Paris, France-based electrical distributor Rexel reported sales for the second quarter of €3.3 billion (US$3.9 billion), up 0.1 percent from the same period a year ago. On a constant, same-day basis, sales were up 2.8 percent. The company reported a profit of €33.7 million (US$40 million), down from €57 million (US$67.6 million) a year ago.

In Europe (54 percent of group sales), second-quarter sales were down 0.7 percent to €1.8 billion (US$2.1 billion). Sales decreased in Germany (-2.3 percent), the United Kingdom (-4.3 percent), Scandinavia (-0.6 percent) and France (-0.2 percent).

Second-quarter sales in North America (36 percent of group sales) increased 1.6 percent to €1.2 billion (US$1.4 billion). U.S. sales grew 1.1 percent, and Canadian sales grew 3.6 percent. Asia-Pacific (10 percent of group sales) sales declined 1 percent.

For the first six months, total group sales were up 2.4 percent to €6.7 billion (US$7.9 billion). On a constant, same-day basis, sales were up 1.7 percent. The company reported a profit of €96.4 million, up from a profit of €95.8 million (US$113.6 million) the same period a year ago.