Corporate Express Q1 organic sales growth slows

AMSTERDAM, April 8 (Reuters) - Dutch office goods supplier Corporate Express CXP.AS said on Tuesday first quarter organic sales in North America and Europe grew at a slower pace than in the previous quarter.

Corporate Express, one of the world's largest office products wholesalers, and formerly known as Buhrmann NV, said North America sales rose 2 percent from a year earlier, after a 3 percent increase in the fourth quarter.

Sales in Europe were up 3 percent int eh first quarter from a year earlier after a 5 percent rise in the previous quarter.

Analysts had estimated North American underlying sales growth of 2 percent and Europe growth of 4 to 5 percent.

The company, which will hold its annual shareholders' meeting later on Tuesday, did not comment on U.S. rival Staples Inc's (SPLS.O) unsolicited 2.5 billion euro ($3.9 billion) takeover approach.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee)