France-based electrical distributor Rexel reported sales were up 15.1% in 2007, or 2.9% on an organic basis, to €10.7 billion (US$15.6 billion).

In North America, sales were down 1.6% in 2007. In the U.S., sales were down 2.4%, in part due to the ongoing decline in residential construction and residential-related commercial projects. At Gexpro (formerly GE Supply), double-digit growth with key accounts, notably related to large project management, was seen.
 
In Canada, sales were up 1.5%, driven by mining and building markets in the West, as well as commercial activity in Quebec.
 
In the U.S., Rexel strengthened its platform by integrating Gexpro ahead of schedule, and demonstrated its ability to adapt its cost base to a difficult economic …