A clamping and transporting assembly is provided which is particularly suitable for clamping a stack of articles, such as sheet-like articles. The clamping assembly moves from a retracted position to an extended position at which clamping jaws automatically assume a clamped position. Thereafter, the assembly transports the clamped stack of sheet-like articles to a treatment device, for example a binding device. After treatment, such as binding, the transport assembly returns the articles to their original position, with the clamping assembly then retracted while automatically releasing the articles from the jaws.