Document:

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                                                                   Exhibit 10.10

                                 OFFICEMAX, INC.

                         YEAR 2000 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

SECTION 1.  PURPOSE; DEFINITIONS.

                  The purpose of the OfficeMax, Inc. Year 2000 Equity Incentive
Plan (the "Plan") is to enable OfficeMax, Inc. (the "Company") to attract,
retain and reward members of the Board of Directors of the Company and key
employees of the Company and its Affiliates and to strengthen the mutuality of
interests among those directors and key employees and the Company's shareholders
by offering designated directors and employees equity or equity-based
incentives. For purposes of the Plan, the following terms are defined as
follows:

                  (a) "Affiliate" means any entity (other than the Company and
                  any Subsidiary) that is designated by the Board as a
                  participating employer under the Plan.

                  (b) "Award" means any award of Stock Options, Share
                  Appreciation Rights or Restricted Shares under the Plan.

                  (c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

                  (d) "Change in Control" has the meaning set forth in Section
                  8(b).

                  (e) "Change in Control Price" has the meaning set forth in
                  Section 8(d).

                  (f) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
                  from time to time, and any successor thereto.

                  (g) "Committee" means the Committee referred to in Section 2
                  of the Plan.

                  (h) "Company" means OfficeMax, Inc., an Ohio corporation, or
                  any successor corporation.

                  (i) "Disability" means disability as defined in Section
                  422(c)(6) of the Code.

                  (j) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
                  as amended.

                  (k) "Fair Market Value" means the closing selling price,
                  regular way, of the Shares on the New York Stock Exchange on
                  the trading date immediately preceding the date of grant (or,
                  if the Shares no longer trade on the New York Stock Exchange,
                  any other national exchange). If the Shares are no longer
                  traded on any national exchange, then the Fair Market Value of
                  the Shares as of any date is the value determined for that
                  date by the Committee in good faith.

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                  (l) "Incentive Stock Option" means any Stock Option intended
                  to be and designated as, and that otherwise qualifies as, an
                  "Incentive Stock Option," within the meaning of Section 422 of
                  the Code or any successor section thereto.

                  (m) "Non-Qualified Stock Option" means any Stock Option that
                  is not an Incentive Stock Option.

                  (n) "Plan" means the OfficeMax, Inc. Equity-Based Award Plan,
                  as amended from time to time.

                  (o) "Potential Change in Control" has the meaning set forth in
                  Section 8(c).

                  (p) "Restricted Shares" means an award of shares that is
                  granted pursuant to Section 7 and is subject to restrictions.

                  (q) "Section 16 Participant" means a participant under the
                  Plan who is subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

                  (r) "Share Appreciation Right" means an award of a right to
                  receive an amount from the Company that is granted pursuant to
                  Section 6.

                  (s) "Shares" means Common Shares, without par value, of the
                  Company and any other class of shares or series of a class of
                  shares of the Company now or hereafter authorized.

                  (t) "Stock Option" or "Option" means any option to purchase
                  Shares (including Restricted Shares, if the Committee so
                  determines) that is granted pursuant to Section 5.

                  (u) "Subsidiary" means any corporation (other than the
                  Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with
                  the Company if each of the corporations (other than the last
                  corporation in the unbroken chain) owns stock possessing 50%
                  or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of
                  stock in one of the other corporations in that chain.

SECTION 2.  ADMINISTRATION.

                  The Plan shall be administered by the Compensation Committee
of the Board (the "Committee"). The Committee shall consist of not less than
three directors of the Company. Those directors shall be appointed by the Board
and shall serve as the Committee at the pleasure of the Board. The functions of
the Committee specified in the Plan shall be exercised by the Board if and to
the extent that no Committee exists that has the authority to so administer the
Plan.

                  The Committee shall have full power to interpret and
administer the Plan and full authority to select the individuals to whom Awards
will be granted and to determine the type and amount of any Award to be granted
to each participant, the consideration, if any, to be paid for

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any Award, the timing of each Award, the terms and conditions of any Award
granted under the Plan and the terms and conditions of the related agreements
that will be entered into with participants. As to the selection of and grant of
Awards to participants who are not Section 16 Participants, the Committee may
delegate its responsibilities to members of the Company's management in any
manner consistent with applicable law.

                  The Committee shall have the authority to adopt, alter and
repeal such rules, guidelines and practices governing the Plan as it shall, from
time to time, deem advisable; to interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan
and any Award issued under the Plan (and any agreement relating thereto); to
direct employees of the Company or other advisors to prepare such materials or
perform such analyses as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate; and
otherwise to supervise the administration of the Plan.

                  Any interpretation or administration of the Plan by the
Committee, and all actions and determinations of the Committee, shall be final,
binding and conclusive on the Company, its shareholders, Subsidiaries,
Affiliates, all participants in the Plan, their respective legal
representatives, successors and assigns, and all persons claiming under or
through any of them. No member of the Board or of the Committee shall incur any
liability for any action taken or omitted, or any determination made, in good
faith in connection with the Plan.

SECTION 3.  SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN.

                  (a) Aggregate Shares Subject to the Plan. Subject to
                  adjustment as provided in Section 3(c), the total number of
                  Shares reserved and available for Awards under the Plan is
                  9,000,000. Any Shares issued hereunder shall consist solely of
                  treasury shares.

                  (b) Forfeiture or Termination of Awards of Shares. If any
                  Shares subject to any Award granted hereunder are forfeited or
                  an Award otherwise terminates or expires without the issuance
                  of Shares, the Shares subject to that Award shall again be
                  available for distribution in connection with future Awards
                  under the Plan as provided in Section 3(a), unless the
                  participant who had been awarded those forfeited Shares or the
                  expired or terminated Award has theretofore received dividends
                  or other benefits of ownership with respect to those Shares.
                  For purposes hereof, a participant shall not be deemed to have
                  received a benefit of ownership with respect to those Shares
                  by the exercise of voting rights, or by the accumulation of
                  dividends that are not realized because of the forfeiture of
                  those Shares or the expiration or termination of the related
                  Award without issuance of those Shares.

                  (c) Adjustment. In the event of any merger, reorganization,
                  consolidation, recapitalization, share dividend, share split,
                  combination of shares or other change in corporate structure
                  of the Company affecting the Shares, such substitution or
                  adjustment shall be made in the aggregate number of Shares
                  reserved for issuance under the Plan, in the number and option
                  price of shares subject to outstanding options granted under
                  the Plan, in the number of Share Appreciation Rights granted
                  under the Plan and in the number of shares subject to
                  Restricted Share Awards granted under the Plan as may be
                  approved by the Committee, in its sole

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                  discretion, but the number of shares subject to any Award
                  shall always be a whole number. In addition, in the event of a
                  merger or sale of the Company, the Committee will have the
                  authority to substitute Awards with similar awards of equity
                  of the surviving or acquiring entity. Any fractional shares
                  shall be eliminated.

                  (d) Annual Award Limit. No participant may be granted Stock
                  Options or other Awards under the Plan with respect to an
                  aggregate of more than 1,000,000 Shares (subject to adjustment
                  as provided in Section 3(c) hereof) during any calendar year.

SECTION 4.  ELIGIBILITY.

                  Members of the Board of Directors of the Company and officers
and other key employees of the Company, and of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates,
if any, who are responsible for or contribute to the management, growth or
profitability of the business of the Company (or of its Subsidiaries or
Affiliates, if any), are eligible to be granted Awards under the Plan.

SECTION 5.  STOCK OPTIONS.

                  (a) Grant. Stock Options may be granted alone, in addition to
                  or in tandem with other Awards granted under the Plan or cash
                  awards made outside the Plan. The Committee shall determine
                  the individuals to whom, and the time or times at which,
                  grants of Stock Options will be made, the number of Shares
                  purchasable under each Stock Option and the other terms and
                  conditions of the Stock Options in addition to those set forth
                  in Sections 5(b) and 5(c). Any Stock Option granted under the
                  Plan shall be in such form as the Committee may from time to
                  time approve.

                           Stock Options granted under the Plan may be of two
                  types which shall be indicated on their face: (i) Incentive
                  Stock Options and (ii) Non-Qualified Stock Options. Subject to
                  Section 5(c), the Committee shall have the authority to grant
                  to any participant Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified
                  Stock Options or both types of Stock Options; provided,
                  however, that no Incentive Stock Options shall be granted
                  under this Plan unless and until the Plan has been approved by
                  the Company's shareholders in a manner that complies with the
                  shareholder approval requirements of the Code relating to
                  Incentive Stock Options.

                  (b) Terms and Conditions. Options granted under the Plan shall
         be evidenced by Option Agreements, shall be subject to the following
         terms and conditions and shall contain such additional terms and
         conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as the
         Committee shall deem desirable:

                           (1) Option Price. The option price per share of
                  Shares purchasable under a Non-Qualified Stock Option or an
                  Incentive Stock Option shall be determined by the Committee at
                  the time of grant and shall be not less than 100% of the Fair
                  Market Value of the Shares at the date of grant (or, with
                  respect to an

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                  Incentive Stock Option, 110% of the Fair Market Value of the
                  Shares at the date of grant in the case of a participant who
                  at the date of grant owns Shares possessing more than ten
                  percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of
                  stock of the Company or its parent or subsidiary corporations
                  (as determined under Sections 424(d), (e) and (f) of the
                  Code)).

                           (2) Option Term. The term of each Stock Option shall
                  be determined by the Committee and may not exceed ten years
                  from the date the Option is granted (or, with respect to an
                  Incentive Stock Option, five years in the case of a
                  participant who at the date of grant owns Shares possessing
                  more than ten percent of the total combined voting power of
                  all classes of stock of the Company or its parent or
                  subsidiary corporations (as determined under Sections 424(d),
                  (e) and (f) of the Code)).

                           (3) Exercise. Stock Options shall be exercisable at
                  such time or times and shall be subject to such terms and
                  conditions as shall be determined by the Committee at or after
                  grant; but, except as provided in Section 5(b)(6) and Section
                  8, unless otherwise determined by the Committee at or after
                  grant, no Stock Option shall be exercisable prior to six
                  months and one day following the date of grant. If any Stock
                  Option is exercisable only in installments or only after
                  specified exercise dates, the Committee may waive, in whole or
                  in part, such installment exercise provisions, and may
                  accelerate any exercise date or dates, at any time at or after
                  grant based on such factors as the Committee shall determine,
                  in its sole discretion.

                           (4) Method of Exercise. Subject to any installment
                  exercise provisions that apply with respect to any Stock
                  Option, and the six month and one day holding period set forth
                  in Section 5(b)(3), that Stock Option may be exercised in
                  whole or in part, at any time during the option period, by the
                  holder thereof giving to the Company written notice of
                  exercise specifying the number of Shares to be purchased.

                                    That notice shall be accompanied by payment
                  in full of the option price of the Shares for which the Option
                  is exercised, in cash or Shares or by check or such other
                  instrument as the Committee may accept. The value of each such
                  Share surrendered or withheld shall be 100% of the Fair Market
                  Value of the Shares on the date the option is exercised.

                                    No Shares shall be issued on an exercise of
                  an Option until full payment has been made. A participant
                  shall not have rights to dividends or any other rights of a
                  shareholder with respect to any Shares subject to an Option
                  unless and until the participant has given written notice of
                  exercise, has paid in full for those Shares, has given, if
                  requested, the representation described in Section 11(a), and
                  those Shares have been issued to him.

                           (5) Non-Transferability of Options. No Stock Option
                  shall be transferable by any participant other than by will or
                  by the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a
                  qualified domestic relations order (as defined in the Code or
                  the Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
                  amended)

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                  except that, if so provided in the Option Agreement, the
                  participant may transfer the Option during his lifetime to one
                  or more members of his family, to one or more trusts for the
                  benefit of one or more members of his family, or to a
                  partnership or partnerships of members of his family, provided
                  that no consideration is paid for the transfer and that the
                  transfer would not result in the loss of any exemption under
                  Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act with respect to any Option. The
                  transferee of an Option will be subject to all restrictions,
                  terms and conditions applicable to the Option prior to its
                  transfer, except that the Option will not be further
                  transferable by the transferee other than by will or by the
                  laws of descent and distribution.

                           (6) Termination by Death. Subject to Section 5(c), if
                  any participant's service as a director with the Company or
                  employment with the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate
                  terminates by reason of death, any Stock Option held by that
                  participant not previously exercised and vested will become
                  fully vested and exercisable by the estate of the participant
                  (acting through its fiduciary), for a period of one year from
                  the date of death (or such other period as the Committee may
                  specify at or after grant).

                           (7) Termination by Reason of Disability. Subject to
                  Sections 5(b)(3) and 5(c), if a participant's service as a
                  director with the Company or employment with the Company or
                  any Subsidiary or Affiliate terminates by reason of
                  Disability, any Stock Option held by that participant not
                  previously exercised and vested will become fully vested and
                  exercisable by the participant or by the participant's duly
                  authorized legal representative if the participant is unable
                  to exercise the Option as a result of the participant's
                  Disability, for a period of one year from the date of such
                  termination of service or employment (or such other period as
                  the Committee may specify at or after grant); and if the
                  participant dies within that one-year period (or such other
                  period as the Committee shall specify at or after grant), any
                  unexercised Stock Option held by that participant shall
                  thereafter be exercisable by the estate of the participant
                  (acting through its fiduciary) to the same extent to which it
                  was exercisable at the time of death, for a period of one year
                  from the date of that termination of service or employment.

                           (8) Other Termination. Unless otherwise determined by
                  the Committee at or after the time of granting any Stock
                  Option, if a participant's service as a director with the
                  Company or employment with the Company or any Subsidiary or
                  Affiliate terminates for any reason other than death or
                  Disability, all Stock Options held by that participant that
                  are then exercisable shall terminate 90 days after the date
                  service or employment terminates and all Stock Options that
                  are not then exercisable shall terminate on the date the
                  service or employment terminates.

                  (c) Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding Sections 5(b)(6)
                  and (7), an Incentive Stock Option shall be exercisable by (i)
                  a participant's authorized legal representative (if the
                  participant is unable to exercise the Incentive Stock Option
                  as a result of the participant's Disability) only if, and to
                  the extent, permitted by Section 422 of the Code and (ii) by
                  the participant's estate, in the case of death, or authorized
                  legal representative, in the case of Disability, no later than
                  ten years

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                  from the date the Incentive Stock Option was granted (in
                  addition to any other restrictions or limitations that may
                  apply). Anything in the Plan to the contrary notwithstanding,
                  no term or provision of the Plan relating to Incentive Stock
                  Options shall be interpreted, amended or altered, nor shall
                  any discretion or authority granted under the Plan be
                  exercised, so as to disqualify the Plan under Section 422 of
                  the Code, or, without the consent of the participants
                  affected, to disqualify any Incentive Stock Option under that
                  Section 422 or any successor Section thereto.

                  (d) Buyout Provisions. The Committee may at any time buy out
                  for a payment in cash, Shares or Restricted Shares an Option
                  previously granted, based on such terms and conditions as the
                  Committee shall establish and agree upon with the participant,
                  but no such transaction involving a Section 16 Participant
                  shall be structured or effected in a manner that would result
                  in any liability on the part of the participant under Section
                  16(b) of the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations
                  promulgated thereunder.

SECTION 6.        SHARE APPRECIATION RIGHTS.

                  (a) Grant. Share Appreciation Rights may be granted in
                  connection with all or any part of an Option, either
                  concurrently with the grant of the Option or, if the Option is
                  a Non-Qualified Stock Option, by an amendment to the Option at
                  any time thereafter during the term of the Option. Share
                  Appreciation Rights may be exercised in whole or in part at
                  such times under such conditions as may be specified by the
                  Committee in the participant's Option Agreement.

                  (b) Terms and Conditions. The following terms and conditions
                  will apply to all Share Appreciation Rights that are granted
                  in connection with Options:

                           (1) Rights. Share Appreciation Rights shall entitle
                  the participant, upon exercise of all or any part of the Share
                  Appreciation Rights, to surrender to the Company unexercised
                  that portion of the underlying Option relating to the same
                  number of Shares as is covered by the Share Appreciation
                  Rights (or the portion of the Share Appreciation Rights so
                  exercised) and to receive in exchange from the Company an
                  amount (paid as provided in Section 6(b)(5)) equal to the
                  excess of (x) the Fair Market Value, on the date of exercise,
                  of the Shares covered by the surrendered portion of the
                  underlying Option over (y) the exercise price of the Shares
                  covered by the surrendered portion of the underlying Option.
                  The Committee may limit the amount that the participant will
                  be entitled to receive upon surrender of a Share Appreciation
                  Right.

                           (2) Surrender of Option. Upon the exercise of the
                  Share Appreciation Right and surrender of the related portion
                  of the underlying Option, the Option, to the extent
                  surrendered, will not thereafter be exercisable. The
                  underlying Option may provide that such Share Appreciation
                  Rights will be payable solely in cash. The terms of the
                  underlying Option shall provide a method by which an
                  alternative fair market value of the Shares on the date of
                  exercise shall be calculated based on one of the following:
                  (x) the closing price of the Shares on

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                  the national exchange on which they are then traded on the
                  business day immediately preceding the day of exercise; (y)
                  the highest closing price of the Shares on the national
                  exchange on which they have been traded, during the 90 days
                  immediately preceding the Change in Control; or (z) the
                  greater of (x) and (y).

                           (3) Exercise. In addition to any further conditions
                  upon exercise that may be imposed by the Committee, the Share
                  Appreciation Rights shall be exercisable only to the extent
                  that the related Option is exercisable, except that in no
                  event will a Share Appreciation Right held by a Section 16
                  Participant be exercisable within the first six months after
                  it is awarded even though the related Option is or becomes
                  exercisable, and each Share Appreciation Right will expire no
                  later than the date on which the related Option expires. A
                  Share Appreciation Right may only be exercised at a time when
                  the Fair Market Value of the Shares covered by the Share
                  Appreciation Right exceeds the exercise price of the Shares
                  covered by the underlying Option. No Share Appreciation Right
                  held by a Section 16 Participant shall be exercisable by its
                  terms within the first six months after it is granted, and a
                  Section 16 Participant may only exercise a Share Appreciation
                  Right during a period beginning on the third business day and
                  ending on the twelfth business day following the release for
                  publication of quarterly or annual summary statements of the
                  Company's sales and earnings.

                           (4) Method of Exercise. Share Appreciation Rights may
                  be exercised by the participant's giving written notice of the
                  exercise to the Company, stating the number of Share
                  Appreciation Rights he has elected to exercise and
                  surrendering the portion of the underlying Option relating to
                  the same number of Shares as the number of Share Appreciation
                  Rights elected to be exercised.

                           (5) Payment. The manner in which the Company's
                  obligation arising upon the exercise of the Share Appreciation
                  Right will be paid will be determined by the Committee and
                  shall be set forth in the participant's Option Agreement. The
                  Committee may provide for payment in Shares or cash, or a
                  fixed combination of Shares or cash, or the Committee may
                  reserve the right to determine the manner of payment at the
                  time the Share Appreciation Right is exercised. Shares issued
                  upon the exercise of a Share Appreciation Right will be valued
                  at their Fair Market Value on the date of exercise.

SECTION 7.  RESTRICTED SHARES.

                  (a) Grant. Restricted Shares may be issued alone, in addition
                  to or in tandem with other Awards under the Plan or cash
                  awards made outside of the Plan. The Committee shall determine
                  the individuals to whom, and the time or times at which,
                  grants of Restricted Shares will be made, the number of
                  Restricted Shares to be awarded to each participant, the price
                  (if any) to be paid by the participant (subject to Section
                  7(b)), the date or dates upon which Restricted Share Awards
                  will vest and the period or periods within which those
                  Restricted Share Awards may be subject to forfeiture, and the
                  other terms and conditions of those Awards in addition to
                  those set forth in Section 7(b).

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                           The Committee may condition the grant of Restricted
                  Shares upon the attainment of specified performance goals or
                  such other factors as the Committee may determine in its sole
                  discretion.

                  (b) Terms and Conditions. Restricted Shares awarded under the
                  Plan shall be subject to the following terms and conditions
                  and such additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent
                  with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall deem
                  desirable. A participant who receives a Restricted Share Award
                  shall not have any rights with respect to that Award, unless
                  and until the participant has executed an agreement evidencing
                  the Award in the form approved from time to time by the
                  Committee and has delivered a fully executed copy thereof to
                  the Company, and has otherwise complied with the applicable
                  terms and conditions of that Award.

                           (1) The purchase price (if any) for Restricted Shares
                  shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant.

                           (2) Awards of Restricted Shares must be accepted by
                  executing a Restricted Share Award agreement and paying the
                  price (if any) that is required under Section 7(b)(1).

                           (3) Each participant receiving a Restricted Share
                  Award shall be issued a stock certificate in respect of those
                  Restricted Shares. The certificate shall be registered in the
                  name of the participant, and shall bear an appropriate legend
                  referring to the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable
                  to the Award.

                           (4) The Committee shall require that the stock
                  certificates evidencing the Restricted Shares be held in
                  custody by the Company until the restrictions thereon shall
                  have lapsed, and that, as a condition of any Restricted Shares
                  Award, the participant shall have delivered to the Company a
                  stock power, endorsed in blank, relating to the Shares covered
                  by that Award.

                           (5) Subject to the provisions of this Plan and the
                  Restricted Share Award agreement, during a period set by the
                  Committee commencing with the date of any Award (the
                  "Restriction Period"), the participant shall not be permitted
                  to sell, transfer, pledge, assign or otherwise encumber the
                  Restricted Shares covered by that Award. The Restriction
                  Period shall not be less than six months and one day in
                  duration ("Minimum Restriction Period"). Subject to these
                  limitations and the Minimum Restriction Period requirement,
                  the Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide for the
                  lapse of restrictions in installments and may accelerate or
                  waive restrictions, in whole or in part, based on service,
                  performance or such other factors and criteria as the
                  Committee may determine in its sole discretion.

                           (6) Except as provided in this Section 7(b)(6),
                  Section 7(b)(5) and Section 7(b)(7), the participant shall
                  have, with respect to the Restricted Shares awarded, all of
                  the rights of a shareholder of the Company, including the
                  right to vote the Shares, and the right to receive any
                  dividends. The Committee, in its sole discretion, as
                  determined at the time of award, may permit or require the
                  payment

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                  of cash dividends to be deferred and subject to forfeiture
                  and, if the Committee so determines, reinvested, subject to
                  Section 11(f), in additional Restricted Shares to the extent
                  Shares are available under Section 3, or otherwise reinvested.
                  Unless the Committee or Board determines otherwise, share
                  dividends issued with respect to Restricted Shares shall be
                  treated as additional Restricted Shares that are subject to
                  the same restrictions and other terms and conditions that
                  apply to the Shares with respect to which such dividends are
                  issued.

                           (7) No Restricted Shares shall be transferable by a
                  participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and
                  distribution.
                           (8) If a participant's service as a director with the
                  Company or employment with the Company or any Subsidiary or
                  Affiliate terminates by reason of death, any Restricted Shares
                  held by that participant shall thereafter vest and any
                  restriction shall lapse.

                           (9) If a participant's service as a director with the
                  Company or employment with the Company or any Subsidiary or
                  Affiliate terminates by reason of Disability, any Restricted
                  Shares held by that participant shall thereafter vest and any
                  restriction shall lapse.

                           (10) Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at
                  or after the time of granting any Restricted Shares, if a
                  participant's service as a director with the Company or
                  employment with the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate
                  terminates for any reason other than death or Disability, the
                  Restricted Shares held by that participant that are unvested
                  or subject to restriction at the time of termination shall
                  thereupon be forfeited.

                  (c) Minimum Value. In order to better ensure that award
                  payments actually reflect the performance of the Company and
                  service of the participant, the Committee may provide, in its
                  sole discretion, for a tandem performance-based or other award
                  designed to guarantee a minimum value, payable in cash or
                  Shares, to the recipient of a Restricted Share Award, subject
                  to such performance, future service, deferral and other terms
                  and conditions as may be specified by the Committee.

SECTION 8.  CHANGE IN CONTROL PROVISION.

                  (a) Impact of Event. At any time during the 365 days
                  commencing with the date of either (1) a "Change in Control"
                  as defined in Section 8(b) or (2) a "Potential Change in
                  Control" as defined in Section 8(c), a majority of the
                  "Continuing Directors" as defined in Section 8(e) (or one of
                  the two Continuing Directors if only two Continuing Directors
                  are then serving on the Board of Directors or the sole
                  Continuing Director if only one Continuing Director is then
                  serving on the Board of Directors) may cause the following
                  provisions to take effect as stated and as of the date set
                  forth in a Written Action (the "Written Action") adopted to
                  that effect (that date, the "Accelerated Vesting Date") and if

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                  there are no Continuing Directors, the following provisions
                  will automatically take effect:

                           (1) Any Stock Options awarded under the Plan not
                  previously exercisable and vested shall become fully
                  exercisable and vested;

                           (2) Any Share Appreciation Rights shall become
                  immediately exercisable;

                           (3) The restrictions applicable to any Restricted
                  Shares Awards shall lapse and such shares and awards shall be
                  deemed fully vested; and

                           (4) The value of all outstanding Awards, in each case
                  to the extent vested, shall, unless otherwise determined by
                  the Committee in its sole discretion at or after grant but
                  prior to any Change in Control or Potential Change in Control,
                  be paid to the participant in cash in exchange for the
                  surrender of those Awards on the basis of the "Change in
                  Control Price" as defined in Section 8(d) as of the
                  Accelerated Vesting Date.

                  (b) Definition of Change in Control. For purposes of Section
                  8(a), a "Change in Control" means the occurrence of any of the
                  following: (i) the Board 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 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 (or
                  securities convertible into Shares) 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 25% or more of the voting power of
                  the Company's outstanding securities; or (iv) during any
                  two-year period, individuals who at the beginning of such
                  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.

                  (c) Definition of Potential Change in Control. For purposes of
                  Section 8(a), a "Potential Change in Control" means the
                  happening of any one of the following:

                           (1) The approval by the shareholders of the Company
                  of an agreement by the Company, the consummation of which
                  would result in a Change in Control of the Company as defined
                  in Section 8(b); or

                           (2) The acquisition of beneficial ownership, directly
                  or indirectly, by any entity, person or group (other than the
                  Company or a Subsidiary or any

                                    Page 11
<PAGE>   12

                  Company employee benefit plan (including any trustee of any
                  such plan acting in its capacity as trustee)) of securities of
                  the Company representing 25% or more of the combined voting
                  power of the Company's outstanding securities and the adoption
                  by the Board of a resolution to the effect that a Potential
                  Change in Control of the Company has occurred for purposes of
                  this Plan.

                  (d) Change in Control Price. For purposes of this Section 8,
                  "Change in Control Price", means the greater of: (a) the
                  highest price per share paid in any transaction reported on
                  the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index (or, if the Shares
                  are not then traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the
                  highest price paid as reported for any national exchange on
                  which the Shares are then traded) or paid or offered in any
                  bona fide transaction related to a Change in Control or
                  Potential Change in Control of the Company, at any time during
                  the 60-day period immediately preceding the occurrence of the
                  Change in Control (or, when applicable, the occurrence of the
                  Potential Change in Control event), and (b) the highest price
                  per share paid in any transaction reported on the New York
                  Stock Exchange Composite Index (or, if the Shares are not then
                  traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the highest price paid
                  as reported for any national exchange on which the Shares are
                  then traded), at any time during the 60-day period immediately
                  preceding the date on which the Continuing Directors execute a
                  Written Action relating to that Change in Control or Potential
                  Change in Control, in each case as determined by the
                  Committee.

                  (e) Definition of Continuing Director. For purposes of this
                  Section 8, a "Continuing Director" means an individual who was
                  a member of the Board of Directors immediately prior to the
                  date of a Change in Control or a Potential Change in Control
                  and is a member of the Board of Directors at the time a
                  Written Action relating to that Change in Control or Potential
                  Change in Control is taken.

SECTION 9.  AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION.

                  The Board may at any time, in its sole discretion, amend,
alter or discontinue the Plan, but no such amendment, alteration or
discontinuation shall be made that would impair the rights of a participant
under an Award theretofore granted, without the participant's consent.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, any amendment to Section 8 hereof requires the
affirmative vote of a majority of the Continuing Directors (or one of the two
Continuing Directors if only two Continuing Directors are then serving on the
Board of Directors or the sole Continuing Director if only one Continuing
Director is then serving on the Board of Directors.

                  The Committee may at any time, in its sole discretion, amend
the terms of any Award, but no such amendment shall be made that would impair
the rights of a participant under an Award theretofore granted, without the
participant's consent.

                  Subject to the above provisions, the Board shall have all
necessary authority to amend the Plan to take into account changes in applicable
securities and tax laws and accounting rules, as well as other developments.

                                    Page 12
<PAGE>   13

SECTION 10.  UNFUNDED STATUS OF PLAN.

                  The Plan is intended to constitute an "unfunded" plan for
incentive compensation. With respect to any payment not yet made to a
participant by the Company, nothing contained herein shall give that participant
any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company.

SECTION 11.  GENERAL PROVISIONS.

                  (a) The Committee may require each participant acquiring
                  Shares pursuant to an Award under the Plan to represent to and
                  agree with the Company in writing that the participant is
                  acquiring the Shares without a view to distribution thereof.
                  The certificates for any such Shares may include any legend
                  which the Committee deems appropriate to reflect any
                  restrictions on transfer.

                           All Shares or other securities delivered under the
                  Plan shall be subject to such stop-transfer orders and other
                  restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the
                  rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities
                  and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange upon which the
                  Shares are then listed, and any applicable federal or state
                  securities laws, and the Committee may cause a legend or
                  legends to be put on any certificate for any such Shares to
                  make appropriate reference to those restrictions.

                  (b) Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Board
                  from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements,
                  subject to shareholder approval if such approval is required,
                  and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or
                  applicable only in specific cases.

                  (c) Neither the adoption of the Plan, nor its operation, nor
                  any document describing, implementing or referring to the
                  Plan, or any part thereof, shall confer upon any participant
                  under the Plan any right to continue in the employ, or in
                  service as a director, of the Company or any Subsidiary or
                  Affiliate, or shall in any way affect the right and power of
                  the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate to terminate the
                  employment, or service as a director, of any participant under
                  the Plan at any time with or without assigning a reason
                  therefor, to the same extent as the Company or any Subsidiary
                  or Affiliate might have done if the Plan had not been adopted.

                  (d) For purposes of this Plan, except as otherwise required
                  with respect to Incentive Stock Options, a transfer of a
                  participant between the Company and any Subsidiary or
                  Affiliate shall not be deemed a termination of employment.

                  (e) No later than the date as of which an amount first becomes
                  includable in the gross income of the participant for federal
                  income tax purposes with respect to any Award under the Plan,
                  the participant shall pay to the Company, or make arrangements
                  satisfactory to the Committee regarding the payment of, any
                  federal, state or local taxes or other items of any kind
                  required by law to be withheld with

                                    Page 13
<PAGE>   14

                  respect to that amount. Subject to the following sentence,
                  unless otherwise determined by the Committee, withholding
                  obligations may be settled with Shares, including unrestricted
                  Shares previously owned by the participant or Shares that are
                  part of the Award that gives rise to the withholding
                  requirement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any election by a
                  Section 16 Participant to settle any tax withholding
                  obligation with Shares that are part of an Award shall be
                  subject to approval by the Committee, in its sole discretion.
                  The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be
                  conditional on those payments or arrangements and the Company
                  and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates shall, to the extent
                  permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from
                  any payment of any kind otherwise payable to the participant.

                  (f) The actual or deemed reinvestment of dividends or dividend
                  equivalents in additional Restricted Shares at the time of any
                  dividend payment shall only be permissible if sufficient
                  Shares are available under Section 3 for reinvestment (taking
                  into account then outstanding Stock Options).

                  (g) The Plan, all Awards made and actions taken thereunder and
                  any agreements relating thereto shall be governed by and
                  construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.

                  (h) All agreements entered into with participants pursuant to
                  the Plan shall be subject to the Plan.

                  (i) The provisions of Awards need not be the same with respect
                  to each participant.

SECTION 12.  BOARD APPROVAL.

                  The Plan was adopted by the Board on March 2, 2000.

SECTION 13.  TERM OF PLAN.

                  No Award shall be granted pursuant to the Plan on or after
March 2, 2010, but Awards granted prior to that date may extend beyond that
date.

                                    Page 14<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

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