Home Depot to Seek Government Business

Home Depot Inc. said it planned to seek business from the federal government, changing a policy the company had in place since it was founded in 1978.

The Atlanta-based company said it had decided to seek the business after feedback from its associates and customers and after further evaluation of the requirements necessary to become a federal contractor.

Home Depot faced pressure from activist groups that alleged the company didn’t want to work with the government because it didn’t want to comply with affirmative-action laws. The retailer avoided becoming a federal contractor or subcontractor because of paperwork, a spokesman has said.

Home Depot shares fell 47 cents to $36.73 on the NYSE.