PARIS--(Marketwire - Feb 6, 2012) -

Rexel, a global leader in the distribution of electrical supplies, announces the acquisition of two companies in Brazil: Delamano and Etil.

Through these two acquisitions, the Group:

* Consolidates its leading position in Brazil, after the acquisition of Nortel Suprimentos Industriais in January 2011,

* Becomes the No.1 in the state of São Paulo, the richest and the most populous Brazilian state,

* Increases its sales in emerging markets, in line with its external growth strategy.

Rexel becomes a leader in the Brazilian market and the No.1 in the state of São Paulo Brazil is one of Rexel's key priorities in its external growth strategy, which aims notably at expanding the Group's presence in emerging countries. The size of Brazil's domestic market, its wealth in raw materials and its growth rate, combined with the opportunities linked to hosting major international events such as the Soccer World Cup in 2014 and the Olympic Games in 2016, offer strong growth prospects for the coming years.

Through the acquisitions of Delamano and Etil, Rexel adds combined annual sales of c. EUR100 million to the c. EUR120 million sales that Nortel Suprimentos Industriais contributed to Rexel's consolidated net in sales in 2011. In 2011, Nortel Suprimentos Industriais posted strong organic same-day growth of 12.5%.

The two new acquisitions consolidate Rexel's leading position in the fast- growing Brazilian market and make it the No.1 in the state of São Paulo, which accounts for one-third of Brazil's GDP and 22% of the nation's population.

Both acquisitions will be consolidated as from January 1st, 2012 and will be accretive from the first year.

Delamano

Based in Santo André, in the state of São Paulo, Delamano has distributed electrical supplies for 35 years and started an MRO activity a few years ago. Through 3 distribution centers based in Santo André, Campinas and Vitoria and 7 branches inside customers' facilities, the company posted sales of c. EUR60 million in 2011 and employed over 220 people.

With a strong presence in the South-East region, mainly in the state of São Paulo, Delamano has a solid reputation in the electrical distribution business along with recognized competence in managing relationships with its industrial customers. It offers good complementarity with Nortel Suprimentos Industriais and significant expansion potential.

Etil

Based in São Paulo since 1986, Etil is one of the major distributors of electrical supplies in the state of São Paulo with a strong focus on the real estate sector (business offices, hotels and restaurants,.). With 1 central branch and distribution center and 3 additional branches, the company posted sales of c. EUR40 million in 2011 and employed over 200 people. Thanks to its strong expertise in addressing the commercial end-market, Etil offers strong complementarity with Nortel Suprimentos Industriais and contributes to a significant reinforcement of Rexel's operations in the state of São Paulo.

Rexel in emerging markets

In line with its strategy to grow its operations in emerging markets, Rexel posted consolidated sales of EUR881 million in fast growing markets in 2011 vs. EUR624 million in 2010. This strong increase of 41% included a solid compound organic same-day growth of 14% and a positive impact from last year's acquisitions in Brazil, China and India.

In Latin America, Rexel's consolidated sales reached EUR215 million in 2011 vs. EUR79 million in 2010. The strong increase resulted from the consolidation of Nortel Suprimentos Industriais and solid compound organic same-day growth (Brazil and Chile) of 16%.

Rexel, a global leader in the distribution of electrical supplies, serves three main end markets: industrial, commercial and residential. The Group operates in 37 countries, with a network of some 2,200 branches, and employs 28,000 people. Rexel's sales were EUR12.0 billion in 2010. Its majority shareholders are an investor group led by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, Eurazeo and BAML Capital Partners.

Rexel is listed on the Eurolist market of Euronext Paris (compartment A, ticker RXL, ISIN code FR0010451203). It is integrated in the following indices: SBF 120, CAC Mid 100, CAC AllTrade, CAC AllShares, FTSE EuroMid, FTSE4Good and STOXX600.

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

PR Delamano Etil: [ http://hugin.info/143564/R/1582716/494574.pdf ]

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Source: REXEL via Thomson Reuters ONE

[HUG#1582716]