Paris-based electrical distributor Rexel Inc. reported sales of 2.576 million euro (US$3.509 billion) in the first quarter 2007, up 31% from the same period last year. Growth was 5.9% on a comparable basis.
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Rexel saw double-digit organic growth in Europe and Asia-Pacific, with flat sales in North America.
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Sales in the U.S. grew 1.1%. The West Coast, Florida and Mid-Atlantic regions, where Rexel has higher exposure to residential activity, were hit by the decline of residential and related commercial construction projects. The South Central and Southern regions, where industrial activity is stronger than construction, fueled organic growth. Industrial and automation equipment posted growth of 4.5% for the quarter.
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Canada saw growth of 2.5% in the first quarter.
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In Europe, growth was 11.4% in France, 7.4% in the UK, 10.1% in Germany, and 12.9% in the rest of Europe.
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In Asia, growth was 84.8%. Australia had growth of 9.8%.
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Acquisitions added 545 million euro (US$742 million) in sales in 2006.