UK-based Wolseley plc, distributor of plumbing and heating products and building materials, reported group sales for the three months ended Oct. 31, 2008, were up 2 percent from the same period a year ago. Profit was down about 30 percent. Results continue to be impacted by the events in the financial markets and weakness in the housing markets. The decline in profit was primarily due to lower profitability in Stock Building Supply and Wolseley UK. Actions initiated in first quarter have resulted in headcount reductions of around 5,000. Further actions include headcount reductions of over 2,300, primarily in the UK. More
 
France-based electrical distributor Rexel reported organic sales growth of 0.4 …