French electrical distribution giant Rexel continues to execute its acquisition-driven growth strategy across North America, with a particular focus on the United States. The company has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Revere Electrical Supply, an Illinois-based specialist in industrial automation solutions. With revenue of $330 million in 2025, the transaction represents Rexel’s sixteenth North American acquisition in the past six years.
Analysis and insights by the experts at AURIS Finance, M&A advisory firm.
Rexel has agreed to acquire Revere Electrical Supply. The deal marks the group’s second acquisition in the United States since the beginning of 2026 and its sixteenth transaction in North America since 2020.
Founded more than a century ago, Revere Electrical Supply is a well-established player in the American Midwest. Headquartered in Mokena, Illinois, the company operates through a network of ten branches across Illinois and Wisconsin. It specializes in industrial automation, a high-value segment that Rexel has identified as a key strategic growth area in recent years.
A French Industrial Champion
While relatively unknown to the general public, Rexel is one of France’s leading industrial groups. Listed on Euronext Paris, the company serves as a critical intermediary between electrical equipment manufacturers and professional electrical contractors.
The group generated €19.41 billion in revenue in 2025 and serves three primary end markets: commercial and industrial buildings (46%), industrial customers (28%), and residential markets (26%).
Rexel’s business is concentrated across two major regions. Europe remains its historical core market, accounting for 49% of revenue, while North America has grown significantly and now represents 45% of group sales.
A Strategic Shift Toward North America
With the acquisition of Revere Electrical Supply, Rexel continues to execute its “Accelerate 2028” strategic roadmap, which prioritizes further expansion across North America.
This strategic rebalancing underscores the importance of the U.S. market within the group’s long-term growth plans.
The American market remains particularly attractive, supported by substantial industrial investment driven by reshoring initiatives, rapid data center expansion, electrification trends, and the modernization of energy infrastructure.
The acquisition of Revere significantly strengthens Rexel’s presence in the Midwest, one of the most industrialized regions in the United States.
The transaction offers meaningful synergies by expanding Rexel’s customer base, enhancing its expertise in industrial automation, and adding new supplier relationships to its portfolio.
An Aggressive Acquisition Strategy
Since 2020, Rexel has completed a series of acquisitions across North America aimed at strengthening its geographic footprint and expanding its capabilities in high-value market segments.
In 2021, the group completed two major transactions with the acquisitions of Wesco International’s Canadian operations and Mayer Electric Supply, a leading distributor in the southeastern United States.
Another significant milestone came in 2024 with the acquisition of Talley, a Los Angeles-based distributor specializing in wireless network infrastructure. Talley generated approximately $360 million in revenue and enabled Rexel to establish a stronger presence in the datacom and data center markets.
Both sectors are experiencing robust growth, fueled by surging data consumption and the continued rollout of 5G networks.
Overall, Rexel has completed sixteen acquisitions in North America since 2020, with Talley and Revere Electrical Supply representing the two largest transactions in terms of revenue contribution.
Our Experts by Your Side
Rexel’s acquisition strategy reflects a broader trend visible across many industries today. To gain market share, enter new geographic markets, and strengthen sector expertise, large corporations increasingly rely on external growth initiatives.
This dynamic also extends to SMEs and mid-sized companies, many of which combine organic growth with acquisitions, including expansion into the U.S. market.
The sector specialists at AURIS Finance support business leaders in acquisitions, disposals, and fundraising transactions. We help executives structure their growth strategies, identify relevant targets, and secure the financing required to execute their development plans.
