X0306 4 2016-12-06 0 0000355999 ESSENDANT INC ESND 0001037494 BLANCHARD ERIC A C/O ESSENDANT INC. ONE PARKWAY NORTH BLVD. DEERFIELD IL 60015 0 1 0 0 Sr VP, Gen Counsel & Secretary Common Stock 2016-12-06 4 S 0 3900 20.02 D 40913 D The sales reported in this Form 4 were made pursuant to a 10b5-1 plan adopted by the reporting person on March 1, 2016 and amended on November 17, 2016 Weighted average price. Range of prices $19.99 - $ 20.10. Reporting person will provide full information regarding the number of shares sold at each separate price upon request. /s/Cheryl M. Cromer Attorney-in-fact for Eric A. Blanchard 2016-12-07