February 2, 2021 – Rexel has acquired the Canadian Utility business of WESCO International, which had sought to sell the business in connection with its Consent Agreement with the Competition Bureau of Canada, stemming from its merger with Anixter International.

“I am pleased that WESCO Canada Utility’s team and competencies will join our Group,” said Roger Little, group executive committee member and CEO of Rexel Canada. “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.”

“We are pleased to complete this transaction with Rexel, which satisfies one of the conditions of our agreement with the Canadian Competition Bureau,” said WESCO’s chair, president & CEO John Engel. “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.”

Rexel says the acquisition of WESCO Canada Utility allows it to offer a complementary range of products to its existing utility contractor customer base, and further expand its footprint in the country.

WESCO Canada Utility business operates four branches in Canada with about 60 employees and sales over $70 million. The range of products (e.g. pole line hardware, cable accessories, connectors, transformers) is largely used for maintenance and upgrade activities.

“WESCO is committed to continuing to serve utility customers in Canada through the legacy business we acquired with Anixter,” added Engel. “I look forward to providing further details about this divestiture, as well as the continued integration of WESCO and Anixter […].”