securities convertible to
                           capital stock) pursuant to a tender or exchange offer
                           without the prior consent of the Board of Directors,
                           or becomes the beneficial owner of securities of the
                           Company representing thirty percent (30%) or more of
                           the voting power of the Company's outstanding
                           securities;

                  (iv)     during any two-year period, individuals who are at
                           the beginning of such a period constitute the entire
                           Board of Directors cease to constitute a majority of
                           the Board of Directors, unless the election or the
                           nomination for election of


                                     C-3
<PAGE>   19


                           each new director is approved by at least two-thirds
                           of the directors then still in office who were
                           directors at the beginning of that period; or

                  (v)      the individual serving as the Chief Executive Officer
                           of the Company on the date of this Agreement ceases
                           to serve (other than as a result of death or
                           disability) as the Chief Executive Officer, Co-Chief
                           Executive Officer, Chairman or Co-Chairman of the
                           Company or any surviving entity.

                  (g) The severance payments provided under this Agreement shall
         constitute the exclusive payments due to Executive from, and the
         exclusive obligation of, the Company if Executive's employment with the
         Company is terminated, except for any benefits which may be payable to
         Executive in normal course under any Executive benefit plan of the
         Company which provides benefits after the termination of employment.

                  (h) The obligation of the Company to make the severance
         payments under this Agreement is conditioned on the execution and
         delivery by Executive to the Company of a release, in form and
         substance satisfactory to the Company, of any and all claims Executive
         may have arising out of Executive's employment relationship with the
         Company under federal, state or local law (other than any claim for
         benefits which may be due to Executive in normal course under any
         Executive benefit plan of the Company which provides benefits after
         termination of employment).

                  (i) All payments to Executive shall be subject to withholding
         on account of federal, state and local taxes as required by law.

         2. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE AND CONFIDENTIALITY.

                  (a) Executive acknowledges that as a management employee,
         Executive will be involved on a high level, in the development,
         implementation and management of the Company's business strategies and
         plans and that by virtue of Executive's unique and sensitive position
         and special background, employment of Executive by a competitor of the
         Company represents a serious competitive danger to the Company, and the
         use of Executive's talent and knowledge and information about the
         Company's business, strategies and plans can and would constitute a
         valuable competitive advantage over the Company. In view of the
         foregoing, Executive agrees that beginning on the date of termination
         of Executive's employment with the Company and continuing for a period
         of twelve (12) months following the month during which termination
         occurred, Executive will not, directly or indirectly, do, or cause to
         be done, any of the following:

                  (i)      Own, manage, control or participate in the ownership,
                           management or control of, or be employed or engaged
                           by or otherwise affiliated with, any other person,
                           corporation, firm, or other business entity (such as
                           Staples or Office Depot) that competes with the
                           business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
                           affiliates as such businesses are conducted at
                           anytime and anywhere during Executive's employment
                           with the Company (the "Business"); provided, however,
                           that the ownership of not more than one percent (1%)
                           of the equity of any publicly-traded business entity
                           will not be


                                     C-4
<PAGE>   20


                           deemed a violation of this covenant;

                  (ii)     Employ, assist in employing, or otherwise associate
                           in business with any present, former or future
                           associate, employee, officer or agent of the Company
                           or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates in a
                           business that competes with the Business; or

                  (iii)    Induce any person who is an associate, employee,
                           officer or agent of the Company or any of its
                           subsidiaries to terminate said relationship

                   (b) Executive agrees that from and after the date of this
         Agreement, he will not disclose, divulge, discuss, disseminate, copy or
         otherwise use or cause to be used any of the confidential, proprietary
         or trade secret information (including, but not limited to, customer
         lists, pricing lists or information, purchasing information, service
         distribution methods, formulae, marketing research or other trade
         secrets) of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates,
         except in connection with his duties and responsibilities as an
         executive of the Company.

                  (c) Executive expressly agrees and understands that the remedy
         at law for any breach by him of this Section 2 will be inadequate and
         that the damages flowing from such breach are not readily susceptible
         to being measured in monetary terms. Accordingly, it is acknowledged
         that on adequate proof of his violation of any legally enforceable
         provision of this Section 2, the Company will be entitled to immediate
         injunctive relief and may obtain a temporary order restraining any
         threatened or further breach. Nothing in this Section 2 will be deemed
         to limit the Company's remedies at law or in equity for any breach by
         Executive of any of the provisions of this Section 2.

                  (d) If Executive violates any legally enforceable provision of
         this Section 2 as to which there is a specific time period during which
         Executive is prohibited from taking certain actions or from engaging in
         certain activities, as set forth in such provision, then, in such
         event, such violation will toll the running of such time period from
         the date of such violation until such violation ceases.

                  (e) If Executive violates any provision of this Section 2,
         then the obligation of the Company to make the severance payments to
         Executive will terminate and Executive will not be entitled to any
         further severance payments.

                  (f) EXECUTIVE HAS CAREFULLY CONSIDERED THE NATURE AND EXTENT
         OF THE RESTRICTIONS ON HIM AND THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CONFERRED ON THE
         COMPANY UNDER THIS SECTION 2 AND HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT
         THE SAME ARE REASONABLE IN TIME AND TERRITORY, ARE DESIGNED TO
         ELIMINATE COMPETITION WHICH OTHERWISE WOULD BE UNFAIR TO THE COMPANY
         AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES, DO NOT STIFLE HIS INHERENT SKILL AND EXPERIENCE,
         WOULD NOT OPERATE AS A BAR TO HIS SOLE MEANS OF SUPPORT, ARE FULLY
         REQUIRED TO PROTECT THE LEGITIMATE INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY AND ITS
         SUBSIDIARIES AND DO NOT CONFER A BENEFIT ON THE COMPANY
         DISPROPORTIONATE TO THE DETRIMENT TO HIM.

         3. EMPLOYMENT AT WILL. Executive understands and agrees that this
Agreement does



                                     C-5
<PAGE>   21

not constitute a contract of employment for a fixed term. Executive acknowledges
that he is free to resign from employment, and the Company is free to terminate
his employment, at any time for any reason.

         4. ARBITRATION. Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to
this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in
accordance with the Rules of the American Arbitration Association then
pertaining in the City of Cleveland, Ohio, and judgment upon the award rendered
by the arbitrator or arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof. The arbitrator or arbitrators shall be deemed to possess the powers to
issue mandatory orders and restraining orders in connection with such
arbitration; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 4 shall be
construed so as to deny the Company the right and power to seek and obtain
injunctive relief in a court of equity for any breach or threatened breach by
Executive of any of his covenants contained in Section 2 above.

         5. NOTICE. Notices, demands and all other communications provided for
in this Agreement shall be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given
when delivered, if delivered personally, or mailed by United States certified or
registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and when received if
delivered otherwise, and if mailed to the Company, shall be addressed to its
principal place of business, attention: General Counsel, and if mailed to
Executive, shall be addressed to Executive at his home address last shown on the
records of the Company, or to such other address as any party may have furnished
to the other in writing, except that notices of change of address will be
effective only on receipt.

         6. SEVERABLE PROVISIONS. The provisions of this Agreement are severable
and if any one or more provisions may be determined to be illegal or otherwise
unenforceable, in whole or in part, the remaining provisions and any partially
unenforceable provision to the extent enforceable in any jurisdiction shall,
nevertheless, be binding and enforceable.

         7. GENERAL PROVISIONS. No provision of this Agreement may be modified,
waived or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to
in writing signed by the parties hereto. No waiver by either party to this
Agreement at any time of any breach by the other party of, or compliance with,
any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party
will be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the
same or at any prior or subsequent time. The validity, interpretation,
construction and performance of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of
the State of Ohio without regard to its conflicts of law principles.

         8. NUMBER; GENDER. Whenever the context so requires, the singular
pronoun shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular, and
the gender of any pronoun shall include the other genders.

            9. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original but all of which
together will constitute one and the same instrument.

         10. HEADINGS. The headings of paragraphs are included solely for
convenience of reference only and are not part of this Agreement and will not be
used in construing it.



                                     C-6
<PAGE>   22

         11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of
the parties in respect of the subject matter contained in this Agreement and
supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements,
communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any
officer, Executive or representative of any party; and any prior agreement of
the parties in respect of the subject matter contained in this Agreement is
terminated and canceled.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Severance Agreement
as of the date first above written.

                                         OFFICEMAX, INC.


                                         By:
                                            --------------------------------
                                            Michael Feuer
                                            Chairman and Chief Executive Officer





                                         "EXECUTIVE"


                                         ------------------------------------
                                         [FirstName] [LastName]





                                     C-7