Paris-based Rexel, No. 2 on the list of the top 25 electrical distributors, reported sales for 2010 were €11.96 billion (US$16.4 billion), an increase of 5.8 percent over sales in 2009. Organic, same-day sales increased 1.3 percent. EBITA increased 24.8 percent to €592.5 million (US$812.3 million).

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For the fourth quarter, sales were $3.17 billion (US$4.35 billion), up 5.2 percent over the same period a year ago. Organic, same day sales increased 5.2 percent. EBITA increased 23.7 percent to €184.4 million (US$252.8 million).

\”Rexel continued to improve its performance in Q4, thanks notably to the recovery in sales in North America and further cost discipline,\” CEO Jean-Charles Pauze said. \”After recently announcing a series of acquisitions, notably in fast-growing countries, Rexel will continue its external growth in the coming quarters while accelerating organic growth with a strong focus on value-added services and solutions and energy efficiency.\”

In Europe (58 percent of sales), sales were up 2.8 percent in the fourth quarter and 1.4 percent in the full year.

North American sales (30 percent of sales) increased 9.1 percent in the fourth quarter, but declined 1.2 percent for the full year.

In Asia-Pacific (9 percent of sales), sales were up 13.1 percent in the fourth quarter and up 10.9 percent for the full year. The performance in the quarter was driven by double-digit growth in both Australia and China.

Sales in the Other category (3 percent of sales) were down 8.2 percent in the fourth quarter and down 3.4 percent for the full year.