Rexel — Management Reports 2018

Feb 14, 2018

Société Anonyme (corporation) with share capital of €1,516,715,885 Registered office: 13 boulevard du Fort de Vaux - CS 60002 75017 PARIS - France 479 973 513 R.C.S. Paris

Financial information for the year ended December 31, 2017

I. Activity report………………………………………..………..page 2

II. Consolidated financial statements ..................................page 24

III. Statutory auditors' report …………………………………..page 90

This document is a free translation from French to English of Rexel's original financial information for the year ended December 31, 2017 and is provided solely for the convenience of English speaking readers. In the event of any ambiguity or discrepancy between this unofficial translation and the original financial information for the year ended December 31, 2017, the French version will prevail.

I. Activity report

1. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS4
1.1 FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE GROUP 4
1.1.1 Group Overview 4
1.1.2 Seasonality 4
1.1.3 Impact of changes in copper price 5
1.1.4 Comparability of the Group's operating results and adjusted EBITA 5
1.2 COMPARISON OF FINANCIAL RESULTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2016 8
1.2.1 Rexel Group's consolidated financial results 8
1.2.2 Europe (55% of Group sales) 12
1.2.3 North America (35% of Group sales) 15
1.2.4 Asia‐Pacific (10% of Group sales) 17
1.2.5 Other operations 19
1.3 OUTLOOK 19
2. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES20
2.1 CASH FLOW 20
2.1.1 Cash flow from operating activities 20
2.1.2 Cash flow from investing activities 21
2.1.3 Cash flow from financing activities 22
2.2 SOURCES OF FINANCING 23

1. | OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

Rexel was incorporated on December 16, 2004. Shares of Rexel were admitted to trading on the Eurolist market of Euronext Paris on April 4, 2007. The group consists of Rexel and its subsidiaries (herein after referred to as "the Group" or "Rexel").

The activity report is presented in euros and all numbers are rounded to the nearest tenth of a million, except where otherwise stated. Totals and sub-totals presented in the activity report are first computed in thousands of euros and then rounded to the nearest tenth of a million. Thus, the numbers may not sum precisely due to rounding.

1.1 | Financial position of the Group

1.1.1 | Group Overview

The Group is a worldwide leader in the professional distribution of low and ultra-low voltage electrical products, based on sales and number of branches. The Group principally operates in three geographic areas: Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific. This geographic segmentation is based on the Group's financial reporting structure. In 2017, the Group divested from all of its operations in South East Asia. Therefore, result of operations and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017 in South East Asia were consolidated until November 30, 2017.

In 2017, the Group recorded consolidated sales of €13,310.1 million, of which €7,292.3 million were generated in Europe (55% of Group sales), €4,710.1 million in North America (35% of Group sales) and €1,307.7 million in Asia-Pacific (10% of Group sales).

The Group's activities in Europe are in France (which accounts for 36% of sales in this region), the United Kingdom (12% of sales of this region), Germany (11% of sales of this region), Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway and Finland), Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Slovenia, Portugal, Russia and Luxembourg.

The Group's activities in North America are in the United States (78% of sales in this region) and Canada (22% of sales in this region).

The Group's activities in Asia-Pacific are in Australia (41% of sales in this region), China (37% of sales of this region) and also in New Zealand, India and Middle East as well as South-East Asia until November 30, 2017.

This activity report analyses the Group's sales, gross profit, distribution and administrative expenses, and operating income before amortization of intangible assets recognized on purchase price allocations and other income and other expenses (EBITA) separately for each of the three geographic segments, as well as for the Other operations segment.

1.1.2 | Seasonality

Despite the low impact of seasonality on sales, changes in the Group's working capital requirements lead to variations in cash flows over the course of the year. As a general rule, the Group's cash flows are the strongest in the fourth quarter while relatively lower in the three other quarters, because of higher working capital requirements in those periods.

1.1.3 | Impact of changes in copper price

The Group is indirectly exposed to fluctuations in copper price in connection with its distribution of cable products. Cables represent approximately 14% of the Group's sales and copper accounts for approximately 60% of the composition of cables. This exposure is indirect since cable prices also reflect suppliers' commercial policies and the competitive environment of markets in which the Group operates. Changes in copper price have an estimated "recurring" and "non-recurring" effect on the Group's performance, assessed as part of the monthly internal reporting process of the Rexel Group:

• The recurring effect related to the change in copper-based cable prices corresponds to the change in the value of the copper included in the sales price of cables from one period to another. This effect mainly relates to sales.
• The non-recurring effect related to the change in copper-based cable prices corresponds to the effect of copper price variations on the sales price of cables between the time they are purchased and the time they are sold, until such inventory has been rebuilt (direct effect on gross profit). In practice, the non-recurring effect on gross profit is determined by comparing the historical purchase price for copper-based cable and the supplier price effective at the date of the sale of the cables by the Rexel Group. Additionally, the non-recurring effect on EBITA corresponds to the non-recurring effect on gross profit, which may be offset, where appropriate, by the non-recurring portion of changes in distribution and administrative expenses (principally the variable portion of compensation of sales personnel, which accounts for approximately 10% of the change in gross profit).

The impact of these two effects is assessed for as much of the Group's total cable sales as possible over each period, and in any case covering at least a majority of sales. Group procedures require entities that do not have information systems capable of such comprehensive calculation to estimate these effects based on a sample representing at least 70% of sales during the period. The results are then extrapolated to all cables sold during the period for that entity. On the basis of the sales covered, the Rexel Group considers such estimates of the impact of the two effects to be reasonable.

1.1.4 | Comparability of the Group's operating results and adjusted EBITA

The Group undertakes acquisitions and disposals that may alter its scope of consolidation from one period to another. Second, currency exchange rates may also fluctuate significantly. In addition, the number of working days in each period also has an impact on the Group's consolidated sales. Lastly, the Group is exposed to fluctuations in copper price. For these reasons, a comparison of the Group's reported operating results over different periods may not provide a meaningful comparison of its underlying business performance. Therefore, in the analysis of the Group's consolidated results presented below, financial information is also restated to give effect to the following adjustments.

Excluding the effects of acquisitions and disposals

The Group adjusts its results to exclude the effects of acquisitions and disposals. Generally, the Group includes the results of an acquired company in its consolidated financial statements at the date of the acquisition and ceases to include the results of a divested company at the date of its disposal. To neutralize the effects of acquisitions and disposals on the analysis of its operations, the Group compares the results of the current year against the results of the preceding financial year, as if the preceding financial year had the same scope of consolidation for the same periods as the current year.

In 2017, as part of its divestment program aiming at focusing on more attractive geographies and businesses, the Group disposed of all of its operations in South East Asia including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Macau and Malaysia. These divestments were completed in two separate sale transactions as follows:

• On May 25, 2017, the Group completed the sale of Lenn International Pte Ltd, an Oil & Gas cable distributor based in Singapore. Results of operations and cash flows were consolidated until May 31, 2017

• Effective on December 19, 2017, Rexel sold to American Industrial Acquisition Corporation, a private equity firm, its interest in Rexel South East Asia, a subsidiary controlling the overall Rexel's operations in South East Asia. Results of operations in South-East Asia and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017, were consolidated until November 30, 2017

In 2016, South East Asia contributed for €157.2 million in sales and €1.0 million in EBITA. In 2017, South East Asia contributed for €98.6 million and €-5.1 million in EBITA

Excluding the effects of exchange rate fluctuations

Fluctuations in currency rates against the euro affect the value of the Group's sales, expenses and other balance sheet items as well as the income statement. By contrast, the Group has relatively low exposure to currency transaction risk, as cross-border transactions are limited. To neutralize the currency translation effect on the comparability of its results, the Group restates its comparative period results at the current year's exchange rates.

Excluding the non-recurring effect related to changes in copper price

To analyze the financial performance on a constant adjusted basis, the estimated non-recurring effect related to changes in copper-based cable prices, as described in paragraph 1.1.3 above, is excluded from the information presented for both the current and the previous periods. Such information is referred to as "adjusted" throughout this activity report.

Excluding the effects of different numbers of working days in each period on sales

The Group's sales in a given period compared with another period are affected by the number of working days, which changes from one period to another. In the analysis of its consolidated sales, the Group neutralizes this effect by proportionally adjusting the comparative sales number of the comparative period to match with the current period's number of working days. No attempt is made to adjust any line items other than sales for this effect, as it is not considered relevant.

Accordingly, in the following discussion of the Group's consolidated results, some or all of the following information is provided for comparison purposes:

• On a constant basis, which means excluding the effect of acquisitions and disposals and the effect of fluctuations in exchange rates. Such information is used for comparison of sales;
• On a constant and same-day basis, which means on a constant basis (as described above) and restated for the effect of different numbers of working days in each period. Such information is used only for comparisons related to sales; and
• On a constant basis, adjusted, which means on a constant basis (as described above) and adjusted for the estimated non-recurring effect related to changes in copper-based cable prices. Such information is used for comparisons of gross profit, distribution and administrative expenses, and EBITA. This information is not generated directly by the Group's accounting systems but is an estimate of comparable data in accordance with the principles explained above.

The Group uses the "EBITA" and "Adjusted EBITA" measures to monitor its performance. Neither EBITA nor Adjusted EBITA is an accepted accounting measure under IFRS. The table below reconciles reported operating income before other income and other expenses to Adjusted EBITA on a constant basis.

	Quarter ended 31 December,		Year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016	2017	2016
Operating income before other income and other expenses	157.8	148.9	575.3	521.0
Changes in scope of consolidation	-	1.1	-	2.5
Foreign exchange effects	-	(4.2)	-	(5.2)
Non-recurring effect related to copper	(3.1)	(4.2)	(14.2)	10.0
Amortization of the intangible assets recognized as part of the allocation of the purchase price of acquisitions	4.6	5.0	19.0	18.7
Adjusted EBITA on a constant basis	159.3	146.6	580.1	546.8

1.2 | Comparison of financial results as of December 31, 2017 and as of December 31, 2016

1.2.1 | Rexel Group's consolidated financial results

The following table sets out Rexel's consolidated income statement for 2017 and 2016, in millions of euros and as a percentage of sales.

REPORTED		Quarter ended 31 December,		Year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016	Change in %	2017	2016	Change in %
Sales	3,405.4	3,457.7	(1.5)%	13,310.1	13,162.1	1.1%
Gross profit	837.5	833.3	0.5%	3,264.2	3,172.8	2.9%
Distribution and administrative expenses (1)	(675.1)	(679.4)	(0.6)%	(2,669.9)	(2,633.2)	1.4%
EBITA	162.4	153.9	5.5%	594.3	539.6	10.1%
Amortization (2)	(4.6)	(5.0)	(6.9)%	(19.0)	(18.7)	1.5%
Operating income before other income and expenses	157.8	148.9	6.0%	575.3	521.0	10.4%
Other income and expenses	(196.6)	(79.0)	148.7%	(253.0)	(124.0)	104.1%
Operating income	(38.8)	69.9	N/A	322.3	397.0	(18.8)%
Net financial expenses	(55.1)	(32.2)	71.1%	(145.9)	(146.3)	(0.3)%
Income taxes	35.2	(36.7)	N/A	(71.5)	(116.4)	(38.6)%
Net income	(58.6)	1.0	N/A	104.9	134.3	( 2 1.9 ) %
as a % of sales	-1.7%	0.0%		0.8%	1.0%
(1) Of which depreciation and amortization	(25.9)	(25.5)	1.3%	(99.8)	(97.1)	2.8%
(2) Amortization of the intangible assets recognized as part of the allocation of the purchase price of acquisitions.

CONSTANT BASIS ADJUSTED FINANCIAL DATA
			Quarter ended 31 December,			Year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)		2017	2016	Change in %	2017	2016	Change in %
Sales		3,405.4	3,315.7	2.7%	13,310.1	12,939.2	2.9%
	Same-day basis			5.4%			3.5%
Gross profit		834.3	799.4	4.4%	3,249.6	3,138.7	3.5%
	as a % of sales	24.5%	24.1%		24.4%	24.3%
Distribution and administrative expenses		(674.9)	(652.7)	3.4%	(2,669.5)	(2,591.9)	3.0%
	as a % of sales	(19.8)%	(19.7)%		(20.1)%	(20.0)%
EBITA		159.3	146.6	8.7%	580.1	546.8	6.1%
	as a % of sales	4.7%	4.4%		4.4%	4.2%

Sales

In 2017, Rexel's consolidated sales amounted to €13,310.1 million, as compared to €13,162.1 million in 2016.

On a reported basis, sales were up 1.1% year-on-year, including a negative currency impact of 1.2% and a negative net effect from changes in scope of 0.5%.

• The negative impact of currency amounted to €161.6 million, mainly due to the depreciation of US Dollar and the British Pound against the Euro.
• The negative net effect from change in scope amounted to €61.4 million, reflecting divestments made in South East Asia in the fourth quarter of 2017, partly offset by the acquisition of Brohl & Appell in the USA in the first quarter of 2016.

On a constant and same-day basis, sales were up 3.5% with Europe up 4.2%, North America up 2.4% and Asia-Pacific up 3.4%. Excluding a 1.4 percentage point positive impact due to higher copperbased cable prices, sales were up 2.1% as compared to 2016.

On a constant and actual number of working days basis, sales increased by 2.9% including a negative calendar impact of 0.6 percentage point.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, Rexel's consolidated sales amounted to €3,405.4 million, as compared to €3,457.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

On a reported basis, sales were down 1.5% year-on-year, including a negative currency impact of 3.6% and a negative net effect from divestments of 0.5%.

On a constant and same-day basis, sales were up 5.4%, reflecting a 5.5% increase in Europe, 3.2% in North America and 12.7% in Asia-Pacific. Excluding a 1.6 percentage points positive impact due to the higher copper-based cable prices compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, sales were up 3.8%.

On a constant and actual number of working days basis, sales increased by 2.7% including a negative calendar impact of 2.7 percentage point.

The table below summarizes the impact on sales evolution of the number of working days, changes in scope and in currency effects:

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Year-to-Date
Growth on a constant and same-day basis	0.6%	2.8%	5.2%	5.4%	3.5%
Number of working days effect	4.1%	(2.7)%	(1.1)%	(2.7)%	(0.6)%
Growth on a constant and actual-day basis	4.8%	0.1%	4.1%	2.7%	2.9%
Changes in scope effect	(0.8)%	(0.4)%	(0.1)%	(0.5)%	(0.5)%
Foreign exchange effect	1.2%	0.1%	(2.4)%	(3.6)%	(1.2)%
Total scope and currency effects	0.4%	(0.3)%	(2.5)%	(4.1)%	(1.7)%
Growth on a reported basis (1)	5.1%	(0.2)%	1.4%	(1.5)%	1.0%

(1) Growth on a constant basis and actual number of working day s compounded by the scope and currency ef f ects

Gross profit

In 2017, gross profit amounted to €3,264.2 million, up 2.9%, on a reported basis, as compared to €3,172.8 million in 2016.

On a constant basis, adjusted gross profit increased by 3.5% and adjusted gross margin increased by 16 basis points up to 24.4% of sales, reflecting an increase in North America while it decreased in Asia Pacific and remained stable in Europe.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, gross profit amounted to €837.5 million, up 0.5% on a reported basis as compared to €833.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

On a constant basis, adjusted gross profit increased by 4.4% and adjusted gross margin increased by 39 basis points at 24.5% of sales, reflecting an increase in both North America and Europe partly offset by a decrease in Asia-Pacific.

Distribution & administrative expenses

In 2017, distribution and administrative expenses amounted to €2,670.0 million, up 1.4%, on a reported basis, as compared to €2,633.2 million in 2016.

On a constant basis, adjusted distribution and administrative expenses increased by 3.0% mainly driven by North America and Europe. They represented 20.1% of sales in 2017 compared to 20.0% in 2016, a 3 basis-point deterioration.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, distribution and administrative expenses amounted to €675.1 million, down 0.6%, on a reported basis, as compared to €679.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

On a constant basis, adjusted distribution and administrative expenses increased by 3.4%, representing 19.8% of sales in the fourth quarter of 2017, a 13 basis-point deterioration as compared to 19.7% in the fourth quarter of 2016.

EBITA

In 2017, EBITA stood at €594.3 million, up 10.1%, on a reported basis, as compared to €539.6 million in 2016.

On a constant basis, adjusted EBITA increased by 6.1% to €580.1 million and adjusted EBITA margin stood at 4.4% of sales, up 13 basis points year-on-year.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, EBITA stood at €162.4 million, up 5.5%, on a reported basis, as compared to €153.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

On a constant basis, adjusted EBITA increased by 8.7% to €159.3 million and adjusted EBITA margin stood at 4.7% of sales, up 26 basis points year-on-year.

Other income and expenses

In 2017, other income and expenses represented a net expense of €253.0 million (€124.0 million in 2016), consisting mainly of:

• €133.7 million goodwill impairment expense (€46.8 million in 2016) of which €86.2 million allocated to Germany, €34.5 million to Finland and €13.0 million to New Zealand. Following lower than expected 2017 performance, the group adjusted downwards its trading prospects resulting in impairment losses recognition
• €68.7 million divestment loss due to the disposal of Lenn International Pte. Ltd for €11.1 million and Rexel South East Asia for €57.6 million
• €44.1 million restructuring costs (€59.3 million in 2016) associated with (i) business transformation programs (US, UK, Sweden); (ii) branch network, logistics optimization and back office optimization; (iii) the shut-down of the Oil & Gas business in Thailand, as result of market decline; (iv) changes in corporate senior management.

Net Financial expenses

In 2017, net financial expenses stood at €145.9 million, as compared to €146.3 million in 2016.

In 2017, net financial expenses were impacted by the €18.8 million one-off expense relating to the early redemption of the 5.25% \$330 million senior notes due 2020 (refinanced through the issuance of 2.625% €300.0 million notes due 2024) and the 3.25% €500 million senior notes due 2022 (refinanced through the issuance of 2.125% €500.0 million notes due 2025. In addition, a €10.9 million nonrecurring expenses associated with the discounting of letters of credit due from overseas financial institutions was recognized in net financial expenses (€3.6 million in 2016).

In 2016, net financial expenses included a €16.3 million one-off expense relating to the early redemption of the €650 million senior notes due 2020 and the straight repayment of USD 170.0 million out of the USD 500 million notes due 2020.

Restated from these effects in both periods, net financial expenses were down 7.8% mainly driven by a 30 basis-point decrease in the effective interest rate on gross debt (from 3.5% in 2016 to 3.2% in 2017) as a result of the refinancing transactions. Also, the reduction in average net debt contributed to a lesser extent to lower interest expense.

Tax expense

In 2017, income tax expense was €71.5 million, down 38.6% as compared to €116.4 million in 2016. This decrease reflected the decline in profit before tax (from €250.7 million in 2016 to €224.3 million in 2017) as well as the one-off impact of the change in enacted income tax rates in the US (from 35% to 21%) and in France (from 33% to 25%) related to the reevaluation of deferred tax position. This impact was partly compensated by the non tax-deductible goodwill impairment and South-East Asia disposal loss. As a result, effective tax rate was 40.5% in 2017 as compared to 46.4% in 2016.

Net income

As a result of the items above, net income stood at €104.9 million in 2017, a 21.9% decrease as compared to €134.3 million in 2016.

1.2.2 | Europe (55% of Group sales)

REPORTED			Quarter ended 31 December,			Year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)		2017	2016	Change in %	2017	2016	Change in %
Sales		1,912.8	1,839.4	4.0%	7,292.3	7,168.5	1.7%
Gross profit		518.3	493.6	5.0%	1,967.6	1,915.1	2.7%
Distribution and administrative expenses		(388.2)	(385.1)	0.8%	(1,532.5)	(1,528.3)	0.3%
EBITA		130.1	108.5	19.8%	435.1	386.9	12.5%
	as a % of sales	6.8%	5.9%		6.0%	5.4%

CONSTANT BASIS ADJUSTED FINANCIAL DATA
		Quarter ended 31 December,			Year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)		2017	2016	Change in %	2017	2016	Change in %
Sales		1,912.8	1,823.8	4.9%	7,292.3	7,050.3	3.4%
	Same-day basis			5.5%			4.2%
Gross profit		514.8	483.4	6.5%	1,956.4	1,886.8	3.7%
	as a % of sales	26.9%	26.5%	41 bps	26.8%	26.8%	7 bps
Distribution and administrative expenses		(388.0)	(381.9)	1.6%	(1,532.1)	(1,504.2)	1.9%
	as a % of sales	(20.3)%	(20.9)%	65 bps	(21.0)%	(21.3)%	33 bps
EBITA		126.8	101.6	24.8%	424.3	382.5	10.9%
	as a % of sales	6.6%	5.6%		5.8%	5.4%

Sales

In 2017, sales in Europe amounted to 7,292.3 million, a 1.7% increase on a reported basis, as compared to €7,168.5 million in 2016.

Currency unfavorable evolution accounted for a decrease of €77.4 million, mainly due to the depreciation of the British Pound against the Euro.

The negative net effect from change in scope amounted to €40.8 million is related to the divestment of operations in Slovakia, Poland and Baltics completed in the second quarter of 2016.

On a constant and same-day basis, sales were up 4.2% as compared to 2016. Excluding the positive impact of 1.7 percentage point due to the higher copper-based cable prices compared to 2016, sales were up 2.5%.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales stood at €1,912.8 million, a 4.0% increase on a reported basis, as compared to €1,839.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

On a constant and same-day basis, sales increased by 5.5%. Excluding the positive impact of 1.9 percentage point due to the higher copper-based cable prices compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, sales were up 3.6%.

In France, sales amounted to €2,659.2 million in 2017, an increase of 5.5% as compared to 2016 on a constant and same-day basis, with trends improving over the quarter in the three end-markets (residential, non-residential and industry) reflecting good performance in cables, Heating-Ventilating & Air-Conditioning (HVAC).

In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales were up 8.2% on a constant and same-day basis, confirming the sequential improvement quarter on quarter previously observed in the three end-markets.

In the United Kingdom, sales amounted to €843.6 million in 2017, a decrease of 2.9% from 2016 on a constant and same-day basis, reflecting branch closures and underperformance in difficult environment.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales decreased by 5.3% from the fourth quarter of 2016, on a constant and same-day basis.

In Germany, sales stood at €819.9 million in 2017, a 3.9% increase from 2016 on a constant and same-day basis, mainly attributable to a positive copper impact of 2.8 percentage points. Excluding this effect, sales were up 1.1%, with improved performances both in industry notably in petrochemical and facility managers.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales increased by 4.1% from the fourth quarter of 2016, on a constant and same-day basis, reflecting improved performances in building installations and industry automation control products.

In Scandinavia sales amounted to €973.9 million in 2017, an increase of 6.5% from 2016 on a constant and same-day basis, with contrasted performances in the three countries: +13.2% in Sweden driven by healthy residential and commercial end-markets, +1.1% in Norway and -2.5% in Finland. In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales were up 7.4% from the fourth quarter of 2016, on a constant and

same-day basis, driven by an increase by 11.1 % in Sweden, Norway by 0.9% and recovery observed in Finland since the last quarter by +5.6%.

In Belgium and in the Netherlands, sales amounted respectively to €374.1 million and €257.7 million in 2017. Sales in Belgium increased by 8.7% with a good performance in all product categories mainly on cable. Sales in the Netherlands were up 12.9% on a constant and same-day basis, confirming the positive trend in all categories of products including photovoltaic equipment.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales increased by 7.6% in Belgium driven by cable sales for 4.0 percentage points and improved by 13.5% in the Netherlands.

In Switzerland and Austria, sales amounted respectively to €440.7 million and €350.6 million in 2017. Sales in Austria increased by 4.4% from 2016, on a constant and same-day basis. Sales in Switzerland were broadly stable at 0.1% from 2016, on a constant and same-day basis, reflecting our ability to face a competitive environment.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales increased by 4.7% in Austria, and were up 0.7% in Switzerland as compared to the fourth quarter of 2016, on a constant and same-day basis.

In Southern Europe, sales amounted to €372.4 million in 2017, a 2.7% decrease from 2016 on a constant and same-day basis. This reflects a 7.6% decrease in Spain (export sales were 21.1% and domestic sales were down 6.6%), and a 6.1% increase in Italy.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales increased by 7.8% on a constant and same-day basis from the fourth quarter of 2016. Sales in Spain increased by 5.2% and sales in Italy were up 12.7%.

Gross profit

In 2017, Europe recorded a gross profit of €1,967.6 million, increasing by 2.7%, on a reported basis, as compared to €1,915.1 million in 2016.

On a constant basis, adjusted gross profit increased by 3.7% and adjusted gross margin was broadly stable at 26.8% of sales.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, on a constant basis, adjusted gross profit increased by 6.5% and adjusted gross margin increase by 41 basis points at 26.9% of sales as compared to the fourth quarter of 2016.

Distribution & administrative expenses

In 2017, distribution and administrative expenses amounted to €1,532.5 million, up 0.3%, on a reported basis, as compared to €1,528.3 million in 2016.

On a constant basis, adjusted distribution and administrative expenses increased by 1.9% in 2017, representing 21.0% of sales, a 33 basis-point increase as compared to 21.3% in 2016, mainly driven by higher salaries and benefits mitigated by containment of opex growth due to lower than expected corporate-hosted expenses allocated to operations.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, on a constant basis, adjusted distribution and administrative expenses increased by 1.6%, representing 20.3% of sales as compared to 20.9% in the fourth quarter of 2016.

EBITA

In 2017, on a reported basis, EBITA amounted to €435.1 million, up 12.5% as compared to €386.9 million in 2016.

On a constant basis, adjusted EBITA increased by 10.9% from 2016 and adjusted EBITA margin increased by 39 basis points to 5.8% of sales.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, on a constant basis, adjusted EBITA increased by 24.8% while the adjusted EBITA margin increased by 106 basis points to 6.6% of sales.

REPORTED			Quarter ended 31 December,		Year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)		2017	2016	Change in %	2017	2016	Change in %
Sales		1,156.5	1,280.9	(9.7)%	4,710.1	4,689.1	0.4%
Gross profit		260.2	279.6	(6.9)%	1,064.1	1,022.4	4.1%
Distribution and administrative expenses		(212.4)	(233.2)	(8.9)%	(884.0)	(856.8)	3.2%
EBITA		47.7	46.4	2.9%	180.1	165.6	8.7%
	as a % of sales	4.1%	3.6%		3.8%	3.5%

CONSTANT BASIS ADJUSTED FINANCIAL DATA
		Quarter ended 31 December,			Year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)		2017	2016	Change in %	2017	2016	Change in %
Sales		1,156.5	1,192.6	(3.0)%	4,710.1	4,619.4	2.0%
	Same-day basis			3.2%			2.4%
Gross profit		260.5	262.1	(0.6)%	1,060.8	1,020.6	3.9%
	as a % of sales	22.5%	22.0%	54 bps	22.5%	22.1%	43 bps
Distribution and administrative expenses		(212.4)	(216.9)	(2.1)%	(884.0)	(844.8)	4.6%
	as a % of sales	(18.4)%	(18.2)%	-18 bps	(18.8)%	(18.3)%	-48 bps
EBITA		48.1	45.2	6.2%	176.8	175.8	0.6%
	as a % of sales	4.2%	3.8%		3.8%	3.8%

Sales

In 2017, sales in North America amounted to €4,710.1 million, up 0.4%, on a reported basis, as compared to €4,689.1 million in 2016.

Currency unfavorable evolution accounted for a €72.9 million, decrease mainly due to the depreciation of US dollar against the Euro.

On a constant and same-day basis, sales increased by 2.4% as compared to 2016.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales stood at €1,156.5 million, down 9.7% on a reported basis, as compared to €1,280.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Currency unfavorable evolution accounted for a €88.3 million decrease, mainly due to the depreciation of US dollar against the Euro.

On a constant and same-day basis, sales increased by 3.2% from the fourth quarter of 2016.

In the United States, sales were up 2.4% from 2016 on a constant and same day basis including copper price effect accounting for a 1.4% increase. Sales were positively impacted by good momentum on proximity business supported by 17 branch openings and by recovery in the Oil & Gas business while project business continues to be affected by disruptions in the supply chain of a large supplier as well as wind and power projects.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales were up by +2.1% from fourth quarter 2016 on a constant and same day basis with copper price contribution of +1.8%.

In Canada, sales were up 2.4% from 2016 on a constant and same day basis with copper price contribution of 0.3 percentage point. Sales increase was driven by strong automation demand, partly offset by lower Oil & Gas business

In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales were up 6.7% from fourth quarter 2016 on a constant and same day basis with copper price contribution of +0.7%. Topline is impacted by recovery in Oil & Gas business, as well as increase in commercial end-market.

Gross profit

In 2017, in North America, gross profit amounted to €1,064.1 million, up 4.1%, on a reported basis, as compared to €1,022.4 million in 2016.

On a constant basis, adjusted gross margin increased by 43 basis points at 22.5% of sales. This gross margin improvement was mainly result from better purchasing condition and pricing initiatives, especially in the US.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, on a constant basis, adjusted gross margin increased by 54 basis points at 22.5% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2016.

Distribution & administrative expenses

In 2017, distribution and administrative expenses amounted to €884.0 million, up 3.2%, on a reported basis, as compared to €856.8 million in 2016.

On a constant basis, adjusted distribution and administrative expenses increased by 4.6% in 2017 and represented 18.8% of sales, a 48 basis-point increase as compared to 18.3% in 2016 due to branch openings, counter refresh and sales force development partly offset by lower than expected corporatehosted expenses allocated to operations.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, on a constant basis, adjusted distribution and administrative expenses decreased by 2.1%, representing 18.4% of sales as compared to 18.2% in the fourth quarter of 2016.

EBITA

In 2017, as a result, EBITA amounted to €180.1 million, up 8.7%, on a reported basis, as compared to €165.6 million in 2016.

On a constant basis, adjusted EBITA increased by 0.6% from 2016 and adjusted EBITA margin decreased by 5 basis points to 3.8% of sales.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, on a constant basis, adjusted EBITA increased by 6.2% while the adjusted EBITA margin increased by 36 basis points to 4.2% of sales.

1.2.4 | Asia-Pacific (10% of Group sales)

REPORTED			Quarter ended 31 December,		Year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)		2017	2016	Change in %	2017	2016	Change in %
Sales		336,1	337,5	(0,4)%	1 307,7	1 304,6	0,2%
Gross profit		59,0	60,0	(1,6)%	232,5	235,1	(1,1)%
Distribution and administrative expenses		(52,7)	(56,5)	(6,8)%	(220,4)	(220,8)	(0,2)%
EBITA		6,4	3,5	83,3%	12,1	14,3	(15,6)%
	as a % of sales	1,9%	1,0%		0,9%	1,1%

CONSTANT BASIS ADJUSTED FINANCIAL DATA
		Quarter ended 31 December,				Year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)		2017	2016	Change in %	2017 2016		Change in %
Sales		336,1	299,3	12,3%	1 307,7	1 269,6	3,0%
	Same-day basis			12,7%			3,4%
Gross profit		58,9	53,7	9,8%	232,4	231,2	0,5%
	as a % of sales	17,5%	17,9%	-40 bps	17,8%	18,2%	-44 bps
Distribution and administrative expenses		(52,7)	(49,6)	6,2%	(220,4)	(215,8)	2,1%
	as a % of sales	(15,7)%	(16,6)%	90 bps	(16,9)%	(17,0)%	14 bps
EBITA		6,2	4,1	53,1%	12,0	15,4	(22,4)%
	as a % of sales	1,9%	1,4%		0,9%	1,2%

Sales

In 2017, sales in Asia-Pacific amounted to €1,307.7 million, up 0.2%, on a reported basis, as compared to €1,304.6 million in 2016.

The negative scope impact from divestment of South East Asia operations contributed for €23.4 million to the sales in 2017.

The unfavorable evolution of currency exchange rates accounted for an €11.6 million decrease, primarily due to the depreciation of the Chinese Yuan against the euro.

On a constant and same-day basis, sales increased by 3.4% as compared to 2016. Excluding South East Asia operations disposed of in 2017, organic growth would have been 7.0% as compared to 2016.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales stood at €336.1 million, a 0.4% drop on a reported basis, as compared to €337.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2016.

On a constant and same-day basis, sales increased by 12.7% from the fourth quarter of 2017.

In Australia, sales amounted to €535.9 million, a 5.6% increase from 2016, on a constant and sameday basis, mainly due to good momentum in residential end market helped by small & medium installors.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales increased by 9.8% from the fourth quarter of 2016, on a constant and same-day basis.

In China, sales amounted to €476.9 million in 2017, a 10.2% increase compared to 2016, on a constant and same-day basis, mainly coming from strong OEM demand in non-heavy industry and datacom projects.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, sales increased by 12.0% from the fourth quarter of 2016, on a constant and same-day basis.

Gross profit

In 2017, in Asia-Pacific, gross profit amounted to €232.5 million, down 1.1%, on a reported basis, as compared to €235.1 million in 2016.

On a constant basis, adjusted gross profit increased by 0.5% at 17.8% of sales, a 44 basis-point decrease as compared to 2016, mainly due to the increasing weight in the sales of China whose gross margin is lower than the average.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, on a constant basis, adjusted gross margin decreased by 40 basis points from the fourth quarter of 2016.

Distribution & administrative expenses

In 2017, on a reported basis, distribution and administrative expenses amounted to €220.4 million, down 0.2% as compared to €220.8 million in 2016, reflecting current inflation compensated by lower bad debt expenses, especially in China.

On a constant basis, adjusted distribution and administrative expenses increased by 2.1% in 2017, representing 16.9% of sales, a 14 basis-point decrease as compared to 17.0% in 2016.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, on a constant basis, adjusted distribution and administrative expenses increased by 6.2%, representing 15.7% of sales as compared to 16.6% in the fourth quarter of 2016.

EBITA

In 2017, EBITA amounted to €12.1 million, down 15.6%, on a reported basis, as compared to €14.3 million in 2016.

On a constant basis, adjusted EBITA decreased by 22.4% from 2016 and adjusted EBITA margin decreased by 30 basis points to 0.9% of sales. Excluding South East Asia operations, adjusted EBITA would have increased by 28.7% from 2016 and adjusted EBITA margin would have increased by 24 basis points to 1.4% of sales.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, on a constant basis, adjusted EBITA margin increased by 49 basis points to 1.9% of sales.

1.2.5 | Other operations

REPORTED		Quarter ended 31 December,			Year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)		2017	2016	Change in %	2017	2016	Change in %
Sales		0.0	0.0	n.a.	0.0	0.0	n.a.
Gross profit		0.0	0.1	n.a.	0.0	0.1	(100.0)%
Distribution and administrative expenses		(21.8)	(4.6)		(32.9)	(27.3)	20.7%
EBITA		(21.7)	(4.5)		(33.0)	(27.2)	21.4%
	as a % of sales	n.a.	n.a.		n.a.	n.a.

CONSTANT BASIS ADJUSTED FINANCIAL DATA
		Quarter ended 31 December,			Year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)		2017	2016	Change in %	2017 2016		Change in %
Sales		(0.0)	(0.0)	n.a.	(0.0)	(0.0)	n.a.
Gross profit		0.0	0.1	n.a.	0.0	0.1	n.a.
	as a % of sales	n.a.	n.a.		n.a.	n.a.
Distribution and administrative expenses		(21.8)	(4.3)		(32.9)	(27.0)	21.8%
	as a % of sales	n.a.	n.a.		n.a.	n.a.
EBITA		(21.7)	(4.3)		(33.0)	(26.9)	22.5%
	as a % of sales	n.a.	n.a.		n.a.	n.a.

This segment mostly includes unallocated corporate-hosted expenses. In 2017, other operations recognized lower management fees invoicing to operating segments as compared to 2016. In the fourth quarter of 2017, EBITA of other operations was adversely impacted by a quarterly invoicing phasing effect in the reallocation of corporate-hosted expenses.

1.3 | Outlook

In 2018, Rexel expects further growth in a market environment that should remain favorable in most of our main geographies. Rexel will continue to invest in its digitization strategy across the group and its operations in the US. Rexel should also benefit from a contribution from its US initiatives launched in 2017.

Consistent with its medium-term ambition, Rexel targets at comparable scope of consolidation and exchange rates:

• sales up in the low single digits (on a constant and same-day basis);
• a mid to high single-digit increase in adjusted EBITA;
• an indebtedness ratio (net debt-to-EBITDA) of 2.5 times at December 31, 2018.

2. | LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

2.1 | Cash flow

	Quarter ended December 31,		Year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016	Change	2017	2016	Change
Operating cash flow	162.3	159.1	3.2	612.9	563.8	49.1
Interest	(24.5)	(26.8)	2.3	(101.9)	(118.8)	16.9
Taxes	(11.2)	(8.2)	(3.1)	(102.5)	(54.6)	(47.9)
Change in working capital requirements	235.2	274.1	(38.9)	(118.4)	(26.1)	(92.3)
Net cash flow from operating activities	361.8	398.2	(36.4)	290.2	364.3	(74.1) -
Net cash flow from investing activities	(58.4)	(16.4)	(42.0)	(134.6)	(190.2)	55.7
o.w. Operating capital expenditures (1)	(32.7)	(18.5)	(14.2)	(110.3)	(98.6)	(11.6)
Net cash flow from financing activities	(164.3)	(173.4)	9.1	(261.3)	(339.3)	78.0
Net cash flow	138.9	208.5	(69.6)	(105.7)	(165.1)	59.5
Operating cash flow	162.3	159.1	3.2	612.9	563.8	49.1
Change in working capital requirements	235.2	274.1	(38.9)	(118.4)	(26.1)	(92.3)
Operating capital expenditures (1)	(32.7)	(18.5)	(14.2)	(110.3)	(98.6)	(11.7)
Free cash flow before interest and taxes	364.8	414.7	(49.9)	384.3	439.1	(54.8)
Interest	(24.5)	(26.8)	2.3	(101.9)	(118.8)	16.9
Taxes	(11.2)	(8.2)	(3.0)	(102.5)	(54.6)	(47.9)
Free cash flow after interest and taxes	329.0	379.7	(50.7)	180.0	265.6	(85.6)
				December	December
				31, 2017	31, 2016
WCR as a % of sales (2) at:				10.8%	10.3%
(1) Net of disposals.
(2) Working capital requirements, end of period, div ided by last 12-month sales.

2.1.1 | Cash flow from operating activities

Rexel's net cash flow from operating activities was an inflow of €290.2 million in 2017 as compared to €364.3 million in 2016.

Operating cash flow

Operating cash flow before interest, income tax and changes in working capital requirements increased to €612.9 million in 2017 as compared to €563.8 million in 2016. This was mainly driven by the increase in EBITDA from €636.7 million in 2016 to €694.1 million in 2017.

Interest and taxes

In 2017, net interest paid decreased from €118.8 million in 2016 to €101.9 million in 2017 primarily due to lower effective interest rate following 2016 and 2017 refinancing transactions and to reduction in the average net debt to a lesser extent.

Income tax paid increased from €54.6 million in 2016 to €102.5 million in 2017 reflecting a base effect in 2016 where income tax paid was favorably impacted by tax refunds in France and in the US.

Change in working capital requirements

In 2017, change in working capital requirements accounted for an outflow of €118.4 million as compared to a €26.1 million outflow in 2016. Increase in working capital requirements was driven by the higher level of inventories together with lower trade payables which contributed for €80.0 million and €41.2 million respectively to the cash outflow. Days of inventories increased by c. 2 days as a result of the enlargement of products offering to sustain sales growth and the number of days of trade payables outstanding decreased by 1.5 day.

As a percentage of sales over the last 12 months, on a constant basis, working capital requirements amounted to 10.8% of sales as of December 31, 2017 as compared to 10.3% as of December 31, 2016, a 50 basis-point increase.

2.1.2 | Cash flow from investing activities

Cash flow from investing activities consisting of acquisitions and disposals of fixed assets, as well as financial investments, amounted to a €134.6 million outflow in 2017, as compared to an outflow of €190.2 million in 2016.

	Quarter ended December 31,		Period ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016	2017	2016
Acquisitions of operating fixed assets	-35.8	-31.0	-112.5	-115.8
Proceed from disposal of operating fixed assets	1.1	11.3	3.5	22.1
Net change in debts and receivables on fixed assets	2.0	1.2	-1.3	-4.9
Net cash flow from capital expenditures	-32.7	-18.5	-110.3	-98.6
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired				-94.0
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed of	-26.7	-0.2	-23.1	1.6
Dividends received from equity associates
Net cash flow from financial investments	-26.7	-0.2	-23.1	-92.4
Net change in long-term investments	0.9	2.3	-1.2	0.8
Net cash flow from investing activities	-58.5	-16.4	-134.6	-190.2

Acquisitions and disposals of operating fixed assets

Acquisitions of operating fixed assets, net of disposals, accounted for an outflow of €110.3 million in 2017, as compared to €98.6 million in 2016.

In 2017, gross capital expenditures amounted to €112.5 million (€115.8 million in 2016), i.e. 0.8% of sales, mainly attributable to France and the United States in connection with IT projects and branch openings. Disposals of fixed assets amounted to €3.5 million (€22.1 million in 2016).

Financial investments

Net cash flow from financial investments was an outflow of €23.1 million in 2017 as compared to €92.4 million in 2016. In 2017, in connection with the divestments of Rexel South East Asia operations, the Group contributed for €23.1 million to the entities disposed of, while the proceeds received from the sale transaction were nil.

2.1.3 | Cash flow from financing activities

In 2017, cash flow from financing activities represented a net cash outflow of €261.3 million, resulting mainly from the:

• Redemption of the remaining outstanding 5.25% USD 330 million senior notes due 2020 for €302.3 million including a redemption premium of €6.3 million; these notes were refinanced by the issuance of the 2.625% €300 million notes due to 2024,
• Redemption of € 500 million of senior notes due 2022 on November 20, 2017 for €517.0 million including a redemption premium of €17.0 million; these notes were refinanced by the issuance of the 2.125% €500 million notes due 2025,
• The decrease by €112.9 million in Commercial paper, other borrowings and securitization,
• And the dividend distribution of €120.8 million.

In 2016, cash flow from financing activities represented a net cash outflow of €339.3 million, resulting mainly from the:

• Redemption of the 5.125% €650 million senior notes due 2020 on June, 16 2016 for €675.0 million including a redemption premium of €25.0 million,
• Redemption of USD 170 million of senior notes due 2020 (out of USD 500 million) on November 2, 2016 for €160.3 million including a redemption premium of €6.0 million,
• Decrease in other borrowings amounting to €49.8 million,
• Dividend distribution of €120.3 million,

partially compensated by proceeds received from the:

• €650 million issuance of senior notes due 2023 with coupons of 3.50% for an amount net of transaction costs of €642.5 million,
• Increase of €15.2 million in assigned receivables with respect to securitization programs.

2.2 | Sources of financing

In addition to the cash from operations, the Group's main sources of financing are bond issuances, securitization programs and bilateral credit facilities. At December 31, 2017, Rexel's consolidated net debt amounted to €2,041.2 million as compared to €2,172.6 million at December 31, 2016, consisting of the following items:

		As of December 31, 2017			As of December 31, 2016
		Non		Non
(in millions of Euros)	Current	current	Total	Current	current	Total
Senior notes	-	1,446.6	1,446.6	-	1,480.9	1,480.9
Securization	-	1,007.6	1,007.6	367.9	718.2	1,086.0
Bank loans	12.1	1.8	13.9	18.6	3.2	21.8
Commercial paper	41.7	-	41.7	131.7	-	131.7
Bank overdrafts and other credit facilities	100.6	-	100.6	84.5	-	84.5
Finance lease obligations	6.2	14.3	20.5	6.8	16.9	23.7
Accrued interest	6.3	-	6.3	6.3	-	6.3
Less transaction costs	(5.1)	(19.7)	(24.7)	(5.9)	(24.1)	(30.0)
Total financial debt and accured interest	161.8	2,450.5	2,612.3	610.0	2,195.1	2,805.1
Cash and cash equivalents			(563.6)			(619.3)
Accrued interest			(1.0)			(0.9)
Debt hedge derivatives			(6.5)			(12.3)
Net financial debt			2,041.2			2,172.6

Senior Credit Facility Agreement

The senior credit facility agreement executed on March 15, 2013 was amended on January 31, 2018 to extend the final maturity date to January 31, 2023 and reduce the committed amount to €850 million from €982 million.

The leverage ratio, stood at 2.8x as of December 31, 2017 (as compared to 3.0x as of December 31, 2016), in compliance with the covenant such as agreed under the senior credit facility agreement.

Liquidity

At December 31, 2017, the Group's liquidity amounted to €1,304.7 million (€1,467.9 million at December 31, 2016), as follows:

In millions of Euros	December 31, 2017 (1)	December 31, 2016
Cash and cash equivalents	563.6	619.3
Bank overdrafts	(100.6)	(84.5)
Commercial paper	(41.7)	(131.7)
Undrawn Senior credit agreement	850.0	982.0
Bilateral facilities	33.4	82.9
Liquidity	1,304.7	1,467.9

(1) Taking into consideration the amendment of the Senior Facility Agreement executed on January 21, 2018.

II. Consolidated financial statements

	Consolidated Income Statement 26
	Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 27
	Consolidated Balance Sheet 28
	Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 29
	Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 30
	Accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 31
1.	General information 31
2.	Significant events of the year ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 31
3.	Significant accounting policies 31
4.	Business combinations 43
5.	Divestments 44
6.	Segment reporting 44
7.	Distribution & administrative expenses 45
8.	Salaries & Benefits 46
9.	Other income & other expenses 46
10.	Net financial expenses 47
11.	Income tax 48
12.	Long-term assets 50
13.	Current assets 55
14.	Cash and cash equivalents 56
15.	Summary of financial assets 57
16.	Share capital and premium 58
17.	Dividends 59
18.	Share based payments 59
19.	Earnings per share 64
20.	Provisions and other non-current liabilities 64
21.	Post-employment and long-term benefits 65
22.	Financial liabilities 72
23.	Market risks and financial instruments 78
24.	Summary of financial liabilities 83
25.	Operating leases 83
26.	Related party transactions 84
27.	Statutory auditors fees 84
28.	Litigation & other contingencies 84
29.	Events after the reporting period 86
30.	Consolidated entites as of December 31, 2017 87

Consolidated income statement

		For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)	Note	2017	2016
Sales	6	13,310.1	13,162.1
Cost of goods sold		(10,045.9)	(9,989.3)
Gross profit		3,264.2	3,172.8
Distribution and administrative expenses	7	(2,688.9)	(2,651.8)
Operating income before other income and expenses		575.3	521.0
Other income	9	7.1	5.6
Other expenses	9	(260.1)	(129.5)
Operating income		322.3	397.0
Financial income		2.3	2.0
Interest expense on borrowings		(91.9)	(104.3)
Non-recurring redemption costs		(18.8)	(16.3)
Other financial expenses		(37.6)	(27.7)
Net financial expenses	10	(145.9)	(146.3)
Net income before income tax		176.4	250.7
Income tax	11	(71.5)	(116.4)
Net income from continuing operations		104.9	134.3
Portion attributable:
to the equity holders of the parent		105.8	137.9
to non-controlling interests		(0.9)	(3.6)
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share (in euros)	19	0.35	0.46
Fully diluted earnings per share (in euros)	19	0.35	0.46

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

(in millions of euros)	Note	2017	2016
Net income		104.9	134.3
Items to be reclassified to profit and loss in subsequent periods
Net gain / (loss) on net investment hedges Income tax		51.9 (19.3)	(15.0) 5.2
Sub-total		32.6	(9.8)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(282.0)	47.4
Income tax Sub-total		43.0 (238.9)	(12.9) 34.5
Net gain / (loss) on cash flow hedges Income tax		5.1 (1.8)	1.8 (0.6)
Sub-total		3.3	1.2
Items not to be reclassified to profit and loss in subsequent periods
Remeasurements of net defined benefit liability	21.2	(2.4)	(24.8)
Income tax Sub-total		(2.5) (4.9)	(1.7) (26.5)
Other comprehensive income / (loss) for the period, net of tax Total comprehensive income / (loss) for the period, net of tax		(207.9) (102.9)	(0.7) 133.7
Portion attributable:
to the equity holders of the parent to non-controlling interests		(101.3) (1.6)	137.5 (3.8)

For the year ended December 31,

Consolidated Balance Sheet

	As of December 31,
(in millions of euros)	Note	2017	2016
Assets
Goodwill	12.1	3,914.9	4,300.2
Intangible assets	12.1	1,049.7	1,109.5
Property, plant and equipment	12.2	272.0	282.4
Long-term investments	12.3	38.0	41.8
Deferred tax assets	11.2	95.9	128.4
Total non-current assets		5,370.4	5,862.3
Inventories	13.1	1,543.8	1,579.3
Trade accounts receivable	13.2	2,077.0	2,187.3
Current tax assets		48.1	23.5
Other accounts receivable	13.3	495.8	489.6
Assets held for sale	0	-	0.3
Cash and cash equivalents	14	563.6	619.3
Total current assets		4,728.3	4,899.3
Total assets		10,098.7	10,761.6
Equity
Share capital	16	1,516.7	1,514.5
Share premium	16	1,559.2	1,561.2
Reserves and retained earnings		1,085.5	1,302.4
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent		4,161.4	4,378.1
Non-controlling interests		2.2	5.2
Total equity		4,163.6	4,383.3
Liabilities
Interest bearing debt (non-current part)	22	2,450.5	2,195.1
Net employee defined benefit liabilities	21.2	319.9	338.5
Deferred tax liabilities	11.2	173.7	240.0
Provision and other non-current liabilities	20	56.3	84.8
Total non-current liabilities		3,000.5	2,858.3
Interest bearing debt (current part)	22	155.5	603.6
Accrued interest	22	6.3	6.3
Trade accounts payable		2,034.8	2,179.0
Income tax payable		34.8	37.5
Other current liabilities	24	703.2	693.5
Total current liabilities		2,934.6	3,519.9
Total liabilities		5,935.0	6,378.3
Total equity and liabilities		10,098.7	10,761.6

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

		For the year ended December
		31,
(in millions of euros)	Note	2017	2016
Cash flows from operating activities
Operating income		322.3	397.0
Depreciation, amortization and impairment of assets and assets write off	7-9	264.1	167.8
Employee benefits		(17.6)	(26.2)
Change in other provisions		(26.2)	10.1
Other non-cash operating items		70.4	15.1
Interest paid		(101.9)	(118.8)
Income tax paid		(102.5)	(54.6)
Operating cash flows before change in working capital requirements		408.6	390.4
Change in inventories		(80.0)	(13.3)
Change in trade receivables		(25.0)	(40.7)
Change in trade payables		(41.2)	33.9
Change in other working capital items		27.9	(5.9)
Change in working capital requirements		(118.4)	(26.1)
Net cash from operating activities		290.2	364.3
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of tangible and intangible assets		(113.8)	(120.8)
Proceeds from disposal of tangible and intangible assets		3.5	22.1
Acquisitions of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired	4	-	(94.0)
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed of	5	(23.1)	1.6
Change in long-term investments		(1.2)	0.8
Net cash from investing activities		(134.6)	(190.2)
Cash flows from financing activities
Insuance of capital Disposal / (Purchase) of treasury shares	16.1	0.5 0.1	5.2 1.0
Issuance of senior notes net of transaction costs	22.2	790.6	642.5
Repayment of senior notes	22.2	(819.3)	(835.3)
Settlement of interest rate swaps qualified as fair value hedge	0	0.5	5.8
Net change in credit facilities, commercial papers, other financial borrowings	22.2	(80.5)	(49.8)
Net change in securitization	22.2	(29.3)	15.2
Net change in finance lease liabilities	22.2	(3.0)	(3.6)
Dividend paid	17	(120.8)	(120.3)
Net cash from financing activities		(261.3)	(339.3)
Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents		(105.7)	(165.1)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period		619.3	804.8
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		50.1	(23.3)
Cash and cash equivalent reclassified to assets held for sale		-	2.9
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period		563.6	619.3

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

								To ta l
								t tr i bu ta b le to a
					Fo ig re n		Re t me asu rem en	he i t ty eq u
				Re ine d ta	cu rre ncy	Ca h f low he dg s e	f ne de f ine d t o	ho l de f he t rs o	No l l ing tro n-c on	T O T A L
( in mi llio of os) ns eur		S har i ta l e c ap	S har ium e p rem	ing ea rn s	tra la t ion ns	res erv e	f be i t l ia b i l i ty ne	t p are n	in ter ts es	Q E U I T Y
	No te	16. 1	16. 1
Fo r th nd ed D be r 3 1, 20 16 e y ea r e ec em
As of Ja 1, 20 16 nu ary		1, 509 .4	1, 680 .5	1, 154 .4	160 .6	( 1.9	) ( 159 .1)	4, 343 .9	9.0	4, 352 .9
Ne t in co me			- -	137 .9		- -	-	137 .9	( ) 3.6	134 .3
Ot her reh ive in co mp ens co me			- -	-	24 .9	1.2	( 26 .5)	( 0.5	) ( 0.2	) ( 0.7 )
To tal reh siv e i e f the eri od co mp en nc om or p			- -	137 .9	24 .9	1.2	( 26 .5)	137 .5	( 3.8 )	133 .7
Ca sh div ide nds	17		( 120 .3) -	-		- -	-	( .3) 120	-	( 120 .3)
Sh ital in are ca p cre as e		5.1	1.0	( 0.6 )		- -	-	5.6	-	5.6
Sh -ba sed ent are pa ym s			- -	10. 3		- -	-	10. 3	-	10. 3
Dis al / ( Pu rch ) o f tr sh pos ase eas ury are s			- -	1.0		- -	-	1.0	-	1.0
As of De mb 31 20 16 ce er ,		1, 514 .5	1, 56 1.2	1, 303 .1	185 .5	( 0.7	) ( 185 .6)	4, 378 .1	5.2	4, 383 .3
Fo r th nd ed De mb 31 20 17 e y ea r e ce er ,
As of Ja 20 1, 17 nu ary		1, 514 .5	56 1.2 1,	303 1, .1	185 .5	( 0.7	) ( 185 .6)	378 4, .1	5.2	383 .3 4,
Ne t in co me			- -	105 .8		- -	-	105 .8	( 0.9 )	104 .9
Ot her reh ive in co mp ens co me			- -	-	( 205 .6)	3.3	( 4.9 )	( 207 .2)	( 0.7	) ( 20 7.9 )
To tal reh siv e i e f the eri od co mp en nc om or p			- -	105 .8	( .6) 205	3.3	( 4.9	) ( .4) 101	( 1.6	) ( .0) 103
Ca sh div ide nds	17		- -	( 120 .8)		- -	-	( 120 .8)	-	( 120 .8)
Sh ital in are ca p cre as e		2.2	( ) 2.0	( ) 0.1		- -	-	0.1	-	0.1
Sh -ba sed ent are pa ym s			- -	4.9		- -	-	4.9	-	4.9
Dis al o f s ubs idia ries pos			- -	-		- -	-	-	( 1.4	) ( 1.4 )
Dis al / ( Pu rch ) o f tr sh pos ase eas ury are s			- -	0.6		- -	-	0.6	-	0.6
As of De mb 31 20 17 ce er ,		6.7 1, 51	559 .2 1,	293 1, .4	( 20 .1)	2.6	( 190 .5)	161 4, .4	2.2	163 .6 4,

Accompanying Notes

1. | GENERAL INFORMATION

Rexel was incorporated on December 16, 2004. Shares of Rexel were admitted to trading on the Eurolist market of Euronext Paris on April 4, 2007. The group consists of Rexel and its subsidiaries (hereafter referred to as "the Group" or "Rexel").

The Group is mainly involved in the business of the distribution of low and ultra-low voltage electrical products to professional customers. It serves the needs of a large variety of customers and markets in the fields of construction, industry, and services. The product offering covers electrical installation equipment, conduits and cables, lighting, security and communication, climate control, tools, and white and brown goods. The principal markets in which the Group operates are in Europe, North America (United States and Canada) and Asia-Pacific (mainly in Australia, New Zealand and China).

These consolidated financial statements cover the period from January 1 to December 31, 2017 and were authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on February 13, 2018.

2. | SIGNIFICANT EVENTS OF THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND DECEMBER 31, 2016

For the year ended December 31, 2017

• Rexel South East Asia divestment

In 2017, the Group divested from all of its operations in South East Asia following strategic priority to place greater focus on the most attractive geographies and businesses. These divestments include operations in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Macau and Malaysia and were completed in two sale transactions effective on May 25, 2017 for Lenn International Pte Ltd and on December 19, 2017 for the remaining.

These transactions resulted in disposal losses before tax of €68.7 million (see note 5).

• Refinancing transactions

Rexel entered into two refinancing transactions with the aim of extending its debt maturity profile and optimizing its overall cost of financing. Rexel issued 2.625% €300 million senior notes due 2024 in March 2017 and 2.125% €500 million senior notes due 2025 in November 2017. Proceeds received from these issuances were used to early repay the remaining outstanding 5.25% US\$500 million senior notes due 2020 representing US\$330 million in principal amount and the 3.25% €500 million senior notes due 2022 (see note 22.1).

For the year ended December 31, 2016

To optimize its financing structure, Rexel early repaid the 5.125% €650 million senior notes due 2020 and refinanced this amount through the issuance of a 3.50% €650 million senior notes due 2023. Rexel also early redeemed US\$170 million out of its 5.25% US\$500 million senior notes due 2020 (see note 22.1).

3. | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

3.1 | Statement of compliance

The consolidated financial statements (hereafter referred to as "the financial statements") for the year ended December 31, 2017 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union, as well as the standards of the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) which are in force at December 31, 2017.

IFRS has adopted by the European Union can be consulted on the European Commission's website (http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/accounting/ias/index_en.htm).

3.2 | Basis of preparation

The financial statements are presented in euros and all values are rounded to the nearest tenth of a million, unless otherwise stated. Totals and sub-totals presented in the consolidated financial statements are first computed in thousands of euros and then rounded to the nearest tenth of a million. Thus, the numbers may not sum precisely due to this rounding effect.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires management to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed frequently, and thus the effect of changes in accounting estimates is accounted for from the date of the revision.

Information related to the main estimates and judgments made on the application of accounting policies which have significant effect on the financial statements are described in the following notes:

• Business combinations (notes 3.5 and 4);
• Impairment of intangible assets and goodwill (notes 3.5 and 12.1);
• Employee benefits (notes 3.11 and 21);
• Provisions and contingent liabilities (notes 3.13, 20, and 28);
• Supplier rebates (see note 3.15 and 13.3);
• Recognition of deferred tax assets (notes 3.18 and 11);
• Measurement of share-based payments (notes 3.12 and 18).

3.2.1 | Changes in accounting policies - amended standards

Effective as of January 1, 2017, the following new amendments previously endorsed by the European Union are applicable to Rexel. These changes had no material effect on the Group's financial statements:

• Disclosure Initiative (Amendments to IAS 7 Statement of cash flows), issued in January 2016 requires additional disclosures that enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including both changes arising from cash flows and non-cash changes (see note 22.2).
• Amendments to IAS 12 "Income Taxes" issued on January 19, 2016: the amendments, "Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealized Losses", clarify how to account for deferred tax assets related to debt instruments measured at fair value and the requirements on recognition of deferred tax assets for unrealized losses.

3.2.2 | New and amended accounting standards and interpretations endorsed by the European Union with effect in future periods

The following standards issued by IASB have been endorsed by the European Union but are not yet effective:

• IFRS 9 "Financial Instruments" that supersedes IAS 39 "Financial Instruments": Recognition and Measurement, addresses both classification and measurement, impairment and hedge accounting. This new standard is effective as of January 1, 2018 with early application permitted. Except for hedge accounting, retrospective application is required. For hedge accounting, the requirements are generally applied prospectively. The Group plans to adopt the new standard on the required effective date. The Group does not expect a significant impact on its balance sheet or equity on applying the classification and measurement requirements of IFRS 9.

With regards to hedge accounting, the Group believes that all existing hedge relationships that are currently designated in effective hedging relationships will still qualify for hedge accounting under IFRS 9. As IFRS 9 does not change the general principles of how an entity accounts for effective hedges, the Group does not expect a significant impact as a result of applying IFRS 9.

In relation to the new impairment model of trade receivables induced by IFRS 9, the Group expects to apply the simplified approach and record expected loss on all trade receivables resulting in a higher loss allowance and a negative impact on equity. Currently, the Group does not provide for non-due and less than 30 days past-due trade receivables. The Group has performed a detailed assessment to determine the magnitude of such impairment model which has no significant impact on its financial situation and operating performance.

• IFRS 15 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers": Under IFRS 15, revenue is recognized at an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. The new revenue standard will supersede IAS 11 "Construction contracts" and IAS 18 "Revenues" on revenue recognition. The new standard will come into effect as of January 1, 2018 with early application permitted. The Group has decided not to early adopt IFRS 15. The Group is involved in the distribution of electrical products to professional customers and currently recognizes sales when the significant risks and rewards attached to the goods are passed on to the customers which usually occurs with the delivery or shipment of the product. As sales of electrical equipment are generally expected to be the only performance obligation identified under IFRS 15, revenue will be recognized at a point in time when control of the goods is transferred to the customer, generally on delivery or shipment of the products. In 2017, the Group has conducted an assessment of the impacts of adopting IFRS 15 focused on the distinction of agent and principal with respect to its "direct sales" transactions. Direct sales are arrangements with customers whereby the Group engages a third party supplier to ship the products to the customer, based on Rexel's purchase order with the customer, without any physical transfer to and from the Group's warehouse. Direct sales represent approximatively 20% of Rexel's total sales. Under IAS 18 guidance based on risks and rewards analysis, the Group carries in particular the credit risk on receivables attached to such sales and therefore is currently acting as a principal. Accordingly, Rexel recognizes the gross amount of direct sales transactions in revenue. IFRS 15 moves away from a risks and rewards approach to a transfer of control approach.

In direct sales transactions, the Group:

• o is ultimately responsible for fulfillment of the customer's order and has discretion in establishing pricing;
• o obtains controls of the goods at the point in time they are shipped by the third party supplier but does not transfer control of the products to the customer until they are delivered to the customer's site. Rexel has inventory risk relating to the specified goods as it bears the risk of loss during the transit and the risk of return from the customer subsequent to the delivery.

For the vast majority of its direct sales transactions, Rexel is deemed to act as a principal and will continue to recognize revenues derived from direct sales for their gross amount in revenue.

The Group has completed the assessment of the quantitative impacts resulting from the adoption of IFRS 15 which are limited to circa 0.20% of the 2017 sales.

• IFRS 16 "Leases": this new standard published the IASB on January 13, 2016 represents a major revision to account for leases. The standard provides a single lessee accounting model requiring to recognize assets and liabilities for all leases unless the term is twelve months or less, or the underlying asset has a low value. At the commencement date of a lease, a lessee will recognize a liability to make lease payments and an asset representing the right to use the underlying asset during the lease term. Lessees will be required to separately recognize the interest expense on the lease liability and the depreciation expense on the right-of-use asset. Lessees will be also required to remeasure the lease liability upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g., a change in the lease term, a change in future lease payments resulting from a change in an index or rate used to determine those payments). These remeasurements will be generally recognized as an adjustment to the right-of-use asset against the lease liability. IFRS 16 applies to reporting period beginning on or after January 1, 2019. Entities can choose to apply the new standard using either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach.

IFRS 16 should significantly impact Rexel's financial situation and performance presentation as the Group entered into lease arrangements for most of its properties including branch network, logistic centers and administrative buildings. The Group has initiated the identification of lease agreements and measurement of lease liabilities and rights to use leased assets within Group entities. In addition, the Group has launched a request for proposal to acquire a system to manage lease agreements in compliance with IFRS 16 requirements. Rexel expects to complete the implementation of such system in the second half of 2018 and thus does not currently plan to early adopt IFRS 16. When initially applying IFRS 16, the Group has not yet decided whether to apply the full retrospective method or the modified retrospective approach with the cumulative effect recognized at the date of 1st application, i.e. as of January 1, 2019 with no comparative information for the year ended December 31, 2018.

3.2.3 | Accounting standards and interpretations issued by IASB and IFRS Interpretation Committee but not yet endorsed by the European Union

The following standards and interpretations issued by IASB and IFRS Interpretation Committee are not yet approved by the European Union. Their potential impact is currently under review by the Group.

• On June 20, 2016, the IASB issued amendments to IFRS 2 "Share-based Payment" which clarify how to account for certain types of share-based payment transactions. The amendment provides requirements on the accounting for:
• the effects of vesting and non-vesting conditions on the measurement of cash-settled share-based payments;
• share-based payment transactions with a net settlement feature for withholding tax obligations; and
• a modification to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment that changes the classification of the transaction from cash-settled to equity-settled.

These amendments are applicable for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 with early application permitted.

• On December 8, 2016, the IFRS Interpretation Committee issued interpretation IFRIC 22 "Foreign Currency Transaction and Advance Consideration". This interpretation addresses how to determine the exchange rate for the recognition of the related asset, revenue or expense when an entity has received or paid advance consideration in a foreign currency. IFRIC 22 is applicable for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018.
• On June 7, 2017, the IFRS Interpretation Committee issued IFRIC Interpretation 23 "Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments". This interpretation clarifies application of recognition and measurement requirements in IAS 12 "Income Taxes" when there is uncertainty over income tax treatments. The interpretation specifically addresses the following:
• whether an entity considers uncertain tax treatments separately,
• the assumptions an entity makes about the examination of tax treatments by taxation authorities,
• how an entity determines taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits and tax rates,
• how an entity considers changes in facts and circumstances.

IFRIC 23 is applicable for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019, with early application permitted.

• On December 12, 2017, the IASB published Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015–2017 Cycle, containing certain amendments to IFRSs and in particular:
• IAS 12 "Income Taxes" The amendments clarify that all income tax consequences of dividend payments should be recognized in profit or loss, regardless of how the tax arises.
• IAS 23 "Borrowing Costs" The amendments clarify that if any specific borrowing remains outstanding after the related asset is ready for its intended use or sale, that borrowing becomes part of the funds that an entity borrows generally when calculating the capitalization rate on general borrowings.

These amendments are applicable for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019.

3.3 | Basis of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements for Rexel S.A., parent company of the Group, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017. The subsidiaries (including Special Purpose Entities) are controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity.

In assessing control, present and potential voting rights are taken into account.

The subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is obtained to the date when control ceases. All assets and liabilities, unrealized gains and losses, income and expenses, dividends, and other transactions arising from intragroup transactions are eliminated when preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Losses within a subsidiary are attributed to the non-controlling interests for their share even if that results in a deficit balance.

3.4 | Foreign currency translation

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group's entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency).

The functional currency of Rexel and the presentation currency of the Group's financial statements are the euro.

Foreign currency transactions

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated into the functional currency at the foreign exchange rate prevailing at that date. Exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of foreign currency transactions and from the translation at the closing date exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognized in the income statement. Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured at cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.

Foreign operations

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation are translated into euro at foreign exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses of foreign operations are translated into euro at rates approximating the foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates of the transactions. All resulting translation differences are recognized as a separate component of equity (foreign currency translation reserve).

Net investment in foreign operations

Exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations are taken to the foreign currency translation reserve. When a foreign operation is sold, such exchange differences are recognized in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on disposal.

3.5 | Intangible assets

Goodwill

The cost of an acquisition is measured at acquisition date. Any contingent considerations are recognized at their fair value estimated as of the acquisition date. Subsequent changes in the fair value of contingent considerations are recognized in the income statement. For each business combination, the Group measures the non-controlling interests either at fair value or at the proportionate share of the acquiree's identifiable net assets. The costs of acquisition are recognized as expenses.

At the acquisition date, any excess of the consideration transferred and the non-controlling interests over the fair value of the net assets acquired is allocated to goodwill.

Goodwill is then measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. Goodwill is allocated to cashgenerating units (CGUs).

Goodwill is not amortized but subject to an impairment test, as soon as there is an indication that it may be impaired, and at least once a year. Indications that goodwill may be impaired include material adverse changes of a lasting nature affecting the economic environment or the assumptions and objectives made at the time of acquisition.

A goodwill impairment loss is recognized whenever the carrying amount of the cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognized in the income statement (in "Other expenses").

Impairment losses in respect of goodwill may not be reversed.

When goodwill is allocated to a cash-generating unit (or group of cash-generating units) and part of the operation within that unit is disposed of, the goodwill associated with the operation disposed of is included in the carrying amount of the operation when determining the gain or loss on disposal of the operation. Goodwill disposed of in this circumstance is measured based on the relative values of the operation disposed of and the portion of the cash-generating unit retained.

Other intangible assets

Intangible assets other than goodwill are stated at cost less accumulated amortization (see below) and impairment losses.

Identifiable intangible assets existing at the date of acquisition in a business combination are recognized as part of the purchase accounting and measured at fair value. Intangible assets are considered identifiable if they arise from contractual or legal rights or are separable.

Amortization

Amortization is charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of intangible assets unless such lives are indefinite. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are tested for impairment at each annual balance sheet date, at least. The useful life of an intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is reviewed annually to determine whether the assessment of indefinite useful life for this asset continues to be justified. If not, a change in the useful life assessment from indefinite to finite is made on a prospective basis. Other intangible assets are amortized from the date that they are available for use. Estimated useful lives of capitalized software development costs range from 3 to 10 years.

3.6 | Property, plant and equipment

Owned assets

Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation (see below) and impairment losses.

Leased assets

Lease contracts which substantially transfer to the Group all of the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Assets held under finance leases are stated at an amount equal to the fair value of the leased property or, if this is lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments at inception of the lease, less accumulated depreciation (see below) and impairment losses. Minimum lease payments are apportioned between the finance expense and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance expense is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. The capital gains arising from the sale and leaseback of property, plant and equipment are recognized in full upon sale when the lease qualifies as an operating lease and the transaction is realized at fair value. They are spread on a straight-line basis over the lease term in case of a finance lease.

Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets or, when shorter, the term of the finance lease.

Payments made under operating leases are recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognized in the income statement on a straight-line basis as an integral part of the total lease expense.

Depreciation

Depreciation is charged to profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of each part of an item of property, plant and equipment.

Land is not depreciated.

The estimated useful lives are as follows:

•	Commercial and office buildings	20 to 35 years;
•	Building improvements and operating equipment	5 to 10 years;
•	Transportation equipment	3 to 8 years;
•	Computers and hardware	3 to 5 years.

The assets' residual values, useful lives, and methods of depreciation are reviewed and adjusted if appropriate at each balance sheet date.

3.7 | Inventories

Inventories are mainly composed of goods held for resale. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is calculated by reference to a first-in first-out basis, including freight in costs, net of any purchase rebates. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price at balance sheet date, less the estimated selling expenses, taking into account technical or marketing obsolescence and risks related to slow moving inventory.

3.8 | Financial assets

3.8.1 |Long-term investments

Long-term investments principally include investments in non-consolidated companies and other shareholdings, deposits required for operating purposes, and loans.

Investments in non-consolidated companies and other shareholdings are measured at fair value. When fair value is not reliably measurable, investments are stated at cost less impairment losses when necessary. Changes in fair value are recognized in other comprehensive income and transferred to profit or loss when the asset is sold or permanently impaired.

3.8.2 |Held for trading instruments

Financial instruments held for trading mainly include marketable securities and are stated at fair value, with any resulting gain or loss recognized in profit or loss.

3.8.3 |Trade and other accounts receivable

Trade and other accounts receivable are measured initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method (see note 3.10) less impairment losses.

Impairment losses from estimated irrecoverable amounts are recognized in the income statement when there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired. The principal factors considered in recognizing these potential impairments include actual financial difficulties or aging of overdue receivables in excess of 30 days.

3.8.4 |Derivative financial instruments

Derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value. The gain or loss on remeasurement to fair value is recognized immediately in profit or loss. However, when derivatives qualify for hedge accounting, the recognition of any resulting gain or loss is dependent on the nature of the item being hedged (see note 3.8.5). They are classified as assets or liabilities depending on their fair value.

Fair value measurement

Level 1

The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets (such as publicly traded derivatives and securities) is based on quoted market prices at the balance sheet date. The quoted market price used for financial assets held by the Group is the current bid price; the appropriate quoted market price for financial liabilities is the current ask price. This valuation method is referred to as Level 1 in the hierarchy established by IFRS 13.

Level 2

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (for example, over-the-counter derivatives) is determined by using valuation models incorporating various inputs including the credit quality of counterparties, foreign exchange spot and forward rates and forward interest rate curves. The assumptions used are observable either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). This valuation method is referred to as Level 2 in the hierarchy established by IFRS 13.

Whether a financial instrument is valued using one or the other of these methods is indicated in the summary of financial assets (note 15) and the summary of financial liabilities (note 24).

3.8.5 |Hedge accounting

Cash flow hedges

When a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the variability in cash flows of a recognized asset or liability, or a highly probable forecasted transaction, the effective part of any gain or loss on the derivative financial instrument is recognized in the cash-flow hedge reserve as other comprehensive income.

When the forecasted transaction subsequently results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or nonfinancial liability, the associated cumulative gain (loss) is removed from the cash-flow hedge reserve and included in the initial cost or other carrying amount of the non-financial asset or liability. If a hedge of a forecasted transaction subsequently results in the recognition of a financial asset or a financial liability, then the associated gains and losses that were recognized as other comprehensive income are reclassified into profit or loss in the same period or periods during which the asset acquired or liability assumed affects profit or loss (i.e., when interest income or expense is recognized).

For cash flow hedges, other than those described in the previous paragraph, the associated cumulative gain (loss) is removed from the cash-flow hedge reserve and recognized in profit or loss in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecast transaction affects profit or loss. The ineffective part of any gain or loss is recognized immediately in profit or loss.

If the hedged transaction is no longer expected to take place, then the cumulative unrealized gain (loss) recognized as other comprehensive income is immediately reclassified to profit or loss.

Fair value hedges

Fair value hedge accounting is used when a derivative financial instrument is designated as a hedge of the variability of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability (or firm commitment), including fixed rate indebtedness such as indexed bonds and other fixed rate borrowings.

The hedging instrument is measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in the income statement. The hedged item is remeasured to fair value in respect of the hedged risk. Any resulting adjustment to the carrying amount of the hedged item related to the hedged risk is recognized in the income statement.

Hedge of net investment in foreign operations

The portion of the gain or loss on an instrument used to hedge a net investment in a foreign operation that is determined to be an effective hedge is recognized directly in other comprehensive income. The ineffective portion is recognized immediately in profit or loss. Gains and losses accumulated in equity are recognized in the income statement when the foreign operation is disposed of.

3.8.6 |Trade accounts payable

Trade accounts payable include exclusively payables due to suppliers of goods held for resale. Invoices payable to general and administrative suppliers are presented in other current liabilities.

3.8.7 |Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and demand deposits with banks and other short-term highly liquid investments subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

3.9 | Share capital

Repurchase of equity instruments

When the company purchases its own equity instruments, the amount of the consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, is recognized as a reduction in equity.

Dividends

Dividends paid in cash are recognized as a liability in the period in which the distribution has been approved by the shareholders.

3.10 | Interests-bearing borrowings

Interest-bearing borrowings are recognized initially at fair value less directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are stated at amortized cost

Effective interest rate

The effective interest rate is the rate that discounts the expected stream of future cash flows through to maturity to the current net carrying amount of the liability on initial recognition. When calculating the effective interest rate of a financial liability, future cash flows are determined on the basis of contractual commitments.

Transaction costs

Transaction costs are incremental costs that are directly attributable to the issue of the credit line. They include fees and commissions paid to agents and advisers, levies by regulatory agencies and securities exchanges, and transfer taxes and duties. Transaction costs do not include debt premiums, or allocations of internal administrative or overhead expenses.

For financial liabilities that are carried at amortized cost, transaction costs are included in the calculation of amortized cost using the effective interest rate method and, in effect, amortized through the income statement over the life of the instrument.

3.11 | Employee benefits

3.11.1| Short-term employee benefits

Short-term employee benefits include wages, salaries, social security contributions, compensated absences, profit-sharing and bonuses and are expected to be settled wholly before twelve months after the end of the reporting period. Short-term employee benefit obligations are measured on an undiscounted basis and are recognized in operating income as the related service is provided. A liability is recognized for the amount expected to be paid under short-term cash bonus or profit sharing plans if the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation to pay this amount as a result of past service provided by the employee and the obligation can be estimated reliably.

3.11.2| Post-employment and other long-term benefits

Post-employment and other long-term benefits include:

• Post-employment benefits including pensions, retirement supplements and medical benefits after retirement;
• Other long-term benefits (during employment) mainly including jubilees and long service awards.

These benefits are classified as either:

• Defined contribution plans when the employer pays fixed contributions into a separate entity recognized as an expense in profit and loss and will have no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions, or
• Defined benefit plans when the employer guarantees a future level of benefits.

Post-employment benefits

The Group's net obligation in respect of defined post-employment benefit plans, including pension plans, is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. That benefit is discounted to determine its present value. The discount rate is the yield at the balance sheet date on high quality corporate bonds that have maturity dates approximating the terms of the Group's obligations. The calculation is performed periodically by an independent actuary using the projected unit credit method.

The liability recognized in the balance sheet in respect of defined benefit schemes is the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date less the fair value of plan assets.

When the calculation results in plan assets exceeding liability, the recognized asset is limited to the present value of any currently available future refunds from the plan or reductions in future contributions to the plan.

When the benefits of a plan are improved (reduced), the portion of the increased (decreased) benefit relating to past service by employees is recognized immediately as an expense (income) in the income statement. The current and past service costs as well as administrative costs paid from registered pension plans' assets are presented in the income statement as part of the distribution and administrative expenses. The net interest expenses (income) relating to the discounting of the net funded position (defined benefit obligation less plan assets) is presented in net financial expenses in the income statement.

Remeasurements of net defined benefit obligation including (i) actuarial gains and losses, (ii) actual return on plan assets including administrative expenses allocated to manage plan assets and (iii) changes in the effect of the asset ceiling are recognized in other comprehensive income.

Other long-term benefits

Long-term benefits mainly include jubilees or long service leaves. The Group's net obligation in respect of long-term benefits, other than post-employment plans, is the amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. The value of the obligation is determined using the projected unit credit method. This amount is discounted at the rate based on high quality corporate bonds with maturity dates close to those of the Group's obligations prevailing on the balance sheet date.

Actuarial gains and losses are immediately recognized in the income statement as part of the distribution and administrative expenses.

3.12 | Share-based payments

Bonus share programs, qualified as equity-settled, allow Group employees to receive shares of the parent company of the Group. The fair value of bonus shares allocated is recognized as a personnel expense with a corresponding increase in other reserves in equity over the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options (the vesting period). The expense is based on fair value estimate of the equity instruments in accordance with conditions of granting.

Fair value of bonus shares is measured at grant date using an appropriate model depending on the characteristics of the plans.

3.13 | Provisions

A provision is recognized in the balance sheet when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, when it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and when the amount can be estimated reliably.

If the effect of time value is material, provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and, when appropriate, the risks specific to the liability.

Provision for restructuring

A restructuring is a program that is planned and controlled by management that materially changes either the scope of the business or the manner in which that business is conducted.

A provision for restructuring is recognized when the Group has approved a detailed and formal restructuring plan, and the restructuring either has commenced or has been announced publicly. Future operating losses are not provided for. Restructuring expenses are presented in "Other expenses" (see note 3.16). Restructuring costs principally include personnel costs (severance payments, early retirement costs, notice period not worked), branch closure costs, and indemnities for the breach of non-cancellable agreements.

Onerous contracts

A provision for onerous contracts is recognized when the expected benefits to be derived from a contract are lower than the unavoidable cost of meeting its obligations under the contract.

Provisions for disputes and litigations

Provisions for disputes and litigation include estimated costs for risks, disputes, litigation and third party claims, and the probable costs associated with warranties given by the Group in the context of the disposal of noncurrent assets or subsidiaries.

These provisions also include costs of personnel disputes and tax litigation. A provision is not made for tax assessments received or in course of preparation when there is a reasonable probability that the Group will succeed in convincing the authority of its position.

Any accepted assessment is recorded as a liability when the amount can be reasonably estimated.

3.14 | Sales

Revenue arising from the sale of goods is presented in sales in the income statement. Sales are recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer, which usually occurs with the delivery or shipment of the product.

Sales are recognized net of customer rebates and discounts.

The Group may enter into direct sales (as opposed to warehouse sales) whereby the product is sent directly from the supplier to the customer without any physical transfer to and from the Group's warehouse. The Group is acting as principal and therefore recognizes the gross amount of the sale transaction.

3.15 | Supplier rebates

In line with industry practice, Rexel enters into annual agreements with a number of suppliers whereby volumebased rebates, marketing support and other discounts are received in connection with the purchase of goods for resale from these suppliers.

Rebates relating to the purchase of goods for resale are accrued and recognized as a deduction of cost of goods sold or a deduction of inventory for the goods in stock at the balance sheet date.

Part of volume-based rebates are determined by reference to guaranteed rates of rebate (unconditional rebates). These are calculated through a mechanical process with minimal judgement. Another part of volumebased rebates is subject to stepped targets the rebate percentage increases as volumes purchased reach agreed targets within a set period of time (conditional rebates). The majority of suppliers' rebate agreements apply to annual purchases eligible to rebates. Determination of the rebate amount recorded in the income statement at the balance sheet date relies on estimate of purchases subject to rebates by category of products.

Marketing support, which represents a smaller part of the Group's supplier rebates is recognized in the cost of goods sold once all relevant performance criteria have been met.

3.16 | Other income and other expenses

Other operating income and expenses include, irrespective of their amount, gains and losses on asset disposals, asset impairment and write-offs, expenses arising from the restructuring or integration of acquired companies, separation costs, acquisition related costs from business combinations and gains or losses on earn out as well as other significant items such as disputes. These items are presented separately in the income statement in order to allow the Chief Executive Officer and the Deputy Chief Executive Officer acting as Chief operating decision maker within the meaning of IFRS 8 "Operating Segments", to assess the trading performance of the business segments.

3.17 | Financial expenses (net)

Financial expenses (net) comprise interest payable on borrowings calculated using the effective interest rate method, dividends on preference shares classified as liabilities, interest receivable on funds invested, dividend income, foreign exchange gains and losses, and gains and losses on hedging instruments that are recognized in profit or loss (see note 3.8.5).

Interest income is recognized in profit or loss as it accrues, using the effective interest rate method. Dividend income is recognized in profit or loss on the date the entity's right to receive payment is established which in the case of quoted securities is the ex-dividend date. The interest expense component of finance lease payments is recognized in profit or loss using the effective interest rate method.

3.18 | Income tax

Income tax on the profit or loss for the periods presented comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax is recognized in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in other comprehensive income or in equity, in which case it is recognized respectively in other comprehensive income or in equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes. The following temporary differences are not provided for: (i) goodwill not deductible for tax purposes, (ii) differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future and (iii) the initial recognition of assets or liabilities in a transaction that is not a business combination and that affects neither accounting nor taxable profit. The amount of deferred tax provided is based on the expected manner of realization or settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

A deferred tax asset is recognized only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available to recover this asset. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related tax benefit will be realized. Practically, this is achieved through a valuation allowance recognized against deferred tax assets.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and when they relate to income tax levied by the same tax jurisdiction and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Information as to the calculation of income tax on the profit for the periods presented is included in note 11.

3.19 | Segment reporting

In accordance with IFRS 8 "Operating segments", operating segments are based on the Group's management reporting structure. The information is shown by geographic zone consistently with Group's internal organization.

Based on this structure, the reportable segments are:

• Europe
• North America
• Asia-Pacific

The Group's financial reporting is reviewed monthly by the Chief Executive Officer acting as the Chief operating decision maker.

3.20 | Earnings per share

The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share data for its ordinary shares.

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares, which comprise share options and free shares granted to employees.

4. | BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

In 2017, the Group didn't proceed to any business combination.

In 2016, Rexel acquired a 100% ownership interest in Sofinther, a French €116 million annual sales distribution company specializing in thermal, heating and control solutions. This acquisition was completed on January 4, 2016 for a total consideration of €81.6 million. As part of the purchase price allocation, the Group recognized customer relationships of €23.4 million with a useful life of 8 years. Goodwill arising on this acquisition amounted to €31.8 million. Sofinther has been consolidated starting on its acquisition date.

In addition, the Group acquired the following non-material entities in the first quarter of 2016:

• Cordia, a French distributor of fire prevention equipment and services;
• Brohl & Appell, a US company specialized in industrial automation.

5. | DIVESTMENTS

In 2017, as part of its divestment program, the Group disposed of all its operations in South East Asia including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Macau and Malaysia. These divestments were completed in two separate sale transactions as follows:

• On May 25, 2017, the Group completed the sale of Lenn International Pte Ltd, an Oil & Gas cable distributor based in Singapore, to its management for a consideration of €3.5 million. The divestment loss was €11.1 million before tax (€10.1 million after tax).
• Effective on December 19, 2017, Rexel sold to American Industrial Acquisition Corporation, a private equity firm, its interest in Rexel South East Asia, a subsidiary controlling the overall Rexel's operations in South East Asia. Rexel contributed €26.6 million in cash to the disposed entity at the time of the sale transaction. This transaction resulted in a disposal loss before tax of €57.6 million (€47.7 million after tax). Results of operations in South East Asia and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2017, were consolidated until November 30, 2017.

The share purchase agreements entered into do not provide the purchasers for any specific guaranty for damages and liabilities other than customary.

6. | SEGMENT REPORTING

The reportable segments are Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific.

Information by geographic segment for the period ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

2017 (in millions of euros)	Europe	North America	Asia Pacific	Total Operating Segments	Corporate Holdings and other reconciling items	Total Group
For the year ended December 31,
Sales to external customers …………………	7,292.4	4,710.1	1,307.7	13,310.2	(0.0)	13,310.1
(1) EBITA ……………………………………………………………………………………………………	435.1	180.1	12.1	627.2	(33.0)	594.3
Goodwill impairment………………………….………………. 4 (120.7)		-	(13.0)	(133.7)	-	(133.7)
As of December 31,
Working capital……………………………….	671.8	620.3	122.4	1,414.6	(36.9)	1,377.6
Goodwill ………………………………………	2,377.4	1,380.4	157.1	3,914.9	-	3,914.9
2016 (in millions of euros)	Europe	North America	Asia Pacific	Total Operating Segments	Corporate Holdings and other reconciling items	Total Group
For the year ended December 31,
Sales to external customers …………………	7,168.5	4,689.1	1,304.6	13,162.2	(0.1)	13,162.1
(1) EBITA ……………………………………………………………………………………………………	386.9	165.6	14.3	566.8	(27.2)	539.6
Goodwill impairment………………………….………………. 4 (4.7)		-	(42.1)	(46.8)	-	(46.8)
As of December 31,
Working capital……………………………….	613.3	645.6	146.1	1,405.0	(18.6)	1,386.4

(1) EBITA is defined as operating income before amortization of intangible assets recognized upon purchase price allocation and before other income and other expenses.

The reconciliation of EBITA with the Group's consolidated income before income taxes is presented in the following table:

	For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
EBITA - Total continuing operations……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Amortization of intangible assets recognized upon allocation of the acquisition	594.3	539.6
of acquired entities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	(19.0)	(18.7)
Other income and other expenses……………………………………………………………………………………………………………	(253.0)	(124.0)
Net financial expenses………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	(145.9)	(146.3)
Net income before tax ………………….…………………………………………………………	176.4	250.7

The reconciliation of the total allocated assets and liabilities with the Group's consolidated total assets is presented in the following table:

	As of December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Working capital…………………………………………………………………………………… Goodwill ………………………………………………………………………………………………. Total allocated assets & liabilities ……………………………………………………………………. 5,292.5	1,377.6 3,914.9	1,386.4 4,300.2 5,686.6
Liabilities included in allocated working capital…………………………………………. Accrued interest receivable……………………………………………………………………	2,736.8 1.0	2,868.5 0.9
Other non-current assets………………………………………………………………………………………	1,359.7	1,433.6
Deferred tax assets……………………………………………………………………………… Current tax assets ………………………………………………………………………………………	95.9 48.1	128.4 23.5
Assets classified as held for sale…………………………………………………………….	-	0.3
Derivatives………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	1.1	0.4
Cash and cash equivalents …………………………………………………………………	563.6	619.3
Group consolidated total assets…………………………………………………	10,098.7	10,761.6

7. | DISTRIBUTION & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

	For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Personnel costs (salaries & benefits) ……….………………………………………………………………………….	1,642.7	1,609.5
Building and occupancy costs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………	271.9	268.5
Other external costs ……………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………….	631.0	623.3
Depreciation expense …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	99.8	97.1
Amortization of intangible assets recognized upon the allocation of the
acquisition price of acquired entities ………………………………………………………………………………….	19.0	18.7
Bad debt expense …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	24.6	34.7
Total distribution and administrative expenses ……………………………………………………………………………….	2,688.9	2,651.8

8. | SALARIES & BENEFITS

		For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Salaries and social security charges ………………………………………………………………………… " "	1,558.2	1,530.9
Share-based payments …………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	5.4	10.5
Pension and other post-retirement benefits-defined benefit plans …………………………………… " "	12.6	7.9
Other employee expenses ………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	66.5	60.2
" " Total employee expenses ………………………………………………………………………………	1,642.7	1,609.5

The table below sets forth average number of employees by geographic segment:

	For the year ended December 31,
	2017	2016
Europe ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	15,787	16,085
North America ……………………………………………………………………… " "	8,274	7,986
Asia - Pacific …………………….……………………………….………………………" "	3,245	3,232
Total operating segments ……………………………………………………………… " "	27,306	27,303
Corporate Holdings ………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	224	247
Group average number of employees …………………………………………………………………………… " "	27,530	27,550

9. | OTHER INCOME & OTHER EXPENSES

	For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Gains on disposal of tangible assets …………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………… Write-back asset impairment …………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………	1.6 -	1.8 1.2
Release of unused provisions ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………	2.1	1.5
Gains on earn-out ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………	1.9	0.3
Other operating income …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….	1.5	0.8
Total other income …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	7.1	5.6
(1) Restructuring costs ………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………	(44.1)	(59.3)
(2) Disposal loss of South East Asia operations ………………………………………………………………………	(68.7)	-
Losses on non-current assets disposed of …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	(4.6)	(5.1)
(3) Impairment of goodwill ………………………………………………………………………………………………….	(133.7)	(46.8)
Asset write-offs ………………………………………………………………………………………………….	(0.1)	(6.4)
Losses on earn-out ………………………………………………………………………………	-	(2.5)
Litigation costs ………………………………………………………………………………	(4.0)	(6.6)
Other operating expenses ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….	(5.1)	(2.9)
Total other expenses ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….	(260.1)	(129.5)

(1) Including in 2017 (i) wind-up costs of €8.8 million, mainly consisting in asset write-offs, in relation with the shut-down of Oil & Gas business in Thailand as a result of market decline, (ii) restructuring costs of €32.9 million associated with business transformation programs (US regional reorganization, UK banners merger, Sweden), branch network and logistics optimization and (iii) changes in corporate senior management positions for €2.4 million (€14.1 million in 2016).

(2) Consisting in the divestment loss of Rexel South East Asia for €57.6 million and Lenn International Pte Ltd for €11.1 million (see note 5).

(3) Of which €86.2 million relating to Germany, €34.5 million relating to Finland and €13.0 million relating to New-Zealand in 2017 (€38.3 million relating to China, €3.8 million to South East Asia and €4.7 million to Slovenia in 2016) (see note 12.1).

	For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Interest income on cash and cash equivalents ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	0.0	0.4
Interest income on receivables and loans ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	2.3	1.6
Financial income …………………………………………………………….…………………………………………………	2.3	2.0
Interest expense on financial debt (stated at amortized cost)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………	(94.7)	(110.0)
Interest gain / (expense) on interest rate derivatives…………………………………………………………………………………………………………	5.1	0.2
Change in fair value of interest rate derivatives through profit and loss …………………………………	(2.3)	5.5
Financial expense on borrowings …………………………………………………………………… (91.9)		(104.3)
Non-recurring redemption costs ……………………………………………………………… " "	(18.8) (1)	(16.3) (2 )
Foreign exchange gain (loss) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	(2.0)	4.4
Change in fair value of exchange rate derivatives through profit and loss………………………………………………………	3.2	(2.8)
Net foreign exchange gain (loss) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………	1.2	1.6
Net financial expense on employee benefit obligations………………………………………………………………	(9.8)	(10.6)

10. | NET FINANCIAL EXPENSES

Net financial expenses ………….….………………………………………. (145.9) (146.3) (1) Relating to the early repayment of (i) the €500 million senior notes due 2022 for €12.5 million and (ii) the remaining US\$330 million out of the US\$500 million senior notes due 2020 for €6.3 million (see note 22.1.2).

Others………………………...………………………………………………….....……………………………………………….. (29.0) (3 ) (18.7) Other financial expenses ……………………………………………………………...….……………………………………………….. (37.6) (27.7)

(2) Relating to the early repayment of (i) the €650 million senior notes due 2020 for €10.0 million and (ii) the US\$170 million partial redemption of the US\$500 million senior notes due 2020 for €6.3 million.

(3) Including €10.9 million associated with the discounting impact of letters of credit due from overseas financial institutions (€3.6 million in 2016).

11. | INCOME TAX

Rexel and its French subsidiaries have formed a tax group from January 1, 2005. Rexel uses tax consolidation in other countries where similar options exist.

11.1 | Income tax expense

	For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Current tax ……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	(66.5)	(82.9)
Deferred tax …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….	(7.1)	(31.9)
Prior year adjustments on income tax …………………………………………………………………………………….	2.2	(1.6)
Total income tax expense ……………………………………………………………………………………………….	(71.5)	(116.4)

11.2 | Deferred tax assets and liabilities

Changes in net deferred tax assets / (liabilities) are as follows:

(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Net deferred tax at the beginning of the year ………………………………………………………. " "	(111.6)	(52.1)
Deferred tax income (expense) ……….…………………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	(4.0)	(29.8)
Other comprenhensive income …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	19.5	(10.1)
Change in consolidation scope ……………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	0.7	(7.1)
Currency translation adjustment …………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	16.7	(12.4)
Other changes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	0.9	(0.2)
" " Net deferred tax at the end of the year ………………………………………………………………………………….	(77.8)	(111.6)

Analysis of deferred tax assets and liabilities by nature is as follows:

	As of December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Intangible assets ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	(292.6)	(385.4)
Property, plant and equipment ……………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	(5.9)	(2.1)
Financial assets ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	21.1	24.8
Trade accounts receivable ………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	12.8	14.2
Inventories ………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………… " "	14.9	22.2
Employee benefits …………………………………………………………………………………….………………………. " "	86.8	95.0
Provisions …………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………. " "	7.1	11.4
Financing fees ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	(3.2)	(4.9)
Other items …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	(11.1)	3.7
Tax losses carried forward ……………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	252.2	264.6
Deferred tax assets / (liabilities), net	82.3	43.8
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets ……………………………………………………………………………… " "	(160.1)	(155.4)
Net deferred tax assets / (liabilities)	(77.8)	(111.6)
of which deferred tax assets	95.9	128.4
of which deferred tax liabilities	(173.7)	(240.0)

A valuation allowance on deferred tax assets of €160.1 million was recognized as of December 31, 2017 (€155.4 million as of December 31, 2016), as a result of the recoverability assessment of the net deferred tax assets by each tax entity. The recoverable amount excludes risks arising from notified tax reassessments that are contested by the Group and is based on the expected taxable profits over the next 5 years.

As of December 31, 2017, deferred tax assets arising on tax losses carried forward that are not expected to be used within five years were subject to a valuation allowance mostly in Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy. The expiry date of such tax losses carried forward is as follows:

	As of December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
One year ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	0.0	-
Two years…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	0.5	-
Three years………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………… " "	0.3	1.5
Four years……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	2.1	1.1
Five years…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	4.0	4.1
Thereafter……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	562.5	494.4
Total tax losses carried forward (tax basis) subject to a valuation allowance	569.4	501.1

11.3 | Effective tax rate

	For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)		2017	2016
Income before tax and before share of profit in associates ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	176.4		250.7
French legal tax rate …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "		34.4%		34.4%
Income tax calculated at the legal tax rate ………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	(60.7)		(86.3)
2017 Exceptionnal 15% contribution to French tax rate………………………………………" "	(4.9)	2.8%	-	-
Differences of tax rates between French and foreign jurisdictions ……………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	4.8	(2.7%)	9.1	(3.6%)
(1) Changes in tax rates …….……………………………………………………………………………………………………….	62.6	(35.5%)	7.4	(3.0%)
(Current year losses unrecognized), prior year losses recognized …………………………………………………….……………………… " "	(10.4)	5.9%	(14.8)	5.9%
(2) (Non-deductible expenses), tax exempt revenues ……….……………………………………………………………………………………………	(49.6)	28.1%	(21.1)	8.4%
Others ……….…………………………………………………………………………………………… (3) (13.2)		7.5%	(10.6)	4.2%
Actual income tax expense " "	(71.5)	40.5%	(116.4)	46.4%

(1) Including in 2017, (i) a €56.0 million gain relating to the decrease in the US federal tax rate from 35% to 21% effective in 2018 and (ii) a €6.9 million gain relating to the progressive decrease in French tax rate, from 34.4% to 25.8% effective in 2022.

(2) Including tax impact of non-deductible goodwill impairment expense of €36.9 million (€9.8 million in 2016).

(3) Including in 2017 (i) the tax effect of the non-deductible disposal loss on Rexel South East Asia disposal of €9.8 million, (ii) a €9.9 million gain following a claim brought to the French tax authorities, with respect to the refund of 3% tax imposed on distributions of dividends (for the years 2013 to 2017), that has been declared unconstitutional and (iii) a tax levy calculated on added value in France (CVAE) for €6.7 million (€6.8 million in 2016).

12. | LONG-TERM ASSETS

12.1 | Goodwill and intangible assets

(in millions of euros)	Strategic partnerships	Distribution networks	Software and other intangible assets	Total intangible assets	Goodwill
Gross carrying amount as of "" January 1, 2016	185.6	681.6	664.0	1,531.2	4,656.3
Change in consolidation scope …………………………………………………………………. ""	-	-	18.1	18.1	44.6
Additions ……………………………………………………………………………………… ""	-	-	46.6	46.6	-
Disposals ………………………………………………………………………… ""	-	-	(17.9)	(17.9)	(26.3)
Currency translation adjustment ……………………………………………………………… ""	-	1.0	(2.0)	(1.0)	40.1
Other changes …………………………………………………………… ""	-	-	8.5	8.5	26.3
Gross carrying amount as of "" December 31, 2016	185.6	682.6	717.3	1,585.5	4,741.1
Change in consolidation scope …………………………………………………………………. ""	-	(1.8)	(1.6)	(3.4)	(40.9)
Additions …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	-	-	50.2	50.2	-
Disposals ………………………………………………………………………………………………. ""	-	-	(53.6)	(53.6)	-
Currency translation adjustment ……………………………………………………………… ""	-	(33.3)	(33.9)	(67.2)	(225.3)
Other changes ………………………………………………………………………. ""	-	-	1.9	1.9	-
Gross carrying amount as of December 31, 2017 ""	185.6	647.6	680.2	1,513.4	4,474.9
"" Accumulated amortization and depreciation as "" of January 1, 2016	-	(5.8)	(417.4)	(423.2)	(389.7)
Change in consolidation scope …………………………………………………………………. ""	-	-	5.5	5.5	-
Amortization expense ……………………………………………………………………… ""	-	-	(58.5)	(58.5)	-
Impairment losses ……………………………………………………………………. ""	-	-	-	-	(46.8)
Write off ………………………………………………… (1)	-	-	(6.4)	(6.4)	-
Release …………………………………………………………… ""	-	-	17.1	17.1	26.3
Currency translation adjustment …………………………………………………………………………… ""	-	-	(4.2)	(4.2)	(4.3)
Other changes …………………………………………………………………………………. ""	-	-	(6.3)	(6.3)	(26.3)
Accumulated amortization and depreciation as "" of December 31, 2016	-	(5.8)	(470.3)	(476.1)	(440.8)
Change in consolidation scope ………………………………………………………… ""	-	-	0.6	0.6	15.2
Amortization expense …………………………………………………………………. ""	-	-	(62.1)	(62.1)	(11.6)
Impairment losses ………………………………………………………………. ""	-	-	49.8	49.8	(133.7)
Currency translation adjustment …………………………………………………………………… ""	-	-	23.9	23.9	10.8
Other changes ………………………………………………………………………… ""	-	-	0.1	0.1	-
Accumulated amortization and depreciation as "" of December 31, 2017	-	(5.8)	(457.9)	(463.7)	(560.0)
Carrying amount as of January 1, 2016 ""	185.6	675.8	246.6	1,108.0	4,266.6
Carrying amount as of December 31, 2016 ""	185.6	676.8	247.1	1,109.5	4,300.2
Carrying amount as of December 31, 2017 ""	185.6	641.8	222.3	1,049.7	3,914.9

(1) Own brand business terminated in the United Kingdom

Strategic partnerships

Strategic partnerships acquired in business combinations arise from contractual rights. Their valuation is determined on the basis of a discounted cash flow model.

Distribution networks

Distribution networks are considered separable assets as they could be franchised. They correspond to the value added to each branch through the existence of a network, and include notably banners and catalogues. Their measurement is performed using the royalty relief method based on royalty rates used for franchise contracts, taking their profitability into account. The royalty rate ranges from 0.4% to 1.0% of sales depending on each country.

Strategic partnerships and distribution networks are regarded as having an indefinite useful life when there is no foreseeable limit to the period over which they are expected to generate net cash inflows for the Group. They are not amortized and are tested for impairment annually or as soon as there is an indication that these assets may be impaired.

Software and other intangible assets

This caption includes mainly the net book value of software for €128.5 million as of December 31, 2017 (€129.5 million as of December 31, 2016) and customer relationships for €47.9 million as of December 31, 2017 (€67.2 million as of December 31, 2016).

Customer relationships are recognized when the acquired entity establishes relationships with key customers through contracts. Customer relationships are measured using an excess profit method and are amortized over their useful lives based on historical attrition ranging from 5 to 15 years.

Goodwill

Goodwill arising in a business combination represents a payment made in anticipation of future economic benefits arising from assets that are not capable of being identified individually and accounted for separately, such as market shares, the value of workforce, the potential to develop existing business assets and expected synergies from the combination. In the wholesale distribution sector, these synergies notably include those expected in terms of purchasing, logistics, network and administration. Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment purposes.

The table below sets forth the allocation of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful life by cash generating unit.

(in millions of euros)		As of December 31, 2017			As of December 31, 2016
CGU	Geographic segment	Goodwill	Intangible assets	Total	Goodwill	Intangible assets	Total
France	Europe	1,047.7	169.4	1,217.1	1,047.7	169.4	1,217.1
United States	North America	928.3	142.9	1,071.3	1,056.2	162.6	1,218.8
Canada	North America	452.1	67.4	519.4	479.2	71.4	550.6
Switzerland	Europe	256.2	36.0	292.2	279.1	39.2	318.3
United Kingdom	Europe	195.0	57.7	252.6	202.0	59.8	261.8
Sweden	Europe	188.0	19.1	207.1	193.8	19.7	213.5
Germany	Europe	98.2	51.7	149.9	184.4	51.7	236.1
Norway	Europe	158.0	12.6	170.6	171.1	13.6	184.7
Australia	Asia-Pacific	118.7	25.3	144.0	124.8	26.6	151.4
Austria	Europe	88.5	13.0	101.5	88.5	13.0	101.5
Belgium	Europe	76.4	-	76.4	76.4	-	76.4
Other		307.8	232.4	540.2	397.0	235.4	632.4
	Total	3,914.9	827.4	4,742.3	4,300.2	862.4	5,162.6

Impairment

The Group performs impairment tests of goodwill at the country level, which represents the lowest level at which operations are monitored by management for the purpose of measuring return on investment.

Value-in-use key assumptions

The recoverable amount of the cash-generating units was determined based on value in use. The calculation of the value in use is based on a discounted cash flow model. The cash flows are derived from the strategic plan prepared during the yearly budget process in November 2017 for the next 3 years and also include an extrapolation of two additional years and a normative terminal value. A perpetual growth rate has been used for the calculation of the terminal value. Cash-flows were discounted on the basis of the weighted average cost of capital net of tax calculated for each country. Country-specific risk is incorporated by applying individual risk-free rates and equity risk premium. The weighted average cost of capital reflects the time value of money and the specific risks of the assets, not already factored in the projected cash-flow, by taking into account the capital structure and the financing terms and conditions of a standard market participant.

The calculation of value in use is mostly sensitive to the EBITA margin computed in the terminal value, the discount rate and the perpetual growth rate:

• EBITA Margin

EBITA margin factored in the terminal value cash-flow is set on a country by country basis based on both historical and expected performance, Rexel's market share and characteristics of the local market and by reference to other cash generating units within the Group with similar profile.

• Discount rate and perpetual growth rate

The following after tax discount rates and perpetual growth rate were used to estimate the value-in-use of the CGUs:

	2017			2016
	Discount rate (WACC)	Perpetual growth rate	WACC - perpetual growth rate	Discount rate (WACC)	Perpetual growth rate	WACC - perpetual growth rate
France	7.8%	1.8%	6.0%	7.5%	1.8%	5.7%
United States	7.8%	1.8%	6.0%	7.8%	1.8%	6.0%
Canada	7.8%	1.8%	6.0%	7.3%	1.8%	5.5%
Switzerland	7.0%	0.8%	6.2%	6.3%	0.8%	5.5%
United Kingdom	7.8%	1.8%	6.0%	7.5%	1.8%	5.7%
Sweden	7.8%	1.8%	6.0%	7.3%	1.8%	5.5%
Germany	7.3%	1.8%	5.5%	7.0%	1.8%	5.2%
Norway	7.8%	1.8%	6.0%	7.8%	1.8%	6.0%
Australia	9.8%	2.5%	7.3%	9.5%	2.5%	7.0%
Austria	7.3%	1.8%	5.5%	7.3%	1.8%	5.5%
Belgium	7.3%	1.8%	5.5%	7.3%	1.8%	5.5%
Other	5.8% to 15.5%	1.0% to 5.0%	4.8% to 13.8%	6.0% to 15.8%	1.0% to 5.0%	5.0% to 10.8%

Impairment loss

Following lower than expected 2017 performance in Germany, Finland and New Zealand, the Group adjusted downwards its prospects, including the normative EBITA margin factored in the terminal value resulting in a €133.7 million impairment charge of which €86.2 million allocated to Germany, €34.5 million to Finland and €13.0 million to New Zealand. As a result, the carrying value of goodwill in Germany, Finland and New Zealand was reduced to respectively €98.2 million, €21.3 million and €11.2 million as of December 31, 2017. In 2016, the Group recognized a goodwill impairment expense of €46.8 million, of which €38.3 million attributable to China, €4.7 million attributable to Slovenia and €3.8 million to South East Asia.

Sensitivity analysis

The table below summarizes the impact by cash generating units of a change of 50 bps in EBITA margin, discount rate and perpetual growth rate on the impairment expense:

	Goodwill & intangible assets with an indefinite useful life	EBITA margin (-50 bps)	Discount rate (+50 bps)	Perpetual growth rate (-50 bps)
France	1,217.1	-	-	-
United States	1,071.3	(76.9)	(54.3)	-
Canada	519.4	(40.7)	(42.2)	(25.0)
Switzerland	292.2	-	-	-
United Kingdom	252.6	-	-	-
Sweden	207.1	-	-	-
Germany	149.9	(42.0)	(22.6)	(16.0)
Norway	170.6	-	-	-
Australia	144.0	(0.9)	-	-
Austria	101.5	-	-	-
Belgium	76.4	-	-	-
Other	540.2	(39.1)	(14.6)	(6.5)
Total	4,742.3	(199.6)	(133.7)	(47.5)

12.2 | Property, plant & equipment

(in millions of euros)	Land & Buildings	Plant & Equipment	Other tangible assets	Total property, plant and equipment
Gross carrying amount as of 1 January 1, 2016	270.9	677.8	31.0	979.7
Change in consolidation scope ………………………………………………………………….	1 (7.2)	1.0	(0.5)	(6.8)
Additions ………………………………………………………. 1	7.2	58.9	3.2	69.2
Disposals ……………………………………………………………. 1	(36.2)	(58.8)	(1.3)	(96.4)
Currency translation adjustment ………………………………………… 1	(6.6)	5.7	0.2	(0.7)
Other changes ………………………………………………… 1	9.6	(2.3)	(1.8)	5.5
Gross carrying amount as of 1 December 31, 2016	237.6	682.3	30.7	950.6
Change in consolidation scope ………………………………………………………………….	1 -	(2.8)	(0.2)	(3.0)
Additions …………………………………………………… 1	5.9	47.2	9.1	62.3
Disposals …………………………………………………… 1	(1.0)	(59.8)	(0.6)	(61.4)
Currency translation adjustment ………………………………………… 1	(5.9)	(24.0)	(0.7)	(30.6)
Other changes …………………………………………………1	0.1	1.5	(3.5)	(1.9)
Gross carrying amount as of 1 December 31, 2017	236.7	644.5	34.8	916.0
1 Accumulated amortization and 1 depreciation as of January 1, 2016	(153.0)	(520.0)	(18.0)	(691.0)
Change in consolidation scope ………………………………… 1	7.3	2.5	0.7	10.5
Depreciation expense …………………………………………… 1	(9.2)	(45.9)	(2.3)	(57.3)
Release …………………………………………………………………	1 19.7	55.3	1.0	76.0
Currency translation adjustment ………………………………………… 1	3.3	(4.5)	(0.0)	(1.3)
Other changes ………………………………………………… 1	(6.9)	2.6	(0.8)	(5.0)
Accumulated amortization and depreciation 1 as of December 31, 2016	(138.8)	(510.0)	(19.4)	(668.2)
Change in consolidation scope ………………………………… 1	-	1.9	0.1	2.0
Depreciation expense…………………………………………… 1	(8.2)	(46.1)	(2.3)	(56.7)
Impairment losses…………………………………………… 1	-	-	(0.1)	(0.1)
Release …………………………………………………………… 1	0.6	57.5	0.6	58.8
Currency translation adjustment ……………………………………………. 1	3.1	16.8	0.1	20.0
Other changes ………………………………………………………. 1	(0.1)	0.2	-	0.1
Accumulated depreciation and 1 amortization as of December 31, 2017	(143.3)	(479.7)	(21.0)	(644.0)
1 Carrying amount as of January 1, 2016 1	117.9	157.8	13.0	288.7
Carrying amount as of December 31, 2016 1	98.8	172.3	11.3	282.4
Carrying amount as of December 31, 2017 1	93.4	164.8	13.8	272.0

Additions of the year 2017 include €5.4 million of assets (€8.4 million in 2016) acquired through finance lease contracts. In the consolidated cash flow statement, these acquisitions have been included in cash flows from investing activities and the corresponding variation of financial debt was included in "Net change in finance lease liabilities" in cash flows from financing activities.

12.3 | Long-term investments

		As of December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Loans ……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	0.1	0.2
Deposits ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	25.2	25.1
Derivatives ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	12.5	16.2
Other long-term investments…………………………………………………………………………………… " "	0.2	0.3
Long-term investments …………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	38.0	41.8

13. | CURRENT ASSETS

13.1 | Inventories

	As of December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Cost ……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	1,621.5	1,675.7
Allowance ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	(77.8)	(96.4)
Inventories ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	1,543.8	1,579.3

Changes in impairment losses

(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Allowance for inventories as of January 1, ………………………………………………………………………………	(96.4)	(88.7)
Change in consolidation scope …………………………………………………………………………………………………	3.7	5.5
Net change in allowance …………………………………………………………………………………………………………	3.2	(13.7)
Currency translation adjustment …………………………………………………………………………………………………………	4.7	0.3
Other changes ………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………	7.0	0.2
Allowance for inventories as of December 31, ………………………………………………………………………….	(77.8)	(96.4)

13.2 | Trade accounts receivable

	As of December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Nominal value ……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	2,191.2	2,313.0
Impairment losses ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	(114.2)	(125.7)
" " Trade accounts receivable ……………………………………………………………………………………………	2,077.0	2,187.3

Trade accounts receivable includes sales taxes collected on behalf of tax authorities that, in certain circumstances, may be recovered when the client defaults. Recoverable taxes amounted to €234.0 million as of December 31, 2017 (€237.1 million as of December 31, 2016).

The Group has implemented credit insurance programs in certain countries. Trade accounts receivable covered by these programs amounted to €867.7 million as of December 31, 2017 (€818.8 million as of December 31, 2016).

Also, in some countries, the Group benefits from additional guarantees according to the specificities of local jurisdictions, notably in the United States and in Canada. Trade accounts receivable covered by these guarantees represented €226.1 million as of December 31, 2017 (€248.3 million as of December 31, 2016).

Changes in impairment losses:

(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Impairment losses on trade accounts receivable as of January 1, ""	(125.7)	(118.3)
Change in consolidation scope …………………………………………………………………………………………………. ""	3.5	2.0
(1) Net allowance ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	5.0	(9.4)
Currency translation adjustment ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	3.1	0.0
Impairment losses on trade accounts receivable as of December 31, ……………………………………………………………… ""	(114.2)	(125.7)

(1) Of which receivables written-off for €34.3 million in 2017 (€25.7 million in 2016)

As of December 31, 2017, trade receivables were subject to impairment losses estimated on an individual basis following the assessment of the customer default risk for €75.8 million (€89.7 million as of December 31, 2016).

In accordance with the accounting principle stated in note 3.8.3, all past due receivables above 30 days are subject to an impairment loss estimated on the basis of the ageing for €26.9 million as of December 31, 2017 (€33.9 million as of December 31, 2016).

Past due receivables are detailed as follows:

	As of December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
From 1 to 30 days ……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	277.4	284.5
From 31 to 60 days ……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	64.1	80.6
From 61 to 90 days ……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	25.5	30.1
From 91 to 180 days ……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	32.5	44.6
Above 180 days ……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	44.4	36.5

13.3 | Other accounts receivable

	As of December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Suppliers' rebates and services(1) ……………………………………………………….………………………………………………………. " "	348.6	345.7
VAT receivable and other sales taxes …………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	23.8	26.4
Prepaid expenses …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	35.7	37.3
Derivatives …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	1.1	0.4
Other receivables …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	86.6	79.7
" " Total accounts receivable ……………………………………………………………………………………………….	495.8	489.6

(1) Suppliers' rebates and services income recognized for the year ended December 31, 2017 were €863.1 million (€800.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016)

14. | CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

	As of December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Cash equivalents ……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………. " "	-	0.3
Cash at bank …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	562.6	618.0
Cash in hand …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	1.0	1.0
" " Cash and cash equivalents ……………………………………………………………………………………………	563.6	619.3

15. | SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL ASSETS

					As of December 31,
					2017	2016
(in millions of euros)	Note	IAS 39 Category	Fair Value Hierarchy*	Carrying amount	Fair value	Carrying amount	Fair value
Hedging derivatives …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	(1)	FV P&L	2	8.7	8.7	16.0	16.0
Hedging derivatives …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	(1)	FV OCI	2	3.6	3.6	0.2	0.2
Other derivative instruments not elligible to hedge accounting………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	" "	FV P&L	2	0.2	0.2	-	-
Loans …………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""		L&R		0.1	0.1	0.2	0.2
Deposits …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ""		L&R		25.2	25.2	25.1	25.1
(2) Others ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………		N/A		0.2	N/A	0.3	N/A
Total long-term investments ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	"" 12.3			38.0	-	41.8	-
Trade accounts receivable ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ""	13.2	L&R		2,077.0	2,077.0	2,187.3	2,187.3
Supplier rebates receivable ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""		L&R		348.6	348.6	345.7	345.7
(2) VAT and other taxes receivable ………………………………………………………………………………………………………		N/A		23.8	N/A	26.4	N/A
Other accounts receivable ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ""		L&R		86.6	86.6	79.7	79.7
Other derivative instruments elligible to hedge accounting……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""		FV OCI	2	1.0	1.0	0.2	0.2
Other derivative instruments not elligible to hedge accounting……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""		FV P&L	2	0.1	0.1	0.2	0.2
(2) Prepaid expenses ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………		N/A		35.7	N/A	37.3	N/A
Total other current assets ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	"" 13.3 ""			495.8	-	489.6	-
""
Cash equivalents ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ""		FV P&L	2	-	-	0.3	0.3
Cash ………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………… "" Cash and cash equivalents …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	14	L&R		563.6 563.6	563.6 -	619.0 619.3	619.0 -
""
(1) Specific accounting treatment for hedging (2) Not a financial instrument under IAS 39
Loans and receivables		L&R
Assets available for sale		AFS
Fair value through profit or loss		FV P&L

Fair value through other comprehensive income FV OCI Not applicable N/A

* For fair value hierarchy see note 3.8.4

16. | SHARE CAPITAL AND PREMIUM

16.1 | Changes in share capital and issuance premium

Rexel's share capital is composed of ordinary shares, with a par value of €5. The following table shows changes in the share capital and issuance premium:

	Number of	Share capital	Share premium
	Shares		(in millions of euros)
As of January 1, 2016 …………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………	301,871,378	1,509.4	1,680.5
Exercise of share subscription rights …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	98,442	0.5	-
(1) Payments of dividends……………………………………………………………………………………………………….	-	-	(120.3)
Employee share purchase plan ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	530,854	2.7	0.9
(2) Issuance of shares in connection with free shares plans ……………………………………………………………………………………………	397,349	2.0	-
Allocation of free shares …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	-	-	(10.0)
Free shares cancelled ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	- -	- -	10.1 -
As of December 31, 2016 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	302,898,023	1,514.5	1,561.2
Employee share purchase plan ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	159,899	0.8	0.3
(2) Issuance of shares in connection with free shares plans ……………………………………………………………………………………………	285,255	1.4	-
Allocation of free shares …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	-	-	(9.4)
Free shares cancelled ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	-	-	7.0
As of December 31, 2017 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	303,343,177	1,516.7	1,559.2

• (1) In 2016, payment of a dividend of €0.40 per share by deduction from share premium, for a total cash amount of €120.3 million.
• (2) In 2017, issuance of 282,218 shares in connection with the 2013 bonus shares plan ("4+0 Plan") and 3,037 shares in connection with the 2014 bonus shares plan ("3+2 Plan"). In 2016, issuance of 392,355 shares in connection with the 2012 bonus shares plan ("4+0 Plan"), 1,300 shares in connection with the 2013 bonus shares plan ("3+2 Plan") and 3,694 shares in connection with the 2014 bonus free shares plan ("2+2 Plan").

16.2 | Capital Management and treasury shares

The Shareholders' Meeting of May 23, 2017 authorized the Board of Directors, with the option of subdelegation, to have Rexel buy up to a maximum number of shares representing up to 10% of the company's share capital for a maximum price of €30 per share. This program is capped at €250 million with a term of 18 months from the date of the Shareholders' Meeting (ending November 22, 2018).

The objectives of this program in decreasing order of priority are as follows:

• Ensuring liquidity and activity in the market for the shares through an investment services provider;
• Setting up any stock option plan of the Company;
• Retaining and delivering shares further to an exchange or as a consideration in the context of external growth transactions within the limit of 5% of the share capital of Rexel;
• Granting shares in connection with the exercise of rights attached to securities conferring access to Rexel shares;
• Cancelling all or part of any shares so repurchased;
• Any other actions that comply with applicable regulations in force.

In connection with this share buy-back program, Rexel entered into an agreement with a financial institution to promote the liquidity of Rexel shares on the market, in compliance with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) requirements, for an amount of €16.8 million as of December 31, 2017 (€16.7 million as of December 31, 2016).

Rexel also repurchased in previous years treasury shares to serve its free share plans (880,604 shares held as of December 31, 2017).

As of December 31, 2017, Rexel held in aggregate 1,289,369 treasury shares (1,349,227 as of December 31, 2016) valued at an average price of €13.47 per share (€13.31 per share as of December 31, 2016) that were recognized as a reduction in shareholders' equity, for a total of €17.4 million (€18.0 million as of December 31, 2016).

Net capital gains realized on the sale of treasury shares in 2017 amounted to €0.1 million net of tax and were recognized as an increase in shareholders' equity (net capital gains of €1.0 million in 2016).

17. | DIVIDENDS

For the year ended December 31,

	2017	2016
Dividends on ordinary shares ……………………………………………………………….	€ 0.40	€ 0.40
Dividends paid (in millions of euros)	120.8	120.3
of which: - dividends paid in cash ……………………………………………………………………. - dividends paid in shares ………………………………………………………	120.8 -	120.3 -

18. | SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

18.1 | Bonus share plans

In addition to its employee long-term profit sharing policy, Rexel has annual bonus share plans in place; the principal characteristics of which are described below:

Plans issued in 2017

On May 23, 2017, Rexel entered into free share plans for key executives & managers amounting to a maximum of 1,873,975 shares. According to these plans, the beneficiaries will be eligible to receive Rexel shares depending on their country of residence:

• either three years after the grant date (May 24, 2020), these being restricted for an additional two-year period (until May 24, 2022), the so-called "3+2 Plan",
• or four years after the grant date (May 24, 2021) with no subsequent restrictions, the so-called "4+0 Plan".

The actual delivery of these bonus shares is subject to service, performance and market conditions as described below:

		Three year service condition from grant date and performance conditions based on:	Four year service condition from grant date and performance conditions based on:
Vesting conditions		(i) 2016/2019 average growth of EBITA in value (ii) 2016/2019 average Organic Sales Growth (iii) average free cash flow before interest and tax to EBITDA between 2017 to 2019
		(iv) Rexel share market performance compared to peers
Plan		3+2	4+0
Delivery date		May 24, 2020	May 24, 2021
Share fair value at grant date May 23, 2017	(1)	12.75	12.34	12.48
Maximum number of shares granted on May 23, 2017		643,200	1,230,775	1,873,975
Forfeited in 2017		(26,200)	(49,675)	(75,875)
Maximum number of shares granted on December 31, 2017		617,000	1,181,100	1,798,100

(1) The fair value of Rexel's shares was computed based on a Monte-Carlo model which simulates the evolution of Rexel and panel shares quotations at the end of the three or four-year vesting period. The effect of restrictions attached to the dividend rights until the delivery date of the shares to the beneficiaries was computed in the fair value calculation.

Plans issued in 2016

On June 23, 2016, Rexel entered into free share plans for key executives & managers amounting to a maximum of 1,820,625 shares. According to these plans, the beneficiaries will be eligible to receive Rexel shares depending on their country of residence:

• either three years after the grant date (June 24, 2019), these being restricted for an additional twoyear period (until June 24, 2021), the so-called "3+2 Plan",
• or four years after the grant date (June 24, 2020) with no subsequent restrictions, the so-called "4+0 Plan".

The actual delivery of these bonus shares is subject to service, performance and market conditions as described below:

Vesting conditions		Three year service condition from grant date and performance conditions based on:	Four year service condition from grant date and performance conditions based on: (i) 2015/2018 average growth of EBITA in value (ii) 2015/2018 average Organic Sales Growth (iii) average free cash flow before interest and tax to EBITDA between 2016 to 2018 (iv) Rexel share market performance compared to peers	Total
Plan		3+2	4+0
Delivery date		June 24, 2019	June 24, 2020
Share fair value at grant date June 23, 2016	(1)	10.91	10.50	10.64
Maximum number of shares granted on June 23, 2016		741,500	1,079,125	1,820,625
2016 adjustment	(2)	25,142	36,695	61,837
Forfeited in 2016		(128,500)	(71,653)	(200,153)
Maximum number of shares granted on December 31, 2016		638,142	1,044,167	1,682,309
Forfeited in 2017		(151,908)	(74,552)	(226,460)
Maximum number of shares granted on December 31, 2017		486,234	969,615	1,455,849

(1) The fair value of Rexel's shares was computed based on a Monte Carlo model which simulates the evolution of Rexel and panel shares quotations over three years. The impact of restrictions attached to the dividends until the delivery date of the shares to the beneficiaries was excluded from the fair value.

(2) Following the distribution of dividends by deduction of share premium on July 5, 2016 and in accordance with provisions contained in free share plans issued by Rexel, rights granted under such alive plans were adjusted to allow holders to invest the same amount of money as planned at the grant date.

Plans issued in 2015

On July 28, 2015, Rexel entered into free share plans for key executives & managers amounting to a maximum of 1,798,393 shares. According to these plans, the beneficiaries will be eligible to receive Rexel shares depending on their country of residence:

• Either three years after the grant date (July 29, 2018), these being restricted for an additional two-year period (until July 29, 2020), the so-called "3+2 Plan";
• Or four years after the grant date (July 29, 2019) with no subsequent restrictions, the so-called "4+0 Plan".

The effective delivery of these bonus shares is subject to service, performance and market conditions as described below:

Vesting conditions	Three year service condition from grant date and performance conditions based on: (i) 2014/2017 average EBITA margin variation (ii) average free cash flow before interest and tax to EBITDA between 2015 to 2017 (iii) Rexel share market performance compared to peers	Four year service condition from grant date and performance conditions based on: (i) 2014/2017 average EBITA margin variation (ii) average free cash flow before interest and tax to EBITDA between 2015 to 2017 (iii) Rexel share market performance compared to peers	Total
Plan	3+2	4+0
Delivery date	July 29, 2018	July 29, 2019
Share fair value at grant date July 28, 2015 (1)	10.56	9.91
Maximum number of shares granted on July 28, 2015	795,775	1,002,618	1,798,393
Forfeited in 2015	(6,325)	(34,275)	(40,600)
Total maximum number of shares granted as of December 31, 2015	789,450	968,343	1,757,793
2016 adjustment (2)	26,760	32,913	59,673
Forfeited in 2016	(252,286)	(123,309)	(375,595)
Total maximum number of shares granted as of December 31, 2016	563,924	877,947	1,441,871
Forfeited in 2017	(143,428)	(98,000)	(241,428)
Maximum number of shares granted on December 31, 2017	420,496	779,947	1,200,443

(1) The fair value of Rexel's shares was computed based on a Monte Carlo model which simulates the evolution of Rexel and panel shares quotations over three years. The impact of restrictions attached to the dividends until the delivery date of the shares to the beneficiaries was excluded from the fair value.

(2) Following the distribution of dividends by deduction of share premium on July 5, 2016 and in accordance with provisions contained in free share plans issued by Rexel, rights granted under such alive plans were adjusted to allow holders to invest the same amount of money as planned at the grant date.

Plans issued in 2014

On May 22, 2014, Rexel entered into free share plans for key executives & managers amounting to a maximum of 1,641,008 shares. According to these plans, the beneficiaries will either be eligible to receive Rexel shares:

• Two years after the grant date (May 23, 2016), these being restricted for an additional two-year period (until May 23, 2018), the so-called "2+2 Plan";
• Three years after the grant date (May 23, 2017), these being restricted for an additional two-year period (until May 23, 2019), the so-called "3+2 Plan";
• Four years after the grant date (May 23, 2018) with no subsequent restrictions, the so-called "4+0 Plan".

The effective delivery of these bonus shares is subject to service, performance and market conditions set forth in the plan as described below:

Vesting conditions	Two year service condition from grant date Three year service condition from grant and performance conditions based on: (i) date and performance conditions based 2013/2015 adjusted EBITA margin on: (i) 2013/2016 adjusted EBITA margin increase (ii) average free cash flow before increase (ii) average free cash flow before interest and tax to EBITDA between 2014 interest and tax to EBITDA between 2014 and 2015 (iii) Rexel share market and 2016 (iii) Rexel share market performance compared to peers performance compared to peers					Total
Plan		2+2	4+0	3+2	4+0
Delivery date		May 23, 2016	May 23, 2018	May 23, 2017	May 23, 2018
Share fair value at grant date May 22, 2014	(1)	13.49	12.14	12.78	12.11
Maximum number of shares granted on May 22, 2014		348,980	471,524	348,980	471,524	1,641,008
Forfeited in 2014		(4,263)	(11,963)	(4,263)	(11,963)	(32,452)
Forfeited in 2015		(18,021)	(96,041)	(18,021)	(96,041)	(228,124)
Total maximum number of shares granted as of December 31, 2015		326,696	363,520	326,696	363,520	1,380,432
2016 adjustment	(2)	-	12,433	11,111	12,433	35,977
Forfeited in 2016		(211,093)	(244,423)	(115,421)	(43,162)	(614,099)
Delivered in 2016		(115,603)	-	-	-	(115,603)
Total maximum number of shares granted as of December 31, 2016		-	131,530	222,386	332,791	686,707
Forfeited in 2017		-	(7,397)	(155,726)	(236,525)	(399,648)
Delivered in 2017		-	-	(66,660)	-	(66,660)
Maximum number of shares granted on December 31, 2017		-	124,133	-	96,266	220,399

(1) The fair value of Rexel's shares was computed based on a Monte Carlo model which simulates the evolution of Rexel and panel shares quotations over three years. The impact of restrictions attached to the dividends until the delivery date of the shares to the beneficiaries was excluded from the fair value.

(2) Following the distribution of dividends by deduction of share premium on July 5, 2016 and in accordance with provisions contained in free share plans issued by Rexel, rights granted under such alive plans were adjusted to allow holders to invest the same amount of money as planned at the grant date.

Plans issued in 2013

On April 30, and July 25, 2013, Rexel entered into free share plans for its key executives & managers amounting to a maximum of 2,131,539 shares. According to these plans, these employees and executives will either be eligible to receive Rexel shares two years after the grant date these being restricted for an additional two-year period, the so-called "2+2 Plan", or four years after the granting date with no subsequent restrictions, the so-called "4+0 Plan".

Furthermore, on April 30, 2013, Rexel entered into free share plans for its operational managers amounting to a maximum of 521,600 shares. According to these plans, these employees will either be eligible to receive Rexel shares three years after the grant date (May 2, 2016) these being restricted for an additional two-year period (May 2, 2018), the so-called "3+2 Plan", or five years after the grant date with no subsequent restrictions, the so-called "5+0 Plan".

The effective delivery of these bonus shares is subject to service, performance and market conditions set forth in the plan as described below:

Beneficiaries	Members of Group Executive Committee and top managers			Operational Managers		Total
Vesting conditions	Two year service condition from grant date and performance conditions based on: (i) 2013 adjusted EBITA, (ii) 2012/2014 adjusted EBITA margin increase (iii) average free cash flow before interest and tax to EBITDA between 2013 and 2014 (iv) free cash flow before interest and tax 2013 and (v)Two-year service condition from grant date and Rexel share performance compared with a panel of shares from firms of the same activity segment conditions			Three-year service condition from grant date
Plan		2+2	4+0	3+2	5+0
Delivery date		May 4, 2015	May 2, 2017	May 2, 2016	May 2, 2018
Share fair value at grant date April 30, 2013	(1)	13.70	12.04	14.37	12.71
Maximum number of shares granted on April 30, 2013		793,310	1,259,819	99,100	422,500	2,574,729
Delivery date		July 27, 2015	July 26, 2017
Share fair value at grant date July 25, 2013		15.73	14.07
Maximum number of shares granted on July 25, 2013		50,694	27,716			78,410
Total maximum number of shares granted in 2013		844,004	1,287,535	99,100	422,500	2,653,139
Forfeited in 2013		(368,148)	(563,165)	(11,100)	(18,200)	(960,613)
Forfeited in 2014		(155,619)	(274,550)	-	(31,500)	(461,669)
Forfeited in 2015		(119,717)	(177,006)	(7,000)	(45,900)	(349,623)
Delivered in 2015		(200,520)	-	-	-	(200,520)
Total maximum number of shares granted as of		-	272,814	81,000	326,900	680,714
December 31, 2015
2016 adjustment	(2)	-	9,404	-	11,174	20,578
Forfeited in 2016		-	-	(3,100)	(11,170)	(14,270)
Delivered in 2016		-	-	(77,900)	-	(77,900)
Total maximum number of shares granted as of		-	282,218	-	326,904	609,122
December 31, 2016
Delivered in 2017		-	(282,218)	-	-	(282,218)
Total maximum number of shares granted as of		-	-	-	326,904	326,904
December 31, 2017

(1) The fair value of Rexel's shares was computed based on a Monte Carlo model which simulates the evolution of Rexel and panel shares quotations over three years. The impact of restrictions attached to the dividends until the delivery date of the shares to the beneficiaries was excluded from the fair value.

(2) Following the distribution of dividends by deduction of share premium on July 5, 2016 and in accordance with provisions contained in free share plans issued by Rexel, rights granted under such alive plans were adjusted to allow holders to invest the same amount of money as planned at the grant date.

18.2 | Share-based payment expenses

Expenses related to free share plans accounted for in "Distribution and administrative expenses" are summarized as follows:

	For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Plans issued in 2013 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	0.2	0.2
Plans issued in 2014 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	(1.3)	2.1
Plans issued in 2015 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	(0.9)	4.3
Plans issued in 2016 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	3.6	2.1
Plans issued in 2017 ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	3.1	-
Expense related to employee share purchase plan ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	0.7	1.7
"" Total free share plans expense ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	5.4	10.5

19. | EARNINGS PER SHARE

Information on the earnings and number of ordinary and potential dilutive shares included in the calculation is presented below:

	For the year ended December 31,
	2017	2016
Net income attributed to ordinary shareholders (in millions of euros )…………………………………………………….	105.8	137.9
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (in thousands ) ……………………………………………………………………	301,841	300,773
Potential dilutive shares in connection with payments of dividends (in thousands) ………………………………………………………………………………………….	-	-
Non-dilutive potential shares (in thousands) ………………………………………………………………………………………….	685	698
Weighted average number of issued common shares adjusted for non -	-	-
dilutive potential shares (in thousands) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………	302,526	301,471
Basic earning per share (in euros)	0.35	0.46
	-	-
Dilutive potential shares (in thousands) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………	354	573
- of which share options (in thousands) ……………………………………………………………………………….	-	82
(1) - of which bonus shares (in thousands) ……………………………………………………………………………….	354	492
Weighted average number of common shares adjusted for dilutive	-	-
potential shares (in thousands) ………………………………………………………………………….	302,880	302,044
Fully diluted earnings per share (in euros)………………………………………………………………………………………	0.35	0.46

(1) The number of potential dilutive shares does not take into account the free shares whose allocation is subject to future performance or market conditions not yet met at the balance sheet date

20. | PROVISIONS AND OTHER NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

	As of December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
(1) Provisions ……….……………………….…………………….……………………………………………………………	46.2	71.8
" " Derivatives ……….……………………….…………………….……………………………………………………………	1.7	3.3
(1) Other non-current liabilities ……………………………………………….…………………….…………………………	8.4	9.7
" " Provisions and other non-current liabilities ……………………………………………………………….…………………….………………………………	56.3	84.8

(1) Including employee profit sharing related payables in France in the amount of €8.4 million (€9.7 million at December 31, 2016).

(in millions of euros)	Restructuring (1)	Tax litigation	Other litigation & warranty claims (2)	Vacant properties (3)	Total provisions
As of January 1, 2016 …………………………….…………………….……………… ""	16.8	2.8	23.9	13.5	57.0
Increase …………………………………………….…………………….…….……… ""	29.6	3.3	12.1	4.8	49.8
Use …………………………………….…………………….……………………………. ""	(18.1)	(3.1)	(6.9)	(6.3)	(34.5)
Release …………………………….…………………….……………………………. ""	(0.5)	0.7	(0.4)	(0.6)	(0.8)
"" Currency translation adjustment ……………………………………………………	(0.0)	0.0	0.2	(0.5)	(0.4)
Other changes ………………………….…………………….……………………… ""	(0.0)	2.2	(1.5)	-	0.7
As of December 31, 2016 …………………………….…………………….……………… ""	27.7	5.8	27.4	10.9	71.8
Increase ………………………………….…………………….……………….……… ""	13.8	-	5.2	2.3	21.2
Use …………………………………………….…………………….……………………. ""	(23.0)	(4.9)	(7.6)	(3.8)	(39.4)
Release …………………………….…………………….……………………………. ""	(1.5)	-	(0.6)	(0.1)	(2.2)
"" Currency translation adjustment ……………………………………………………	(0.8)	-	(0.2)	(0.4)	(1.3)
Other changes …………………………………….…………………….…………… ""	0.1	(0.2)	(3.8)	-	(3.9)
As of December 31, 2017 ………………………….…………………….………………… ""	16.2	0.6	20.5	8.9	46.2

The variation in provisions is detailed in the table below:

Provisions mainly comprise:

• (1) Provisions for reorganization and business transformation programms to adapt the Group's structure to current trading conditions. These restructuring plans resulted in the closure of branches, optimization of distribution centers and back office reorganization. Provisions for restructuring activities undertaken at December 31, 2017, mainly concerned Europe for €8.4 million (€12.8 million in 2016), North America for €5.0 million (€4.6 million in 2016), Asia-Pacific for €1.7 million (€1.8 million in 2016) and Corporate Holdings for €1.1 million (€8.5 million in 2016).
• (2) Other litigations and warranty claims amounted to €20.5 million (€27.4 million in 2016), of which €9.8 million relating to litigation with French social security authorities (€9.5 million in 2016), €3.8 million to employee claims (€3.5 million in 2016) and €2.3 million to trade disputes (€3.3 million in 2016).
• (3) Provisions for vacant properties include lease commitments and restoration costs incurred mainly in the United Kingdom for €4.1 million (€4.5 million in 2016), the United States for €0.8 million (€1.4 million in 2016), Canada for €0.6 million (€1.1 million in 2016) and France for €1.6 million (€1.2 million in 2016).

21. | POST-EMPLOYMENT AND LONG-TERM BENEFITS

21.1 | Defined benefit plans description

The Group provides employee benefits under various arrangements, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. The specific conditions of these plans vary according to the rules applying in each country concerned. These plans include pensions, lump-sum payments on retirement, jubilees, early retirement benefits, and health care and life insurance benefits in favor of former employees, including retired employees.

The most significant funded defined benefit pension plans sponsored by the Group are in Canada, in the United Kingdom and in Switzerland. Related funds are managed through independent vehicles.

In the United Kingdom, Rexel operates deferred final salary defined benefits through the Rexel UK Pension Scheme fund. All sections under this plan are closed to new entrants with effect of April 5, 2002. Accrued benefits and pensions are subject to indexation. Statutory funding objectives are agreed between the Trustee board and the company. In that respect, the Trustee board carries out a full valuation of the Scheme at least every three years, after which a recovery plan of contributions is agreed with the company to restore any funding deficit. The most recent full valuation was performed on April 5, 2017 and was rolled forward up to December 31, 2017 for accounting purposes. The Trustee board is also responsible for determining the investment strategy of the plan.

In Switzerland, Rexel provides a second pillar pension plan for their employees. Assets are managed through a pension fund "Pension Kasse", the Elektro Material Pension Plan. The plan runs under a contribution-based pension plan agreement with guaranteed return, thus qualifying as a defined benefit plan. The Pension Board "Conseil de Fondation" is responsible to set up adequate company's and employee's contribution and asset allocation strategy that seeks to meet at least guaranteed return. A full valuation of this plan is performed each year.

In Canada, defined benefit pension plans mainly include:

• The Employees' Plan which is a registered plan and has both defined benefit and defined contribution provisions. The defined benefit provision of the plan has a career average type formula. This plan was closed to new entrants on January 1, 2000.
• The Executives' Pension Plan and the Supplementary Executives' Retirement Plan ("SERP") which provide retirees with a pension based on a percentage of their prior earnings. The Executives' Plan is a final average earnings defined benefit registered plan. The SERP has two provisions: the first provides benefit in excess of the limits of the Executives' Plan and the second portion provides a term annuity upon retirement based on a notional account.

A full actuarial valuation of Canadian plans is performed every three years. The most recent valuations were performed as at December 31, 2016. The 2017 quantitative information on these plans was prepared based on a roll forward of these full valuations.

21.2 | Employee Benefit Plan information

The change in the present value of the obligation in respect of defined benefit plans is as follows:

	Defined benefit obligations
(in millions of euros)	United Kingdom	Canada	Switzerland	Other	Group
As of January 1, 2016 …………………………………………………………. " "	527.3	240.5	232.1	204.3	1,204.2
Service cost ……….………………………………………………………. " "	-	2.5	7.6	6.0	16.1
Interest cost …………………………………………………………………… " "	16.3	9.6	1.8	4.9	32.5
Benefit payments …………………………………………………………………… " "	(14.1)	(12.2)	(7.2)	(9.2)	(42.7)
Employee contributions …………………………………………………… " "	-	0.5	3.7	0.1	4.2
Change in consolidation scope …………………………………………………… " "	-	-	-	0.8	0.8
Currency translation adjustment …………………………………………………… " "	(78.2)	15.8	2.1	1.5	(58.7)
Past service cost / settlement and other …………………………………………………… " "	-	(5.9)	-	(11.3)	(17.2)
Remeasurements " "
Effect of change in demographic assumptions …………………………….…… " "	-	-	0.1	-	0.1
Effect of change in financial assumptions ………………………………………. " "	75.5	8.7	(1.6)	4.4	87.1
Effect of experience adjustments ……………………………….……………… " "	(6.8)	(0.5)	(1.5)	(3.6)	(12.5)
As of December 31, 2016 …………………………………………………………. " "	519.9	259.0	237.2	197.9	1,214.0
Service cost ……….………………………………………………………. " "	-	2.5	7.4	5.8	15.6
Interest cost ……………………………………………………………………… " "	13.8	8.8	1.1	4.1	27.8
Benefit payments ……………………………….………………………………… " "	(15.3)	(12.2)	(5.8)	(9.6)	(42.9)
Employee contributions …………………………………………………… " "	-	0.5	3.6	0.4	4.5
Change in consolidation scope …………………………………………………… " "	-	-	-	13.4	13.4
Currency translation adjustment …………………………………………………… " "	(18.3)	(14.8)	(20.2)	(4.2)	(57.5)
Past service cost / settlement and other …………………………………………………… " "	-	-	(2.9)	-	(2.9)
Remeasurements " "
Effect of change in demographic assumptions …………………………….…… " "	-	(6.0)	-	(0.8)	(6.8)
Effect of change in financial assumptions ………………………………………. " "	22.9	13.9	-	5.4	42.2
Effect of experience adjustments ……………………………….……………… " "	(10.1)	(3.0)	10.6	(3.8)	(6.3)
" " As of December 31, 2017 ……………………………………………………….….	512.9	248.8	231.0	208.5	1,201.2

The change in the fair value of the defined benefit plan assets breaks down as follows:

	Plan assets
(in millions of euros)	United Kingdom	Canada	Switzerland	Other	Group
As of January 1, 2016 …………………………………………………………. " " 387.9		167.9	217.0	88.0	860.7
Employer contributions ……….………………………………………………………. " "	13.4	6.9	6.1	7.1	33.5
Employee contributions ……….………………………………………………………. " "	-	0.5	3.7	0.1	4.2
Interest income ……………………………….……………………………………… " "	11.2	6.8	1.7	2.1	21.8
Benefit payments ……………………………………………………………… " "	(14.1)	(12.2)	(7.3)	(9.3)	(42.9)
Currency translation adjustment …………………………………………………… " "	(57.5)	11.3	2.0	0.5	(43.7)
Past service cost / settlement and other …………………………………………………… " "	-	-	-	(9.2)	(9.2)
Return on plan assets excluding interest income (OCI) …………………………………. " "	39.7	8.3	0.5	2.5	51.0
As of December 31, 2016 …………………………………………………………. " "	380.6	189.6	223.6	81.7	875.4
Employer contributions ……….………………………………………………………. " "	12.9	7.2	5.7	6.1	31.9
Employee contributions ……….………………………………………………………. " "	-	0.5	3.6	0.4	4.5
Interest income ………………………………………………………………………… " "	8.4	6.8	1.1	1.7	18.0
Benefit payments …………………………………………………… " "	(15.3)	(12.2)	(5.9)	(9.6)	(43.0)
Change in consolidation scope …………………………………………………… " "	-	-	-	12.3	12.3
Currency translation adjustment …………………………………………………… " "	(13.4)	(10.9)	(19.5)	(1.0)	(44.9)
Past service cost / settlement and other …………………………………………………… " "	-	-	-	-	-
Return on plan assets excluding interest income (OCI) ………………………………….	(1) 1.4	4.5	18.8	2.2	26.8
As of December 31, 2017 ……………………………………………………….…. " "	374.6	185.5	227.3	93.8	881.1

(1) of which €6.7 million of asset ceiling on the Switzerland plan

The change in the net liability / (asset) breaks down as follows:

	Net liability / (Asset)
(in millions of euros)	United Kingdom	Canada	Switzerland	Other	Group
As of January 1, 2016 …………………………………………………………. " "	139.4	72.6	15.2	116.2	343.4
Service cost ……….………………………………………………………. " "	-	2.5	7.6	6.0	16.1
Interest cost ……………………………………………………………………… " "	5.0	2.7	0.1	2.8	10.6
Past service cost/settlement and other …………………………………………………… " "	-	(5.9)	-	(2.1)	(8.0)
Employer contributions ……….………………………………………………………. " "	(13.4)	(6.9)	(6.1)	(7.1)	(33.5)
Benefit payments ………………………………………………………………… " "	0.0	-	0.1	0.2	0.3
Change in consolidation scope …………………………………………………… " "	-	-	-	0.8	0.8
Currency translation adjustment …………………………………………………… " "	(20.7)	4.5	0.1	1.0	(15.1)
Remeasurements ……………………………………………………… " "	29.0	(0.1)	(3.4)	(1.7)	23.8
" " As of December 31, 2016 ………………………………………………………….	139.3	69.4	13.6	116.1	338.5
Service cost ……….………………………………………………………. " "	-	2.5	7.4	5.8	15.6
Interest cost ………………………………………………………….……………… " "	5.3	2.1	0.1	2.3	9.8
Past service cost/settlement and other …………………………………………………… " "	-	-	(2.9)	-	(2.9)
Employer contributions ……….………………………………………………………. " "	(12.9)	(7.2)	(5.7)	(6.1)	(31.9)
Benefit payments ………………………………………………………………… " "	0.0	-	0.1	-	0.1
Change in consolidation scope …………………………………………………… " "	-	-	-	1.1	1.1
Currency translation adjustment …………………………………………………… " "	(4.9)	(3.9)	(0.7)	(3.2)	(12.7)
Remeasurements ……………………………………………………… " "	11.5	0.4	(8.2)	(1.4)	2.3
As of December 31, 2017 ……………………………………………………….…. " "	138.3	63.2	3.7	114.7	319.9

The reconciliation of the liability recognized on the balance sheet with the present value of the obligation in respect of defined benefit plans is as follows:

	Liability reconciliation
(in millions of euros)	" " United Kingdom	Canada	Switzerland	Other	Group
For the year ended December 31, 2016 " "
Defined benefit obligations ……………………………….….………………… " "	519.9	259.0	237.2	197.9	1,214.0
of which Funded schemes ……………………………….…………………………. " "	519.5	236.1	233.9	113.0	1,102.5
of which Unfunded schemes ………………………………………………………. " "	0.4	22.8	3.3	84.9	111.5
Fair value of plan assets ……….………………………………………………………. " "	(380.6)	(189.6)	(223.6)	(81.6)	(875.4)
Recognized net liability for defined benefit obligations ……………………………………………… " "	139.3	69.4	13.6	116.1	338.5
of which "Employee benefits" ………………………………………………………. " "	139.3	69.4	13.6	116.1	338.5
of which "Other financial assets" ………………………………" "	-	-	-	-	-
For the year ended December 31, 2017 " "
Defined benefit obligations ……….………………………….…………… " "	512.9	248.8	231.0	208.5	1,201.2
of which Funded schemes ………………………………………………. " "	512.5	227.3	227.3	123.9	1,091.0
of which Unfunded schemes ………………………………………………. " "	0.4	21.4	3.7	84.6	110.1
Fair value of plan assets ……….………………………………………………………. " "	(374.6)	(185.5)	(227.3)	(93.7)	(881.1)
Recognized net liability for defined benefit obligations ……………………………………………… " "	138.3	63.2	3.7	114.7	319.9
of which "Employee benefits" ………………………………………………………. " "	138.3	63.2	3.7	114.7	319.9
of which "Other financial assets" ……………………………… " "	-	-	-	-	-

21.3 | Re-measurements of the net defined benefit liability

	Other comprehensive income
(in millions of euros)	United Kingdom	Canada	Switzerland	Other	Group
Return on plan assets excluding interest income ………………………………………… " "	(39.7)	(8.3)	(0.5)	(2.5)	(51.0)
Effect of change in demographic assumptions…………………………… " "	-	-	0.2	-	0.2
Effect of change in financial assumptions ………………………………………….……………… " "	75.5	8.7	(1.3)	4.4	87.2
Effect of experience adjustments ……………………………….……………………… " "	(6.8)	(0.5)	(1.3)	(2.9)	(11.6)
OCI recognized for the year ended December 31, 2016 …………………………………. " "	29.0	(0.0)	(3.0)	(1.1)	24.8
Return on plan assets excluding interest income and asset ceiling………………………………………………. " "	(1.4)	(4.5)	(20.5)	(2.2)	(28.5)
Effect of change in demographic assumptions…………………………… " "	-	(6.0)	-	(0.3)	(6.3)
Effect of change in financial assumptions ………………………………………….……………… " "	22.9	13.9	-	4.5	41.3
Effect of experience adjustments ……………………………….……………………… " "	(10.1)	(3.0)	12.2	(3.3)	(4.1)
OCI recognized for the year ended December 31, 2017 …………………………………. " "	11.4	0.4	(8.2)	(1.2)	2.4

21.4 | Employee Benefit expense

(in millions of euros)	United Kingdom	Canada	Switzerland	Other	Group
(1) Service costs ……….………………………………………………………	-	2.5	7.6	6.0	16.1
(1) Past service costs …….……………………………………………………….	-	(5.9)	-	(1.6)	(7.5)
Gain on settlement …….………………………………………………………. (3)	-	-	-	(0.6)	(0.6)
(2) Net Interest expense ……………………………………………………	5.0	2.7	0.1	2.8	10.6
(4) Other ………………………………………………………………………….	0.0	(0.0)	(0.2)	(0.5)	(0.7)
Expense recognized for the year ended December 31, 2016 ………………………………….………………………. " "	5.0	(0.7)	7.5	6.1	18.0
(1) Service costs ……….………………………………………………………	-	2.5	7.2	5.8	15.5
(1) Past service costs …….……………………………………………………….	-	-	(2.9)	-	(2.9)
Gain on settlement …….………………………………………………………. (3)	-	-	-	0.7	0.7
(2) Net Interest expense ……………………………………………………	5.3	2.1	0.1	2.3	9.8
" " Other …………………………………………………………………………….	0.0	0.0	0.0	(0.0)	0.0
Expense recognized for the year ended December 31, 2017 ………………………………………………….……… " "	5.4	4.5	4.4	8.9	23.1

The expense recognized in the consolidated income statement breaks down as follows:

(1) Recognized as personnel costs (see note 8)

(2) Recognized as net financial expenses (see note 10)

(3) Recognized as other expenses

(4) of which remeasurements on long term benefits for €1.1 million in 2016

Significant plan amendments and settlements

For the year ended December 31, 2017

In Switzerland, the pension scheme was amended to reduce the conversion factor of the employee savings capital into pension payments. The reduction of the conversion factor was partly compensated by additional employer contribution into employee savings capital. The net impact of this amendment was recognized as a reduction of past service costs for €2.9 million (CHF3.3 million) for the period ended December 31, 2017.

In addition, as part of its derisking strategy, the Group entered into a 5-year qualifying insurance contract to finance disability coverage benefits, previously funded through the Swiss pension fund. Under this contract, the insurance company will pay the benefit payments to the plan beneficiaries on behalf of the pension fund. As a result, a change of plan assets for €3.8 million was recognized as a gain in other comprehensive income for the period ended December 31, 2017.

For the year ended December 31, 2016

In Canada, the Group provides for health & dental care and life insurance coverage to the retirees and their dependents. Upon retirement, employees can choose to maintain the above described benefits or to elect for a lump sum settlement payment in lieu of their benefits. In 2016, the Group amended the plan to introduce a regular retiree contribution which is currently entirely paid by the employer, this contribution corresponding to 50% of the plan cost. This change applies to future retirees retiring on or after July 1, 2016.

As a result of this plan amendment, a gain of €5.9 million (CA\$8.7 million) was recognized in the income statement as a reduction in salaries and benefits.

In France, the Group closed a supplementary executive retirement plan and recognized €1.8 million curtailment gain in the income statement under the line item "salaries and benefits".

21.5 | Plan asset allocation

	Plan assets class
(in millions of euros) " "	United Kingdom	Canada	Switzerland
Cash and cash equivalents……….………………………………………………………. " "	4.6	0.9	14.8
Equity instruments (quoted in an active market)……….………………………………………………………. " "	15.2	82.4	74.5
Debt instruments (quoted in an active market)……………………………………….…………………………… " "	121.4	103.1	82.3
Real estate …………………………………………………….…………………… " "	-	-	47.3
Investment funds ………………………………………………………………… " "	235.2	-	0.0
Asset held by insurance company…………………………………………………… " "	3.8	3.3	-
Other ……………………………………………………………….…………………… " "	0.5	-	4.6
" " As of December 31, 2016 ………………………………………………………….	380.6	189.6	223.6
Cash and cash equivalents……….………………………………………………………. " "	0.3	0.9	11.1
Equity instruments (quoted in an active market)……….………………………………………………………. " "	14.9	80.7	80.7
Debt instruments (quoted in an active market)……………………………………….…………………………… " "	78.4	100.9	86.3
Real estate …………………………………………………………………………… " "	-	-	44.8
Investment funds ……………………………………………………….………………… " "	276.3	-	-
Asset held by insurance company…………………………………………………… " "	3.7	3.1	6.9
Other ………………………………………………………………………………………… " "	0.2	-	4.2
" " As of December 31, 2017 ……………………………………………………….….	373.8	185.6	233.9

21.6 | Actuarial assumptions

The main actuarial assumptions are as follows:

	United Kingdom		Canada		Switzerland
	2017	2016	2017	2016	2017	2016
Average plan duration (in years)……………………………… " " 19		18	13	13	15	17
Discount rate (in%)………………………………………… " " 2.50		2.75	3.25	3.75	0.50	0.50
Future salary increases (in %)……………………………. " " N/A		N/A	3.14	3.13	1.00	1.00

Discount rates have been set by reference to market yields on high quality corporate bonds (AA rated-bonds by at least one of the top three rating agencies: Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch) with a similar duration to the underlying obligation. Each future year expected benefit payments are discounted by the corresponding of the yield curve and when there is no deep market in bonds with a sufficiently long maturity to match the maturity of the benefit payments, the discount rate is estimated by extrapolating current market rates along the yield curve. Then a single discount rate is calculated that, when applied to all cash-flows, results in the same interest cost as the application of the individual rates would have produced.

21.7 | Post-employment plan risks

In order to identify and deal with the risks in relation to the management of pension and other post-retirement plans, a pension committee made up by Finance and Human Resources representatives, meets on a quarterly basis. This pension committee, supported by experts, reviews, in particular, the funding of pension plans, and the performance of the pension plan's assets. It is informed of any material event in relation to the benefits granted to employees, the financial impact in relation to the plans, or changes in the regulations. The committee reports to Audit Committee on a yearly basis.

The Group's major defined benefit plans are subject to funding requirements that mainly fluctuate based on interest rates, performance of plan assets and changes in local regulations. Depending on changes in the above parameters, the Group may be required to make additional contributions to the pension funds in a defined time frame.

• Volatility in discount rates and inflation

The defined benefit liability is calculated by discounting future expected cash flows. Discount rates are determined based upon bonds yield prevailing at the measurement date which may fluctuate from one period to another. In addition, accrued benefits and pension annuities are usually subject to salary increase and conditional or unconditional indexation which vary depending on inflation level. Any change in the above parameters may adversely affect the defined benefit liability and the service cost, and thus triggers additional contributions to comply with local minimum funding requirements.

• Volatility in asset values

Plan assets mainly include equities, fixed incomes securities and other assets which values are subject to market volatility. A downturn in financial markets would result in an increase of the net liability and, therefore, in reduced funding ratios requiring additional contributions from the Group in a defined time frame.

Sensitivity analysis

	Sensitivity to a 50 basis points decrease in discount rate
(in millions of euros)	United Kingdom	Canada	Switzerland	Other	Group
Service cost …………………………………………………………………… " "	-	0.1	0.6	0.3	1.1
Defined Benefit Obligation ……………………………………………………… " "	50.2	16.3	21.5	14.1	102.1
	Sensitivity to a 10% downturn in financial market
(in millions of euros)	United Kingdom	Canada	Switzerland	Other	Group
Plan assets………………………………………………………………" "	(1.5)	(8.1)	(8.1)	(0.5)	(18.2)

Risk Management

To mitigate risks identified above, the Group has already implemented or is currently setting up the following actions which include changes in the design of the defined benefit schemes as well as financial measures:

• Closure of defined benefits schemes, where appropriate, and move to defined contribution plans, with frozen benefit rights;
• Rationalization of benefits including the level of pension benefits, conversion rate factors and indexation caps;
• Selective additional cash contributions to increase funding level, on top of regular contributions;
• Inflation and Interest rate hedging;
• Adoption of investment strategies that broadly match the nature of the liabilities, with a progressive alignment of asset allocation and pension plans duration;
• Regular meetings with trustees;
• Periodic review of investment performance by independent advisors to monitor investment volatility.

21.8 | Expected cash flows

	Expected cash flow
(in millions of euros)	United Kingdom	Canada	Switzerland	Other	Group
Expected benefit payments for 2018……….………………………………… " "	14.8	11.8	6.0	16.8	49.4
Expected benefit payments for 2019……….………………………………… " "	14.3	12.1	6.3	7.4	40.1
Expected benefit payments for 2020……….………………………………… " "	15.0	12.4	6.6	8.2	42.2
Expected benefit payments for 2021……….………………………………… " "	15.4	12.6	6.8	8.2	43.0
Expected benefit payments for 2022 and after……….………………………………… " "	109.5	79.6	47.9	59.7	296.7
Expected benefit contributions for 2018……………………………….……… " "	11.5	7.0	5.3	14.5	38.3

22. | FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

This note provides information on financial liabilities as of December 31, 2017. Financial liabilities include interest-bearing loans from financial institutions, borrowings and accrued interests less transaction costs.

22.1 | Net financial debt

As of December 31, 2017, Rexel's consolidated net debt stood at €2,041.2 million, consisting of the following items:

	As of December 31, 2017			As of December 31, 2016
(in millions of euros)	Current	Non current	Total	Current	Non current	Total
Senior notes…………………………………………	-	1,446.6	1,446.6	-	1,480.9	1,480.9
Securitization ……………………………………………………	-	1,007.6	1,007.6	367.9	718.2	1,086.0
Bank loans ……………………….…………………………	12.1	1.8	13.9	18.6	3.2	21.8
Commercial paper ……………………………………………	41.7	-	41.7	131.7	-	131.7
Bank overdrafts and other credit facilities ……………………. 100.6		-	100.6	84.5	-	84.5
Finance lease obligations ……………………………….	6.2	14.3	20.5	6.8	16.9	23.7
(1) Accrued interests ……………………………………………………………………………….	6.3	-	6.3	6.3	-	6.3
Less transaction costs ……………………………………….	(5.1)	(19.7)	(24.7)	(5.9)	(24.1)	(30.0)
Total financial debt and accrued interest……	161.8	2,450.5	2,612.3	610.0	2,195.1	2,805.1
Cash and cash equivalents …………………………			(563.6)			(619.3)
Accrued interest receivable………………………… " "			(1.0)			(0.9)
Debt hedge derivatives………………………………(2)			(6.5)			(12.3)
Net financial debt			2,041.2			2,172.6

(1) Of which accrued interests on Senior Notes for €2.5 million as of December 31, 2017 (€2.5 million as of December 31, 2016)

(2) Debt hedge derivatives include fair value hedge interest rate derivatives and foreign exchange derivatives designated as hedge of financial debt.

22.1.1|Senior Facility Agreement

The Senior Facility Agreement executed on March 15, 2013 and further amended on November 13, 2014 and on October 28, 2016 provides for a five-year multicurrency revolving credit facility for an aggregate maximum initial amount of €1,100 million reduced to €982 million until November 13, 2019, and €910 million until November 12, 2021 with BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Crédit Industriel et Commercial, HSBC France, ING Bank France, Natixis and Société Générale as Mandated Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners. On January 31, 2018, the Senior Facility agreement was amended to extend the final maturity date to January 31, 2023 and reduce the committed amount to €850 million. Facilities can also be drawn down through swingline loans for an aggregate amount of €137.8 million.

Interest and margin

Amounts drawn bear interest at a rate determined in reference to (i) the EURIBOR rate when funds are made available in Euro or the LIBOR rate when funds are made available in currencies other than Euro, (ii) the applicable margin, (iii) certain premia for loans in currencies other than euro and (iv) mandatory costs (representing the costs to be borne by the lenders for the financing of the banking control system imposed by the banking regulatory authorities of their respective countries), if any.

Swingline drawings bear interest at a rate determined in reference to (i) the EONIA rate, (ii) the applicable margin and (iii) mandatory costs, if any.

The initial applicable margin is 1.25% per annum and varies in accordance with the leverage ratio (defined as the ratio of consolidated adjusted total net debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA, in each case as such terms are defined under the Senior Facility Agreement) calculated as of December 31 and June 30 of every year. The margin ranges from 0.60% to 2.25%.

In addition, the applicable margin shall be increased by a utilization fee that varies depending on the percentage of the total commitment drawn under the Senior Facility Agreement at any given time.

Rexel shall also pay a commitment fee in the base currency on that lender's available commitment the amount of which varies based on the leverage ratio.

The Leverage Ratio corresponds to adjusted total net debt relative to adjusted EBITDA, as such terms are defined below:

"Adjusted EBITDA" means, in relation to a measurement period, consolidated operating income without double counting before other income (or expenses) as defined in the relevant consolidated accounts of the Group:

• Including the last 12 months of Adjusted EBITDA of any Subsidiary acquired in that measurement period pro rata the participation of the Group;
• Including proceeds related to commodity price derivatives entered into to hedge exposure to the price fluctuation of certain commodities which do not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting as per applicable IFRS;
• After adding back EBITDA of assets held for sale and not taking into account EBITDA of assets sold during the measurement period;
• After adding back net operational depreciation/amortization;
• Taking no account of any expense referable to equity settled share based compensation of employees or management, to the extent the balance of it is taken in account into financial indebtedness;
• After adding back non-cash employee share, incentive or remuneration scheme costs entered into as part of equity-based remuneration of employees of the Group, as well as legal profit sharing, to the extent the balance of it is taken into account in financial indebtedness;
• Excluding the non-recurring impact of the evolution of the copper prices as disclosed in the press release published in connection with the consolidated financial statements for such measurement period;
• After adding back any other restructuring and/or acquisition costs relating to any permitted acquisition.

"Adjusted total net debt" means:

• any indebtedness for or in respect of interest bearing debt (whether or not in cash or in kind, both current and non-current) but which shall:
• o Exclude any upfront, legal, advisory costs related to the implementation of such debt as well as the financial charges accounted for as a result of the repayment of any outstanding debt of the borrower;
• o Exclude intragroup loans between members of the Group;
• o Include any indebtedness for or in respect of any amount payable in respect of securities issued by any member of the Group which are not mandatorily redeemable in shares; and
• o Include any other amount raised under any other transaction accounted for as borrowing under the accounting standards;
• Any indebtedness for or in respect of accrued interest (including capitalized interest and any payment in kind) other than in respect of intragroup loans between members of the Group; less
• Cash and cash equivalents.

This ratio may exceed 3.50 on three accounting dates during the life of the Senior Facility Agreement, being specified that only two of such three accounting dates may be consecutive, and provided that (i) such ratio does not exceed 3.75 times on two accounting dates during the life of the Senior Facility Agreement and (ii) such ratio does not exceed 3.90 times on one accounting date during the life of the Senior Facility Agreement.

In addition to the Senior Facility Agreement, Rexel entered into two bilateral term loan agreements of €33.4 million (US\$ 40.0 million) and €45.0 million. On June 27, 2017, Rexel extended the maturity date of its US\$ 40 million facility with Wells Fargo Bank International to June 26, 2020 whereas the €45 million facility has been cancelled on January 31, 2018.

As of December 31, 2017, these credit facilities were undrawn.

22.1.2| Senior notes

		As of December 31, 2017						As of December 31, 2016
	Nominal amount (in millions of currency)		Nominal amount (in millions of euros)	Fair value adjust ments (1)	Total		Nominal amount (in millions of currency)	Nominal amount (in millions of euros)	Fair value adjust ments (1)	Total
Senior notes due 2020	-	-	-	-	-	USD	330.0	313.1	3.8	316.8
Senior notes due 2022	-	-	-	-	-	EUR	500.0	500.0	14.1	514.1
Senior notes due 2023	EUR	650.0	650.0	0.1	650.1	EUR	650.0	650.0	-	650.0
Senior notes due 2024	EUR	300.0	300.0	(1.2)	298.8	-	-	-	-	-
Senior notes due 2025	EUR	500.0	500.0	(2.4)	497.6	-	-	-	-	-
TOTAL			- 1,450.0	(3.4)	1,446.6			- 1,463.1	17.9	1,480.9

As of December 31, 2017, the carrying amount of the existing senior notes is detailed as follows:

(1) Adjustment to reflect interest rate fluctuations on the part of the notes hedged through fair value hedge derivatives (see note 23.1)

€650 million notes due 2023

On May 18, 2016, Rexel issued €650 million of senior unsecured notes due 2023 which bear interests at 3.50% annually.

The notes rank pari passu with Rexel's senior credit facility and other senior unsecured notes. Rexel pays interest on the notes semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, starting from December 15, 2016. The notes mature on June 15, 2023 and are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

These notes are redeemable in whole or in part at any time prior to June 15, 2019 at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a "make-whole" premium and accrued and unpaid interest. On or after June 15, 2019, the notes are redeemable in whole or in part by paying the redemption price set forth below:

	Redemption price
Redemption period beginning on:	(as a % of principal amount)
June 15, 2019 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	101.750%
June 15, 2020 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	100.875%
June 15, 2021 and after ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	100.000%

€300 million notes due 2024

On March 13, 2017, Rexel issued €300 million of senior unsecured notes due 2024 which bear interests at 2.625% annually.

The notes rank pari passu with Rexel's senior credit facility and other senior unsecured notes. Rexel pays interest on the notes semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, starting from June 15, 2017. The notes mature on June 15, 2024 and are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

These notes are redeemable in whole or in part at any time prior to March 15, 2020 at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a "make-whole" premium and accrued and unpaid interest. On or after March 15, 2020, the notes are redeemable in whole or in part by paying the redemption price set forth below:

	Redemption price
Redemption period beginning on:	(as a % of principal amount)
March 15, 2020 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	101.313%
March 15, 2021 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	100.656%
March 15, 2022 and after ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	100.000%

On June 16, 2017, proceeds from this issuance were used to repay the remaining outstanding 5.25% US\$500 million senior notes due 2020 for a principal amount of US\$330 million. The redemption price was 102.625% of the principal amount of the redeemed notes and amounted €302.3 million. A loss of €6.3 million has been recognized in the net financial expenses including the early redemption premium plus unamortized transaction costs and fair value hedge adjustments.

€500 million notes due 2025

On November 20, 2017, Rexel issued €500 million of senior unsecured notes due 2025 which bear interests at 2.125% annually.

The notes rank pari passu with Rexel's senior credit facility and other senior unsecured notes. Rexel pays interest on the notes semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, starting from June 15, 2018. The notes mature on June 15, 2025 and are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

These notes are redeemable in whole or in part at any time prior to December 15, 2020 at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a "make-whole" premium and accrued and unpaid interest. On or after December 15, 2020, the notes are redeemable in whole or in part by paying the redemption price set forth below:

	Redemption price
Redemption period beginning on:	(as a % of principal amount)
December 15, 2020 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	101.063%
December 15, 2021 …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	100.531%
December 15, 2022 and after ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	100.000%

On December 15, 2017, proceeds from this issuance were used to repay its 3.250% senior notes due 2022 for a total amount of €517.0 million. A loss of €12.5 million has been recognized in the net financial expenses including the early redemption premium amounted to €17.0 million plus unamortized transaction costs and fair value hedge adjustments.

22.1.3| Securitization programs

Rexel runs several on-going securitization programs which enable it to obtain financing at a lower cost than issuing bonds or incurring bank loans.

The specific characteristics of Rexel Group's securitization programs vary depending on the country. The relevant subsidiaries remain responsible for the collection of receivables once assigned. These receivables are assigned to special-purpose entities operating with no action required by the subsidiaries. The special purpose vehicles obtain the financing required to purchase these receivables, notably through the issuance of short-term debt instruments such as French, US, or Canadian commercial paper, which is rated by rating agencies.

In exchange for the assigned receivables, the subsidiaries receive a cash payment from the special purpose vehicle, the amount of which represents the value of the receivables minus an amount committed to guarantee their recovery, which latter amount is only reimbursed, in whole or in part, after complete payment of the receivables. However, under certain programs, the Group also has the option of contributing its receivables in exchange for subscribing the securitization vehicle's subordinated notes.

In view of their characteristics, notably the fact that the Group retains a significant part of the late payment and credit risks, these receivables assignment programs, with the exception of an off-balance sheet US program described in the following paragraphs, do not qualify for derecognition under IAS 39 requirements. Therefore, assigned receivables remain classified as assets on the Group's balance sheet on the line "Trade accounts receivable" whereas the financing received is shown as financial debt.

In addition to these on-balance sheets programs, in 2009, the Group entered into an agreement with Ester Finance Titrisation (the purchaser), a French subsidiary of CALYON, to sell a participating interest in eligible trade receivables of Rexel's US subsidiaries under a Receivables Participation Agreement ("RPA"). This agreement was amended in 2016 and allows the Group to assign eligible receivables and receive cash consideration up to a maximum amount of US\$225 million. The maturity of this program was extended to December 2019.

The purchase price of the receivables is equal to the face value of the receivables sold less a discount including a credit risk premium and the funding cost. Under the RPA, the Group is liable for collecting the receivables on behalf of the purchaser and receives servicing fees as remuneration of this obligation. As part of this transaction, the Group entered into a Collateral and Intercreditor Agreement to secure the performance of its obligations under the RPA. The obligations of the Group under the RPA guarantee the transfer of cash collected by the Group on behalf of the purchaser, as well as the payment of expenses and allowances due by the Group. However, these guarantees do not include any compensation obligation in relation to unrecovered receivables.

As a result of this agreement, credit risk, interest risk and late payments risk attached to the receivables assigned in relation to the Ester program are transferred to the purchaser through the credit and funding discounts. The dilution risk is not considered for risks and rewards analysis as this risk is not attached to the receivables but is analyzed as a risk of misuse of the securitization program as disputed receivables are not eligible to the program or as a risk attached to the servicing of the receivables that is guaranteed by a collateral. Therefore, receivables sold under this agreement are derecognized from the balance-sheet at the transfer date.

The difference between the sale price and the carrying value of these receivables is recorded in the income statement as a financial expense.

As of December 31, 2017, derecognized receivables totaled €183.3 million (€197.7 million as of December 31, 2016) and the resulting loss was recorded as a financial expense for €9.4 million (€7.9 million in 2016). Cash collected under the servicing agreement in relation to derecognized receivables and not yet transferred to the purchaser totaled €33.2 million and was recognized in financial liabilities (€37.4 million as of December 31, 2016).

The Group did not retain any interests in the receivables sold under this program.

Securitization programs are subject to certain covenants concerning the quality of the trade receivables portfolio including dilution (ratio of credit notes to eligible receivables), delinquency and default criteria (aging ratios measured respectively as overdue and doubtful receivables to eligible receivables). As of December 31, 2017, Rexel had satisfied all of these covenants. All the programs are on-going programs and therefore are not subject to seasonality other than seasonality arising in the ordinary course of business.

Information with respect to Rexel's securitization programs including the off-balance sheet programs is provided in the table below:

Program	Commitment			Amount drawn	Balance as of
			receivables assigned as of	down as of December 31,	December 31, 2017	December 31, 2016	Repayment Date
			December 31, 2017	2017
			(in millions of currency)		(in millions of euros)
Europe and Australia	EUR 375.0	(1)	EUR 506.1	EUR 376.0	376.0	367.9	12/16/2020
Europe	EUR 309.0	(2)	EUR 424.9	EUR 288.3	288.3	350.6	11/20/2019
United States	USD 515.0		USD 650.3	USD 491.8	410.1	441.9	12/20/2019
Canada	CAD 175.0		CAD 252.5	CAD 175.0	116.4	123.3	01/18/2019
TOTAL					1,190.8	1,283.7
Of which :	- on balance sheet:				1,007.6	1,085.9
	- off balance sheet :				183.3	197.8

(1) In November 2017, Rexel amended its European and Australian program to extend the maturity date to December 2020.

(2) In November 2017, Rexel amended its European securitization program to remove Belgian trade receivables. As a result, the maximum commitment was reduced from €354.0 million to €309.0 million.

These securitization programs pay interest at variable rates including a specific credit spread to each program. As of December 31, 2017, the total outstanding amount authorized for these securitization programs was €1,229.8 million, of which €1,190.8 million were used.

22.1.4| Promissory notes

In order to manage its credit risk in China, the Group discounts with no recourse to various financial institutions non-matured promissory notes issued by banks ("Bank Acceptance Drafts") that are received from customers as payment of trade receivables. Rexel transfers risks and benefits associated with discounted Bank Acceptance Drafts. As of December 31, 2017, Bank Acceptance Drafts were derecognized from the balance sheet for €55.9 million (€56.7 million as of December 31, 2016).

22.1.5| Factoring arrangements

In addition to its securitization programs, Rexel entered into factoring agreements in France and Belgium. Under these arrangements, Rexel assigns trade receivables to the factor and receives cash payment for a maximum amount of €95 million.

As a result of these arrangements, the Group transfers the credit risk, interest risk and late payment risk to the factor, and remains liable for collecting the receivable on behalf of the factor. As of December 31, 2017, Rexel derecognized the trade receivables sold to the factor for €73.2 million (€23.0 million as of December 31, 2016). Cash collected on behalf of the factor in relation with the transferred receivables was recognized in financial liabilities for €25.6 million as of December 31, 2017 (€16.5 million as of December 31, 2016).

22.1.6| Commercial paper program

Rexel runs a €500 million commercial paper program, with fixed maturities ranging from one to three months depending on the notes, issued to diversify its investor base and minimize the cost of financing.

As of December 31, 2017, the company had issued €41.7 million of commercial paper (€131.7 million as of December 31, 2016).

22.2 | Change in net financial debt

As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the change in net financial debt was as follows:

(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
As of January 1, …………………………………………………………………………….……….……….	2,172.6	2,198.7
" " Issuance of senior notes net of transaction costs………………………………………………………………………	790.6	642.5
Repayment of senior notes ……………………………………………………………………… " "	(819.3)	(835.3)
Transaction costs and refinancing costs	(0.1)	(1.6)
Net change in credit facilities, commercial papers and other financial borrowings………………………………………………………………………	(80.4)	(48.2)
Net change in credit facilities…………………………………………………………………………	(109.3)	(242.5)
Net change in securitization………………………………………………………………………………	(29.3)	15.2
Net change in finance lease liabilities……………………………………………………………………………	(3.0)	(3.6)
Net change in financial liabilities………………………………………………….……….……….……….	(141.6)	(230.9)
Change in cash and cash equivalents ………………………………………….……………………	105.7	165.1
Effect of exchange rate changes on net financial debt …………………………………….………………………….	(111.0)	16.1
Effect of acquisition……………………………………………………………………………….	0.0	4.4
Effect of divestment……………………………………………………………………………….	(12.1)	(1.5)
Amortization of transaction costs………………………………………………………………………	6.0	6.2
Non recurring refinancing costs……………………………………………………………………………	23.3	16.3
Other changes ……………………………………………………………………….…………………… " "	(1.7)	(1.9)
As of December 31, ……………………………………………………………………………….……….……….	2,041.2	2,172.6

23. | MARKET RISKS AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks. Derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are accounted for as trading instruments.

23.1 | Interest rate risk

In order to hedge its exposure to changing interest rates, the Group has adopted an interest rate hedging strategy aimed at maintaining a hedging ratio on a one-year rolling basis of close to 80%, 50% on a two-year rolling basis, and 25% on a three-year rolling basis of its net financial debt at fixed or capped rates with the remainder at variable interest rates.

The breakdown of financial debt between fixed and variable rates, before and after hedging, is as follows:

(in millions of euros)	As of December 31,
	2017	2016
Senior Notes and other fixed rate debt ……………………………….	1,445.7	1,475.2
Floating to fixed rate swaps…………………………………………………………	1,037.0	848.9
Fixed to floating rate swaps…………………………………………………………	(850.0)	(784.6)
Sub total fixed or capped rate instruments	1,632.6	1,539.5
Floating rate debt before hedging………………………………………….	1,159.2	1,316.7
Floating to fixed rate swaps……………………………………………………	(1,037.0)	(848.9)
Fixed to floating rate swaps…………………………………………………………	850.0	784.6
Cash and cash equivalents.……………………………………………………….	(563.6)	(619.3)
Sub total floating rate debt instruments	408.6	633.1
Total net financial debt ………………………………………………	2,041.2	2,172.6

Fair value hedge derivatives

As of December 31, 2017, the portfolio of interest rate swaps used as hedge for exposure of changes in fair value of its senior notes disclosed in note 22.1.2 is as follows:

	Total notional amount (in millions of currency)	Total notional amount (in millions of euros)	Maturity	Weighted average fixed rate received	Floating rate paid	Fair value (1) (in millions of euros)
Swaps paying variable rate
Euro………………………………	500.0	500.0	June 2022	0.55%	Euribor 3M	8.8
	50.0	50.0	June 2023	0.31%	Euribor 3M	0.0
	300.0	300.0	June 2024	0.33%	Euribor 3M	(1.5)
Total		850.0				7.3

(1) Derivative instruments are presented at fair value, including accrued interest receivable for €0.3 million

The gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk adjusts the carrying amount of the hedged item and is recognized in the income statement as interest expenses on borrowings. The changes in fair value of the derivatives and the changes in the fair value of the hedged item are recognized in the income statement to match each other.

Any adjustment to carrying value of items carried at amortized cost is amortized through profit or loss over the remaining term.

The change in fair value of these fair value hedging swaps for the year ended December 31, 2017 represented a gain of €8.9 million, partially offset by a loss of €6.3 million resulting from the change in the fair value of the senior notes.

Cash-flow hedge derivatives

In accordance with the policy described above, the Group has entered into several fixed interest rate swap contracts.

Cash-flow hedge swaps mature until September 2020. The Group intends to renew a significant portion of these swaps in order to hedge the variability of future interest expense related to its floating interest debt, in accordance with the strategy described above. The allocation of hedging instruments among currencies hinges upon the Group's expectations concerning trends of the interest rates linked to those currencies.

As of December 31, 2017, derivative instruments classified as cash flow hedges are as follows:

	Total notional amount (in millions of currency)	Total notional amount (in millions of euros )	Maturity	Floating rate received	Weighted average fixed rate paid	Fair value (1) (in millions of euros)
Swaps paying fixed rate
American dollar……………………………… 100.0		83.4	June 2018	Libor 3M	1.24%	0.2
	250.0	208.5	September 2018	Libor 3M	1.33%	0.7
	100.0	83.4	December 2019	Libor 3M	1.68%	0.6
	150.0	125.1	April 2020	Libor 3M	1.78%	0.7
	150.0	125.1	September 2020	Libor 3M	1.68%	1.6
Canadian dollar………………………	100.0	66.5	October 2018	CDOR 3M	1.23%	0.3
	30.0	19.9	June 2020	CDOR 3M	1.11%	0.5
Australian dollar………………………	80.0	52.1	July 2018	BBSW AUD 3M	2.26%	(0.2)
	75.0	48.9	June 2020	BBSW AUD 3M	1.94%	0.2
Total		812.8				4.4

(1) Derivative instruments are presented at fair value, including accrued interest payable for €0.1 million.

The change in fair value of the cash flow hedging instruments for the year ended December 31, 2017 was recorded as a €4.7 million increase in cash-flow hedge reserve (before tax). The ineffectiveness recognized in profit and loss in 2017 was immaterial.

Derivatives not eligible for hedge accounting

	Total notional amount (in millions of currency)	Total notional amount (in millions of euros)	Maturity	Floating rate received (paid)	Weighted average fixed rate paid (received)	Fair value (1) (in millions of euros)
Swaps paying fixed rate
Swedish Krona………………………	750.0	76.2	February 2020	Stibor 3M	(0.07)%	(0.1)
Swiss franc……………………………	100.0	85.5	February 2020	Libor 3M	(0.69)%	0.2
Euro….…………………………………	62.5	62.5	May 2018	Euribor 6M	3.21%	(2.0)
Total		224.1				(1.9)

(1) Derivative instruments are presented at fair value, including accrued interest payable of €1.4 million

These derivatives are designated primarily as hedges of variable cash flows arising from interest rate swaps and are not eligible to hedge accounting under IAS 39 requirements.

Sensitivity to interest rate variation

As of December 31, 2017, a 1% increase in interest rates on variable debt after effective interest rate hedging would lead to an increase in the current annual interest expense estimated to €11.4 million and a €14.1 million gain related to the change in fair value of the hedging instruments of which a €4.7 million in the income statement and €9.4 million in other comprehensive income.

23.2 | Foreign exchange risk

The Group's financing policy is to centralize external borrowings and to provide financing to its foreign subsidiaries in their own functional currencies. The foreign currency risk arises principally from intercompany financings denominated in currencies other than euro and is managed at corporate level. In order to neutralize foreign exchange risk exposure, the Group's parent company incurs external indebtedness in foreign currencies other than euro or enters into foreign exchange derivatives (forward contracts or exchange rate swaps). For the year ended December 31, 2017, unrealized exchange income in other comprehensive income related to external borrowings qualified as net investment hedges account for €51.9 million before tax.

As of December 31, 2017, the notional value of foreign exchange derivatives was €40.2 million (€31.6 million of forward sales and €8.6 million of forward purchases). Forward contracts are recognized at their fair value for a net negative amount of €0.2 million. The change in fair value of forward contracts for the year ended December 31, 2017 was recorded as a financial gain of €3.4 million.

Sensitivity to changes in foreign exchange rates

The Group's financial statements are presented in euros, and it is therefore required to translate into euro those assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses denominated in currencies other than the euro.

The results of these operations are included in the Group's consolidated income statement after conversion at the average rate applicable to the period. On an annual basis, a 5% increase (or decrease) of the euro against the main currencies (US dollar, Canadian dollar, Australian dollar and British Pound) would lead to a decrease (increase) in sales of €307.6 million and a decrease (increase) in operating income before other income and other expenses of €10.5 million.

The Group's financial liabilities and shareholders' equity are likewise included on its consolidated balance sheet after conversion at the financial year-end exchange rate. Thus, a 5% appreciation (depreciation) of the euro against the other currencies as compared to the closing exchange rates as of December 31, 2017 would result in a corresponding decrease (increase) in financial debt and shareholders' equity of €33.1 million and €141.9 million respectively.

Financial debt per repayment currency

The table below presents the financial debt's sensitivity to exchange rate changes for each repayment currency:

(in millions of euros)	Euro	US dollar	Canadian dollar	Australian dollar	Norwegian krone	Swedish krona	British pound	Swiss franc	Chinese Renminbi	Other currencies	Total
Financial liabilities ……………………………… " " 1,952.3		260.7	116.4	94.8	0.0	0.4	133.8	(5.0)	46.1	6.3	2,605.9
Cash and cash equivalents…………………… " " (542.7)		157.4	(45.0)	34.4	6.4	(26.4)	(145.9)	(0.6)	(16.1)	14.0	(564.7)
Net financial position before " "
hedging………………………………." " 1,409.5		418.1	71.4	129.2	6.4	(26.0)	(12.1)	(5.6)	30.0	20.3	2,041.2
Impact of hedges………………………………. " " (30.2)		(8.4)	-	(0.3)	-	31.4	-	-	-	7.5	(0.0)
Net financial position after " "
hedging………………………………" " 1,379.3		409.7	71.4	129.0	6.4	5.4	(12.1)	(5.6)	30.0	27.8	2,041.2
Impact of a 5% increase in " "
exchange rates……………………………" "	-	20.5	3.6	6.4	0.3	0.3	(0.6)	(0.3)	1.5	1.4	33.1

23.3 | Liquidity Risk

The Group's approach to managing liquidity is to ensure that it will have sufficient liquidity to meet its financial liabilities when they are due. The Group aims to maintain the level of its cash and cash equivalents and available credit facilities at an amount in excess of its cash outflows on financial liabilities over the next 12 months.

The contractual repayment schedule of financial liabilities is as follows:

(in millions of euros)	As of December 31,
Due within	2017	2016
One year …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….	166.9	615.9
" " Two years …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….	638.2	8.5
" " Three years …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………….	379.4	722.3
Four years …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….	1.7	318.9
Five years …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	0.8	0.8
Thereafter ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	1,450.2	1,168.7
Total gross financial debt before transaction costs………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	2,637.1	2,835.1
Transaction costs ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	(24.7)	(30.0)
Gross financial debt …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….	2,612.3	2,805.1

As of December 31, 2017, the remaining contractual cash-flows in relation to financial indebtedness and derivatives, including interest owed, are as follows:

(in millions of euros) Due within	Financial debt & interests	Derivatives	Total
One year …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	" " 230.4	(6.9)	223.5
Two years ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….	" " 699.3	(7.1)	692.2
Three years ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………	" " 428.9	(2.9)	426.0
Four years ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….	" " 44.4	0.9	45.3
Five years ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	" " 42.1	2.1	44.2
Thereafter …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	" " 1,493.4	3.3	1,496.6
Total ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	" " 2,938.5	(10.6)	2,927.9

The €650 million notes issued in May 2016 mature in June 2023, the €300 million notes issued in March 2017 mature in June 2024 and the €500 million notes issued in November 2017 mature in June 2025.

The Senior Facility Agreement maturity date was extended until January 2023 under the amendment executed on January 31, 2018. The Senior Facility Agreement provides a five-year multicurrency revolving credit facility for an aggregate maximum available amount of €850 million which can also be drawn down through swingline loans for an aggregate amount of €137.8 million. As of December 31, 2017, this facility was undrawn.

On June 26, 2017, Rexel extended the maturity of its US\$40 million Revolving Credit Facility Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank International for a period of three years ending on June 26, 2020. As of December 31, 2017, this facility was undrawn.

Lastly, following amendments in 2016 and 2017 (see note 22.1.3), securitization programs mature in 2019 and 2020. The financing under these programs directly depends on the amounts and quality of transferred receivables. In the event that the relevant companies do not comply with certain obligations, these securitization programs may have to be repaid early, which could have an adverse effect on the Group's liquidity and financial situation. In addition, if the special purpose entities to which the receivables have been transferred were unable to issue short term debt (commercial paper) under conditions that are equal to those available up to now, the Group's liquidity and financial position could be affected.

In addition, the trade accounts payable amounted to €2,034.8 million as of December 31, 2017 (€2,179.0 million as of December 31, 2016) and are due in less than one year.

The Group's liquidity decreased from €1,467.9 million as of December 2016 to €1,304.7 million, as a result of the amendment of the Senior Facility Agreement executed on January 31, 2018. The Group's liquidity is in excess of €1,137.8 million compared to €166.9 million expected to be paid within the next twelve months with respect to financial debt repayment schedule.

	As of December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017 (1)	2016
Cash and cash equivalents ………………………………………………………………	563.6	619.3
Bank overdrafts ………………………………………………………………………………………… (100.6)		(84.5)
Commercial paper …………………………………………………………………………………………	(41.7)	(131.7)
Undrawn Senior Facility Agreement …………………………………………………………………………………………	850.0	982.0
Bilateral facilities …………………………………………………………………………………………	33.4	82.9
Liquidity …………………………………………………………………………………………	1,304.7	1,467.9

(1) Taking into consideration the amendment of the Senior Facility Agreement executed on January 31, 2018 (see note 22.1.1)

23.4 | Counterparty risk

The financial instruments that could expose the Group to counterparty risk are mainly trade accounts receivable, cash and cash equivalents and derivative instruments.

Credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable is limited due to the large number of customers, the diversity of their activities (contractors, manufacturers, municipalities), and their geographical spread in France and abroad. In addition, credit insurance programs have been implemented in the majority of the significant countries in which the Group operates. As of December 31, 2017, the maximum risk corresponding to the total accounts receivable amounted to €2,077.0 million (€2,187.3 million as of December 31, 2016) and is detailed in note 13.2 Trade accounts receivable.

The counterparty risk concerning cash, cash equivalents and hedging instruments is likewise limited by the quality of the relevant counterparties, which are the Group's traditional banking partners for its financing and are almost exclusively based in Europe. The outstanding amount was €576.1 million as of December 31, 2017 (€631.6 million as of December 31, 2016), which equals the net book value of the aforementioned items.

The maximum counterparty risk on the Group's other financial assets was €533.8 million (€531.4 million as of December 31, 2016) and mainly corresponds to supplier discounts receivable.

24. | SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES

			As of December 31,
				2017		2016
(in millions of euros)	Category IAS 39	Fair value Hierarchy*	Carrying amount	Fair value	Carrying amount	Fair value
Bonds …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	AC	1	1,446.6	1,481.4	1,480.9	1,525.5
"" Other financial debts, including accrued interest ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………	AC		1,165.7	1,165.7	1,324.2	1,324.2
"" Total financial liabilities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….			2,612.3		2,805.1
"" (1) Hedging derivatives …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	FV P&L	2	1.6	1.6	-	-
(1) Hedging derivatives …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	FV OCI	2	-	-	0.5	0.5
"" Other derivative instruments not elligible to hedge accounting………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	FV P&L	2	0.1	0.1	2.9	2.9
(2) Other liabilities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	N/A		8.4	N/A	9.7	N/A
"" Total other non-current liabilities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………			10.1		13.0
"" Trade accounts payable …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	AC		2,034.8	2,034.8	2,179.0	2,179.0
Vendor rebates receivable …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	AC		139.1	139.1	136.1	136.1
(2) Personnel and social obligations ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	N/A		253.7	N/A	246.5	N/A
(2) VAT payable and other sales taxes ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….	N/A		76.1	N/A	78.8	N/A
(1) Hedging derivatives …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………	FV OCI	2	0.1	0.1	-	-
Other derivative instruments not elligible to hedge accounting……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	FV P&L	2	1.1	1.1	3.9	3.9
Other liabilities …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ""	AC		226.5	226.5	217.8	217.8
Deferred income ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… ""	N/A		6.6	N/A	10.4	N/A
"" Total other debts ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………			703.2		693.5

(1) Specific accounting measurements for hedging

(2) Not classified as a financial instrument under IAS 39

Financial liabilities - stated at amortized cost	AC
Fair value through profit or loss	FV P&L
Fair value through other comprehensive income	FV OCI
Not applicable	N/A

* For fair value hierarchy see note 3.8.4

25. | OPERATING LEASES

The following table details the Group's obligations in relation to operating lease contracts, representing the minimum payments under non-cancelable leases:

(in millions of euros)	Payments outstanding as of December 31,
Due within	2017	2016
One year ………………………………………………………………………" "	201.8	212.4
Two years…………………………………………………………………………" "	155.8	169.4
Three years………………………………………….……………………………. " "	123.4	128.1
Four years…………………………………………………………………………" "	94.8	96.6
Thereafter…………………………………………………………………………" "	185.2	170.0
Total ……………………………………………………………………………." "	761.0	776.5

The total expense under operating lease contracts was €218.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 (€214.5 million as of December 31, 2016).

26. | RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Executive compensation

Expenses relating to compensation of the Executive Committee members of the Group are as follows:

		For the year ended December 31,
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016
Salaries and other short-term benefits ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….	8.8	7.4
Post-employment benefits (service costs) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………….	0.3	0.3
Indemnities at termination of contract …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………	2.1	6.9
(1) Free shares and stocks options ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………	1.8	1.5

(1) Share-based payment expense is detailed in Note 18 Share based payments

Salaries and other short-term benefits comprise the social security contributions and payroll taxes paid by the Group.

In the event of a breach of employment contract, the Group could have to compensate the Executive Committee members a total amount of €9.6 million.

27. | STATUTORY AUDITORS FEES

The table below is provided in accordance with regulation n° 2016-09 of the French Accounting Standard Authority (ANC) and sets forth the fees paid to statutory auditors in connection with their engagement in the parent company and the French subsidiaries. Amounts are exclusive of VAT and out-of pocket expense.

	PWC Audit		KPMG Audit		Total Auditors
(in millions of euros)	2017	2016	2017	2016	2017	2016
Audit services	1.0	1.2	0.9	0.9	1.9	2.1
Audit related services	0.2	0.2	0.1	-	0.3	0.2
Total	1.2	1.4	1.0	0.9	2.2	2.3

Other related services include the fees related to mandatory services performed in accordance with French regulation, as well as comfort letters and CSR report.

28. | LITIGATION & OTHER CONTINGENCIES

28.1 | Litigation

Rexel Group is subject to legal, administrative and regulatory proceedings in the normal course of its business. A provision is recognized in the balance sheet when it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits from Rexel or one of its subsidiaries will be required to settle the obligation and when the amount can be estimated reliably.

The principal proceedings are set out below.

Asbestos litigation

The Group is party to several proceedings relating to exposure to asbestos-containing materials in the United States. The Group believes that the risk of it being ordered to pay significant amounts in connection with these proceedings is limited, and that these lawsuits will not therefore have, individually or as a whole, a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations, since the claims may be rejected or settled for amounts partially or fully covered by Rexel's insurance policies. Considering the wide range of these claims, the different stages in the proceedings, the number of defendants and the absence of any individual claim, the Group cannot precisely assess the financial consequences that may result from these proceedings.

ACCC (Australia)

On December 3, 2014, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) commenced civil proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against several parties, including the Australian affiliate of the Group (Rexel Electrical Supplies PTY Ltd). The proceedings had been filed against five companies, six individuals and an industry association for alleged cartel and exclusionary conduct in the supply and acquisition of electrical cable in Australia. The last hearing took place on February 12, 2016. The judgement was issued on March 9, 2017 and dismissed both claims brought by the ACCC. Further to this decision, the ACCC sent a letter dated March 2017, according to which it informed Rexel that it would not file any appeal. This case is now closed.

The principal tax proceedings involving Group companies as of December 31, 2017 are described below:

Rexel

Following a tax audit, Rexel received in December 2011 a proposed tax reassessment in which the French tax authorities allege that Rexel did not demonstrate that its borrowings from Ray Finance LP (subsidiary of Ray Investment SARL) amounting to €952 million were real transactions; they also alleged that Ray Finance LP enjoyed a privileged tax regime and accordingly, rejected the deduction of €91 million of interest expense related to the 2005 to 2007 tax years. Rexel disputes the tax authority's position entirely and referred the case to the Administrative Court in April 2014. A provision amounting to €32 million was recorded by writing down deferred tax assets on tax losses carried forward. The Administrative Court decided in March 2016 that Rexel's position was correct. Tax authorities lodged an appeal against that judgment in July 2016. The provision was maintained.

Hagemeyer Finance BV Finnish branch

In a report in May 2014, Finnish tax authorities asserted that the interest on the financing used to acquire Elektroskandia Oÿ in 2008 should be allocated to the Dutch head office of Hagemeyer Finance BV, rather than to the Finnish branch. On that ground, tax authorities issued, in December 2014, the reassessment decision for years 2008-2012, resulting in an amount of tax payable of €11.3 million for fiscal years 2008-2012. The branch lodged an appeal in 2015 before the Board of Adjustments. In December 2015, reassessments for fiscal years 2013 and 2014 were issued, resulting in additional amount of tax of €1.5 million, which the branch contested also. In April 2017, the Board of Adjustments rejected the branch's claim. In July 2017, the Group referred the case before the court. Rexel considers that it is more likely than not that the matter will be resolved favorably in its interest and has therefore not recorded a provision.

To the best of Rexel's knowledge, over the last financial year there were no other legal or arbitration proceedings that might have or recently had a material impact on the financial situation or profitability of Rexel.

28.2 | Other contingent liabilities

The Group has granted the following warranties to purchasers in connection with the disposal of certain assets.

Latin America

With respect to the divestment of Latin America operations, the Group committed to indemnify for any damage incurred by the purchaser up to US\$9 million. In 2016, Rexel received a notice of claims for €1.3 million, settled for €0.4 million in 2017.

Slovakia, Poland and Baltics

The agreements entered into with Würth group in connection with the disposal of operations in Slovakia, Poland and the Baltics provide for indemnification of any damage and liability incurred by the purchaser. The aggregate liability for indemnification shall not exceed €8 million. This warranty had not been called as of the balance sheet date.

Environmental warranty

Under an agreement signed on February 28, 2003 with Ashtenne, a real estate company, concerning a sale and leaseback transaction relating to 45 sites in Europe, the Group agreed to indemnify the purchaser for any environmental liabilities with respect to third party claims and governmental injunctions. This warranty covers a maximum of €4 million free of VAT for all of the properties sold, with a minimum threshold of €30,000. This commitment expires five years after the expiration of the leases. This warranty had not been called as of the balance sheet date.

29. | EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

At the presentation date of the consolidated financial statements there have been no subsequent events after December 31, 2017 that would have a significant impact on Rexel's financial situation.

30. | CONSOLIDATED ENTITES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017

	Head office	% Interest
FRANCE
Holding companies and Group services companies
Rexel	Paris	Parent company
Rexel Développement S.A.S.	Paris	100.00
Rexel Amérique Latine S.A.S.	Paris	100.00
Operating companies
Rexel France S.A.S.	Paris	100.00
Dismo France S.A.S.	St-Ouen l'Aumône	100.00
Espace Elec S.A.S.	Ajaccio	100.00
Bizline S.A.S.	Paris	100.00
BCCT	Paris	100.00
Conectis S.A.S.	Paris	100.00
Francofa Eurodis S.A.S.	Neuilly-Plaisance	100.00
SBEM	Paris	100.00
La Boîte Electrique	Paris	100.00
Esabora Digital Services	Paris	100.00
Sofinther	Bouguenais	100.00
Cordia	Mitry-Mory	100.00
EUROPE
Germany
Rexel GmbH	Munich	100.00
Hagemeyer Deutschland GmbH & Co KG	Munich	100.00
Hagemeyer Deutschland Verwaltungs GmbH	Munich	100.00
Hagemeyer Beteiligungs GmbH	Munich	100.00
Silstar Deutschland GmbH	Emmerich am Rhein	100.00
Hagemeyer Holding Deutschland GmbH	Munich	100.00
United Kingdom
Rexel Senate Ltd	Birmingham	100.00
Denmans Electrical Wholesalers Ltd	Birmingham	100.00
Senate Group Ltd	Birmingham	100.00
Rexel (UK) Holdings Ltd.	Birmingham	100.00
Rexel (UK) Ltd	Birmingham	100.00
Newey & Eyre Ltd.	Birmingham	100.00
Parker Merchanting Limited	Birmingham	100.00
WF Electrical Plc	Birmingham	100.00
Newey & Eyre (C.I.) Ltd.	Guernsey	100.00
Warrior (1979) Ltd.	Birmingham	100.00
H.A. Wills (Southampton) Ltd.	Birmingham	100.00
Rexel UK Pension Trustees Ltd.	Birmingham	100.00
J&N Wade Limited	Birmingham	100.00
Clearlight Electrical Company	Birmingham	100.00
Power Industries Limited	Birmingham	100.00
Sweden
Rexel Sverige AB	Älvsjö	100.00
Moel AB	Bredaryd	100.00
Austria
Rexel Central Europe Holding GmbH	Vienna	100.00
Rexel Austria GmbH	Vienna	100.00

	Head office	% Interest
The Netherlands
Rexel Nederland B.V.	Zoetermeer	100.00
Cosa Liebermann B.V.	Hoofddorp	100.00
Rexel Holding Netherlands B.V.	Hoofddorp	100.00
Hagemeyer Finance B.V.	Hoofddorp	100.00
Borsu International B.V.	Hoofddorp	100.00
Rexel Holding Benelux BV	Hoofddorp	100.00
Italy
Rexel Italia SpA	Milano	100.00
Spain
ABM-Rexel SL	Madrid	100.00
Suministros Eléctricos Erka, S.L.	Renteria	100.00
Belgium
Rexel Belgium S.A.	Zellik	100.00
Portugal
Rexel Distribuição de Material Elecrico S.A.	Lisboa	100.00
Ireland
Rexel Electrical Supply & Services Holding Ltd.	Tralee	100.00
M Kelliher 1998 Ltd.	Tralee	100.00
Astrotek Ireland Limited	Tralee	100.00
Switzerland
Elektro Material AG	Zurich	100.00
Luxembourg
Rexel Luxembourg S.A.	Luxembourg	100.00
REXEL RE S.A.	Luxembourg	100.00
Czech Republic
Rexel CZ s.r.o.	Brno	100.00
Hungary
Rexel Hungary General Supply & Services kft	Fót	100.00
Slovenia
Elektronabava d.o.o.	Ljubljana	100.00
Russia
OOO Elektroskandia Rus	St. Petersburg	100.00
Finland
Rexel Finland Oy	Hyvinkää	100.00
Norway
Elektroskandia Norge AS	Langhus	100.00
Elektroskandia Norway Holding AS	Langhus	100.00
NORTH AMERICA
United States
Rexel USA, Inc	Dallas	100.00
SKRLA LLC	Dallas	100.00
SPT Holdings Inc.	Dallas	100.00
Rexel of America LLC	Dallas	100.00
Rexel Patriot Acquisition, LLC	Dallas	100.00
Bizline North America Inc	Wilmington	100.00
Canada
Rexel North America Inc.	St Laurent	100.00
Rexel Canada Electrical Inc.	Mississauga	100.00

	Head office	% Interest
ASIA OCEANIA
Hong Kong SAR
Rexel Hong Kong Ltd	Hong Kong	100.00
Huazhang Electric Automation Holding Co. Ltd	Hong Kong	100.00
LuckyWell Int'l Investment LTD	Hong Kong	100.00
China
Rexel Ouneng (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd	Beijing	55.00
Rexel Hailongxing Electrical Equipment Co. Ltd	Beijing	65.00
Rexel Electric Co. Ltd	Shanghai	100.00
Zhejiang Huazhang Automation Equipment Co. Ltd	Huanzhou	100.00
Rexel Integrated Solutions (Shanghai) Co. Ltd	Shanghai	100.00
Rexel China Management Co. Ltd	Shanghai	100.00
Suzhou Xidian Co. Ltd	Suzhou	100.00
Beijing LuckyWell-ZN Electrical Co. Ltd	Beijing	100.00
Beijing Zhongheng Hengxin Automation Equipment Co. Ltd	Beijing	100.00
Henan Qixin Automation Equipment Co. Ltd	Zhengzhou	100.00
Shanghai Suhua Industrial Control Equipment Co. Ltd	Shanghai	100.00
LinElec Business Consulting (Shanghai) Limited	Shanghai	100.00
Shanghai Maxqueen Industry Development Co. Ltd	Shanghai	60.00
Zhonghao (Shanghai) Technology Co. Ltd.	Shanghai	60.00
Jinan Rexel Enterprise Management Service Co., Ltd.	Jinan	100.00
India
Rexel India Private Limited	Pune	100.00
Korea
Gexpro Korea Co. Ltd	Seoul	100.00
Australia
Rexel Holdings Australia Pty Ltd	Sydney	100.00
Rexel Electrical Supplies Pty Ltd	Sydney	100.00
Australian Regional Wholesalers Pty Ltd	Sydney	100.00
EIW Holding Pty Ltd	Sydney	100.00
Hagemeyer Holdings (Australia) Pty Ltd	Sydney	100.00
New Zealand
Rexel New Zealand Limited	Auckland	100.00
Redeal Pensions Ltd	Auckland	100.00
Kingdom Saudi Arabia
Rexel Services KSA LLC	Riyadh	100.00
Rexel Arabia Electrical Supplies LLC	Riyadh	65.00
United Arab Emirates
Redco FZE	Jebel Ali	100.00
Rexel Emirates LLC	Abu Dhabi	90.00

III. Statutory auditors' report

PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit 63, rue de Villiers 92208 Neuilly-sur-Seine Cedex

KPMG Audit Département de KPMG S.A. Tour Eqho 2, avenue Gambetta 92066 Paris La Défense

This is a translation into English of the statutory auditors' report on the consolidated financial statements of the Company issued in French and is provided solely for the convenience of English speaking users. This statutory auditors' report includes information required by European regulation and French law, such as information about the appointment of the statutory auditors or verification of the information concerning the Group presented in the management report.

This report should be read in conjunction with, and construed in accordance with, French law and professional auditing standards applicable in France.

REXEL S.A.

STATUTORY AUDITORS' REPORT ON THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended December 31, 2017

To the Shareholders of Rexel S.A.,

Opinion

In compliance with the engagement entrusted to us by your Annual General Meeting, we have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Rexel S.A. for the year ended December 31, 2017.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements give a true and fair view of the assets and liabilities and of the financial position of the Group as of December 31, 2017 and of the results of its operations for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.

The audit opinion expressed above is consistent with our report to the Audit Committee.

Basis for Opinion

Audit Framework

We conducted our audit in accordance with professional standards applicable in France. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Statutory Auditors' Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements section of our report.

Independence

We conducted our audit engagement in compliance with independence rules applicable to us, for the period from January 1, 2017 to the date of our report and specifically we did not provide any prohibited non-audit services referred to in Article 5(1) of Regulation (EU) No 537/2014 or in the French Code of Ethics (Code de déontologie) for Statutory Auditors.

Justification of Assessments - Key Audit Matters

In accordance with the requirements of Articles L.823-9 and R.823-7 of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce) relating to the justification of our assessments, we inform you of the key audit matters relating to risks of material misstatement that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period, as well as how we addressed those risks.

These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on specific items of the consolidated financial statements.

Measurement of the recoverable amount of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives

Description of risk

As of December 31, 2017, goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives were recorded in the balance sheet for a net carrying amount of €3,914.9 million and €827.4 million, respectively, representing a total of 47% of the Group's total assets. An impairment test for these assets is performed at least once a year at the level of the cash-generating units (CGU) to which they have been allocated. As described in Notes 3.5 and 12.1 to the consolidated financial statements, an impairment loss is recorded when the recoverable amount of the CGU falls below its carrying amount.

The recoverable amount of a CGU (country) is measured based on discounted future cash flows and requires a significant degree of judgment from management, especially for the determination of revenue and EBITA margin forecasts as well as the selection of discount rates and long-term growth rates.

As described in Note 12.1 to the consolidated financial statements, performance in 2017 was lower than expected in some countries, which led the Group to adjust downwards its future cash flows, including the normative EBITA margin for those countries. As a result, the Group recognized a €133.7 million impairment charge for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Accordingly, we deemed the measurement of the recoverable amount of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful lives to be a key audit matter, due to the weighting of these assets in the consolidated balance sheet and the inherent uncertainty of specific inputs, in particular the likelihood of achieving forecast results included in such measurement and the impact of sensitivity analyses described in Note 12.1.

How our audit addressed this risk

We examined the Group's budgeting process upon which the forecasted cash flows used for the impairment tests are based.

For those CGUs for which the recoverable amount is close to the carrying amount, we performed the following:

• Assessed the components of the carrying amount of the CGUs to which the Group has allocated goodwill;
• Assessed the consistency of cash-flow projections with the economic environments in which the Group's subsidiaries operate, as well as the reliability of the estimate process in particular by examining any differences between past cash-flow projections and actual cash flows;
• Assessed, with the assistance of our valuation experts, the reasonableness of the discount rates applied to the forecasted cash flows of the various CGUs;
• Compared the long-term growth rates of CGUs with macro-economic forecasts;
• Corroborated including through interviews with management the reasonableness of the main data and assumptions underlying cash-flow projections (sales growth, EBITA margin);
• Tested the mathematical accuracy of the discounted cash-flow model used and the sensitivity analyses;
• Verified that Note 12.1 to the consolidated financial statements included the appropriate disclosures.

Suppliers rebates

Notes 3.7, 3.15 and 13.3 to the consolidated financial statements

Description of risk

The Group enters into contracts with its suppliers, through which it benefits from rebates, generally on an annual basis, based on the volumes of goods purchased and the performance of certain specific commercial actions. These rebates may be conditional or not on the achievement of pre-defined purchasing targets (unconditional or conditional rebates).

These rebates are recorded as a reduction of the cost of goods sold.

We deemed the recognition of suppliers rebates to be a key audit matter, due to:

• the significance of suppliers rebates,
• the variety of contracts,
• the estimates required in terms of determining the purchasing data to which contract clauses apply to calculate receivables at the closing date,
• and their impact on the valuation of inventories.

How our audit addressed this risk

We analysed the internal control procedures relating to the follow-up of rebates on contracts signed with suppliers and to estimating rebates in order to determine the cost of goods sold.

We also performed the following procedures:

• analysed, on a sample basis, the contracts signed with suppliers as well as the proper application of the terms and conditions of those contracts where used to determine rebates recognized during the year, particularly in terms of the volumes purchased and including for the estimation of suppliers rebates receivables at year-end;
• reconciled, on a sample basis, the amount of purchases made with the calculation bases for determining rebate receivables at year-end, as well as with any purchasing confirmations received from suppliers, and assessed the fulfilment of any conditional targets in terms of volumes purchased ;
• assessed the recoverability of supplier rebate receivables and verified that there are no aged uncollected receivables;
• compared the rebates collected after year-end with the rebate receivables recorded at year-end to assess the reliability of management estimates;
• verified, on a sample basis, the appropriate allocation of suppliers rebates to the valuation of inventories.

Verification of the Information Pertaining to the Group Presented in the Management Report

As required by law we have also verified in accordance with professional standards applicable in France the information pertaining to the Group presented in the management report of the Board of Directors.

We have no matters to report as to its fair presentation and its consistency with the consolidated financial statements.

Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Appointment of the Statutory Auditors

We were appointed as Statutory Auditors of Rexel by the Annual General Meetings held on May 16, 2012 for PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit and May 25, 2016 for KPMG Audit.

As at December 31, 2017, PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit was in the sixth year and KPMG Audit in the second year of total uninterrupted engagement, respectively.

Responsibilities of Management and Those Charged with Governance for the Consolidated Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless it expects to liquidate the Company or to cease operations.

The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring the financial reporting process and the effectiveness of internal control and risk management systems and where applicable, its internal audit, regarding the accounting and financial reporting procedures.

The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors.

Statutory Auditors' Responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

Objective and audit approach

Our role is to issue a report on the consolidated financial statements. Our objective is to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with professional standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.

As specified in Article L.823-10-1 of the French Commercial Code, our statutory audit does not include assurance on the viability of the Company or the quality of management of the affairs of the Company.

As part of an audit conducted in accordance with professional standards applicable in France, the statutory auditor exercises professional judgment throughout the audit and furthermore:

• Identifies and assesses the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, designs and performs audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtains audit evidence considered to be sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for his/her opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
• Obtains an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the internal control.

• Evaluates the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management in the consolidated financial statements.

• Assesses the appropriateness of management's use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. This assessment is based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of his audit report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern. If the statutory auditor concludes that a material uncertainty exists, there is a requirement to draw attention in the audit report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such disclosures are not provided or inadequate, to modify the opinion expressed therein.

• Evaluates the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements and assesses whether these statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation.
• Obtains sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements. The statutory auditor is responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the audit of the consolidated financial statements and for the opinion expressed on these consolidated financial statements.

Report to the Audit Committee

We submit a report to the Audit Committee which includes in particular a description of the scope of the audit and the audit program implemented, as well as the results of our audit. We also report, if any, material weaknesses in internal control regarding the accounting and financial reporting procedures that we have identified.

Our report to the Audit Committee includes the risks of material misstatement that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in the audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current period and which are therefore the key audit matters that we are required to describe in this audit report.

We also provide the Audit Committee with the declaration provided for in Article 6 of Regulation (EU) No 537/2014, confirming our independence within the meaning of the rules applicable in France such as they are set in particular by Articles L.822-10 to L.822-14 of the French Commercial Code and in the French Code of Ethics for Statutory Auditors. Where appropriate, we discuss with the Audit Committee the risks that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and the related safeguards.

KPMG Audit Department of KPMG S.A.		PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit
Valérie Besson	Jean-Marc Discours	Amélie Wattel	Christian Perrier