UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 12, 2016

ESSENDANT INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (847) 627-7000

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

o    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

On July 12, 2016, the Registrant’s Board of Directors appointed Dennis J. Martin to the Board and appointed Mr. Martin as a member of the Audit Committee and Human Resources Committee of the Board.  Mr. Martin will serve as a Class I director.

Mr. Martin’s compensation is as described in the Director Compensation section of the Registrant’s proxy statement for Registrant’s 2016 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 13, 2016.  

A press release announcing the election of Mr. Martin to the Board of Directors of the Registrant is attached as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

The following exhibit is filed herewith:

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.