PARIS and PITTSBURGH— Rexel announced today it has acquired the Canadian Utility business of WESCO International (“WESCO Canada Utility”). WESCO International had sought to sell the business in connection with its Consent Agreement with the Competition Bureau of Canada regarding its merger with Anixter International, which closed in June 2020. The net proceeds will be used to repay WESCO’s indebtedness.
The acquisition of WESCO Canada Utility will provide Rexel with enhanced development opportunities in an attractive and resilient business. It also allows Rexel to offer a complementary range of products to its existing utility contractor customer base and to further expand its footprint in the country.
WESCO Canada Utility supports public power utility producers and utility contractors in Canada, where hydroelectricity accounts for more than 60% of electricity generation and more than two-thirds comes from green energy. The business operates four branches in Canada with approximately 60 employees and sales over $70M. The range of products (pole line hardware, cable accessories, connectors, and transformers) is largely used for maintenance and upgrade activities.
Roger Little, Group Executive Committee member and Chief Executive Officer of Rexel Canada, declared: “I am pleased that WESCO Canada Utility’s team and competencies will join our Group. This is a unique opportunity for Rexel to accelerate its development in Canada in the attractive and green hydro utility business and to increase its recurring service revenues.”
Patrick Berard, Chief Executive Officer of Rexel, commented: “This transaction demonstrates our intention to resume our acquisition strategy, now that the group is back on sound footing and has reduced its leverage. The ambition is to acquire businesses that are complementary to our activity and can create further value for our stakeholders.”
John Engel, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of WESCO, said, “We are pleased to complete this transaction with Rexel, which satisfies one of the conditions of our agreement with the Canadian Competition Bureau. This transaction is a highly successful outcome for WESCO. We will support our associates as they transition to Rexel, and we wish them continued success. WESCO is committed to continuing to serve utility customers in Canada, through the legacy business we acquired with Anixter. I look forward to providing further details about this divestiture, as well as the continued integration of WESCO and Anixter, during our fourth quarter earnings call next week.”
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