Our history
In over half a century, Rexel has pursued organic and external growth to become a leading distributor of electrical products, solutions and services operating on three continents.
- 1967: Creation of Compagnie de Distibution de Matériel Électrique (CDME) by LEBON company, operating through four subsidiary companies (Revimex, Facen, Sotel, and Lienard-Soval)
- Expansion in France through the growth of family-owned regional businesses
- 1978: Creation of a trade electronics and IT hardware distribution division and diversification into the industrial supplies trade
- Expansion in Europe and the United States and IPO on the Second Marché of the French stock exchange
- 1990: Acquisition of CDME by Pinault Group, which becomes its largest shareholder
- 1993: Merger with Groupelec Distribution and a new name, Rexel
- 1998: Expansion into the Australian and New Zealand markets through an operating presence
- 2000: Setup of Rexel’s first joint venture in China, as Rexel Hailongxing
- 2000: Setup of Rexel Italia and gradual adoption of the Rexel name by the company’s foreign subsidiaries
- 2001: Operations in 33 countries, with 75% of sales generated internationally
- 2005: Sale of Rexel by Pinault Group to a consortium of investors and withdrawal from the Paris stock exchange
- 2006: Acquisition of Gexpro in the United States
- 2007: IPO on Euronext Paris (SBF 120 index)
- 2008 – Acquisition of Hagemeyer, including Elektroskandia in Scandinavia, ABM in Spain, Newey & Eyre in the U.K., etc.
- 2013: Creation of the Rexel Foundation
- 2014: Change of governance with the introduction of a Board of Directors and a new regional reorganization (North America, Europe and Asia Pacific)
- 2018: Exit from Southeast Asia
- 2018: Acceleration of organic growth through digital transformation, moving toward a data-driven, omnichannel company offering high value-added services
- 2018: New emissions-reduction goals, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative
- 2021: Introduction of a new “Power Up 2025” strategy and corporate purpose, “electrifying solutions that make a sustainable future possible,” by new CEO Guillaume Texier
- 2021: Acquisition of Mayer (U.S.), Winkle (U.S.), Valley Electric Supply (U.S.), Wesco Utility (Canada) and Freshmile (France)
- 2022: Acquisition of Trilec (Belgium), Horizons Solutions (U.S.) and Mobility Work (France), and exit from Russia
- 2023: Acquisition of Wasco (Netherlands), Teche Electric Supply (U.S.), Buckles Smith Electric Company (U.S.), Piscaer (Belgium), LTL (Canada) and Mavisun (France), exit from Spain, Portugal, Norway and the Middle East
- 2024: Acquisition of Talley (U.S.), ESI (U.S.), Itesa (France) and APEX Automation (Canada)
- 2025: To meet accelerated demand for electrification, digitalization and energy-efficient, sustainable solutions, launch of a new “Axelerate 28” strategy focusing on four priorities: empowered teams, innovative services, operational excellence and an expanded value proposition
- 2025: Acquisition of Schwing Electrical Supply and Warshauer Electric Supply (U.S.) as well as Jacmar (Canada)
- 2025: Sale of Rexel’s business in New Zealand and ongoing process in Finland to focus on highest-potential markets