Rexel reported sales for fiscal 2006 at 9.3 billion euro, or $12.1 billion, up 26% from 2005, and up 11.1% on a comparable basis (same scope of consolidation, exchange rates and business days).

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In North America, Rexel sales reached $5.2 billion, up 12.2% on a comparable basis from last year. Sales for the fourth quarter were $1.62 billion, up 4% from the same period a year ago on a comparable basis.

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Sales in Europe reached $5.9 billion for the year. Operations there posted double-digit growth.

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Overall, sales for Rexel in the fourth quarter were $3.5 billion.

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CEO Jean-Charles Pauze said that the performance, in part, reflects increases in copper prices, passed largely to customers and accounting for about half of the sale jump on a comparable basis.

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Key Sales Developments for 2006:
NORTH AMERICA – 43% of Group Sales, +12.2%

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  U.S., +13%: Western and Southern states’ growth was strong, fuelled by the oil industry and commercial projects. By product family, sales growth was driven by industrial automation at Rexel Inc., and lighting at GE Supply. Integration of the three 2006 acquisitions is proceeding in accordance with our plan,” Rexel reports.
  
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  Canada, +9.9%: Nedco and Westburne markets posted strong organic growth, generated by an active commercial end-market. The industrial end-market suffered from the strong Canadian dollar. Sales growth was strongest in Western regions and in Quebec.

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EUROPE – 49% of Group Sales, +10.4%

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  France, +10.4%
  
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  UK, +13.3%
  
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  Germany, +9.8%
  
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  Austria, +13.7%
  
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  Central Europe, +6.4%

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ASIA PACIFIC – 7% of Group Sales, +9.2%

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  Australia, +9%

More details here.

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Related Links:
Rexel 3Q Sales Grow 13.8%
Rexel Acquires Two North American Distributors

Rexel to Acquire GE Supply for $725M (Updated)
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