Rexel — M&A Activity 2011

Jan 31, 2011

REXEL CONTINUES ITS GROWTH IN CHINA BY ACQUIRING WUHAN ROCKCENTER AUTOMATION

Rexel, a global leader in the distribution of electrical supplies, announces the acquisition of Wuhan Rockcenter Automation's assets, further strengthening the Group's footprint in China.

This acquisition, which will be accretive from the first year, is part of Rexel's external growth strategy, which aims notably at expanding the Group's presence in emerging countries.

Founded in 2004 and based in Wuhan, the capital of the highly industrialized Hubei province and most heavily-populated city in central China, Wuhan Rockcenter Automation posted sales in 2010 of c. €10 million. The company operates through one central warehouse and 3 branches and employs 57 people. It mainly addresses major industrial companies from the metal and power sectors.

This transaction is the second acquisition carried out recently by Rexel in China, following that of Beijing Lucky Well Zhineng. The two transactions consolidate Rexel's Nr. 3 position in the Chinese market and allow the Group both to build a leading position in central China and to reinforce its local partnership with strategic international suppliers.

In addition, Rexel will implement operational synergies with its existing operations in China.

Since 2000, Rexel has built up a strong business platform in China through the successive acquisitions of Hailongxing (Beijing), Hualian (Shanghai), Huazhang (Hangzhou), Xidian (Suzhou) and Beijing Lucky Well Zhineng (Beijing and Tianjin). In 2010, the contribution of Rexel's operations in China to the Group's consolidated sales amounted to over €220 million, a growth of 28.4% year-on-year on a constant and same-day basis.

CONTACTS

FINANCIAL ANALYSTS / INVESTORS	PRESS
Marc MAILLET	Pénélope LINAGE-COHEN
+33 1 42 85 76 12	+33 1 42 85 76 28
mmaillet@rexel.com	plinage@rexel.com
Florence MEILHAC	Brunswick: Thomas KAMM
+33 1 42 85 57 61	+33 1 53 96 83 92
fmeilhac@rexel.com	tkamm@brunswickgroup.com

Rexel, a global leader in the distribution of electrical supplies, serves three main end markets: industrial, commercial and residential. The Group operates in 36 countries, with a network of some 2,200 branches, and employs 28,000 people. In 2010, Rexel's sales amounted to c. €11.9 billion. Its majority shareholders are an investor group led by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Eurazeo and BAML Capital Partners.

Rexel is listed on the Eurolist market of Euronext Paris (compartment A, ticker RXL, ISIN code FR0010451203). It is integrated in the following indices: SBF 120, CAC Mid 100, SBF250, CAC AllShares and FTSE EuroMid.

For more information, visit Rexel's web site at www.rexel.com