THE FINAL FIVE CANDIDATES INVENT NEW OFFICE PRODUCT FOR STAPLES ON NBC'S "THE APPRENTICE" (APRIL 21, 9-10PM ET/PT)

Who Will Make it to the Final Four When Bren and Alex square off against Tana, Craig and Kendra?

NEW YORK -- April 19, 2005 -- Donald Trump is not a fan of clutter. On this week's episode of NBC's "The Apprentice" candidates invent a new office product for Staples that is designed to make desk organization easy (April 21, 9-10pm ET/PT). Each team works with top-notch designers and manufacturers and they'll present their final product to Staples executives along with a focus group of office managers. The key to victory, Trump says, is "to blend innovation with practicality."

Alex and Bren thrive without Chris and their friendship deepens providing some touching moments. Kendra and Craig continue to butt-heads but their creativity, along with Tana's leadership produces an impressive product. Both teams feel they are guaranteed a win, which leads to some serious gut checking during the task resolution.

The winning team gets to spend some influential time with George Ross and Carolyn Kepcher during a power breakfast atop The Rainbow Room.

Remaining Candidates:
"NET WORTH": Alex and Bren
"MAGNA": Kendra, Tana, and Craig

Week 13 Exemption: Kendra

This week's task mirrors Staples Invention Quest, a nationwide search for office product ideas that launches today with a chance to win $25,000 plus royalties.

"We are always searching for innovative office product ideas to add to our growing collection of Staples brand products," said Shira Goodman, executive vice president of marketing for Staples. "We're thrilled to launch our Invention Quest search this week so Apprentice fans have a chance to participate in a similar task at home."

Does Staples like the winning Apprentice team's product design enough to manufacture it as a Staples brand product? Tune in to find out.

About Staples

Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today is the world's largest office products company. With 65,000 talented associates, the company is committed to making it easy to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2004 sales of $14.4 billion, Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies in 21 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates approximately 1,680 office superstores and also serves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses. More information is available at www.staples.com.

"The Apprentice" is produced by Mark Burnett Productions in association with Trump Productions LLC. Mark Burnett, Donald Trump and Jay Bienstock are executive producers. Conrad Riggs and Kevin Harris are co-executive producers.