Rexel Buys in Belgium, UK

April 1, 2012
Bolstering coverage in several of its established markets, Rexel, Paris, announced acquisitions in Belgium, England and Wales. La Grange is a full-line

Bolstering coverage in several of its established markets, Rexel, Paris, announced acquisitions in Belgium, England and Wales. La Grange is a full-line electrical supply house and lighting specialist in Belgium, while Wilts Wholesale Electrical is reportedly one of the largest independent distributors of electrical supplies operating in England and Wales.

A Rexel press release announcing the La Grange acquisition said the 126-employee, five-branch company based in Gent, Belgium, was founded in 1941 and has an established reputation in the industrial market. The acquisition should generate additional sales of close to €50 million (approximately US$66 million) on an annualized basis. Rexel has 29 branches located across Belgium that in 2011 contributed over €305 million (approximately US $402.7 million) to the Group's consolidated revenues.

Its acquisition of Wilts Wholesale Electrical, a family-owned company that is one of the largest independent distributors of electrical supplies in the United Kingdom, adds 59 branches to Rexel's distribution network there. A press statement released last month announcing the acquisition said the deal should generate sales of close to €60 million (approximately US$79.2 million) on an annualized basis.