Acquisitions and mergers. Seems like we see more and more each year. Certainly this issue's 250-Biggest listing attests to that. Mammoth-sized distributors like WESCO, Rexel and Sonepar have continued their acquisition quests. You'll see plenty of changes on the roster of the 250 largest electrical distributors, which starts on page 22.

Of course, mammoth-sized wholesalers aren't the only distributors that make acquisitions. The acquisition of Sanger Communications, a small Van Nuys, Calif.-based communications distributorship, proved to be a doorway to the voice/data market for B&K Electric Wholesale, City of Industry, Calif. This month's cover story, “A Fateful Acquisition,” (page 22) tells how the two companies integrated the businesses and offers insight and tips for smaller distributors that want to break into the datacom market.

For those readers with newer employees, be sure to read Assistant Editor Brendan O'Bryhim's Sidelight touting TRADEslang.com. The Web site, put together by industry veteran David Weinstein, general manager of Kennedy Electric, Jamaica, N.Y., defines slang terms for the electrical industry. The site is meant to answer questions for people in all segments of the industry. It's a helpful resource for any newcomers.

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