Sonepar USA Strenghtens its Footprint on the West Coast With the Acquisition of ESSCO

PHILADELPHIA , Pa., May 16, 2008- Sonepar USA, Philadelphia PA, a subsidiary of Sonepar, is pleased to announce the acquisition of ESSCO Wholesale Electric, Arizona.

ESSCO Wholesale Electric, a leading electrical distributor in Arizona and California, is a full-line commercial and residential contractor supply house.

Founded in 1973 by Pasqua Dellisanti, the original name was Electric Surplus Sales Co. In October 1976, Don R.Tapia purchased the company and changed the name to ESSCO. Since then, he has developed the company into a 14 branch operation, now recognized as a leading player in the Southwest market.

"Being an established, healthy and growing business, Sonepar USA’s model fits well with our culture,” said Don Tapia. “Sonepar USA offers the same dynamism and expanded opportunities our employees have come to expect.”

Tony Burr, President of Sonepar USA, added, “We are delighted to welcome ESSCO to our family of businesses. ESSCO not only has a great reputation for service, but the company provides an entry point for Sonepar USA to expand into Arizona and California.”

Sonepar USA will now operate 253 branches in 35 states.

"This expansion of our footprint with a well-established company such as ESSCO is a great move for Sonepar USA, and a major opportunity for strengthening our position on the West Coast,” stated Tony Burr.

About Sonepar USA
Sonepar USA is made up of the finest electrical supply distributors in the United States. The company has 4,400 associates in 11 companies operating more than 240 branches in 33 states. In 2007, Sonepar USA achieved $2.9 billion in revenue. It is a member of the Sonepar group - the world's largest privately held electrical distributor. Worldwide, Sonepar employs over 25,250 employees, with 1,450 branch locations and 2007 annual sales of $15.3 billion.