Sonepar Group Appoints Paul Klasing President of Sonepar USA

PARIS, FRANCE, September 16, 2008 – Sonepar Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Klasing as President of Sonepar USA, effective January 1, 2009. Klasing succeeds Tony Burr who has been appointed to a new global role focusing on strategic initiatives for the Sonepar Group.

"I am pleased to have Paul as a member of our Executive Team,” says Frank Lakerveld, Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Sonepar Group. “Paul’s experience will prove invaluable to our Sonepar USA operations. Partnering with Hagemeyer North America CEO Dave Gabriel in the USA market and enjoying the ongoing support of Tony Burr, I am confident that the Sonepar USA operations will continue to thrive under Paul’s leadership.”

Paul Klasing joined Sonepar on September 1, 2008. Prior to Sonepar, Paul was Executive Vice President, Stores, at Advance Auto Parts, where he worked for 13 years, leading 3000 company-owned store operations of retail stores in the US. His experience in the automotive industry gave Klasing strong expertise in merchandising and store operations.

Tony Burr has been asked to support group activities related to strategic and synergy opportunities between Sonepar’s businesses around the world. Burr will continue to reside in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Dave Gabriel’s role as CEO of Hagemeyer North America and President of USA operations remains unchanged. Because of their unique range of products, customers, and alternate channels, Hagemeyer North America will continue as a separate division from Sonepar USA. Gabriel will continue to reside in Charleston, South Carolina. All three report to Frank H. Lakerveld.

About Sonepar USA
Sonepar USA is made up of the finest electrical supply distributors in the United States. The company has over 4,600 associates in 12 companies operating more than 254 branches in 35 states. In 2007, Sonepar USA achieved $2.9 billion in revenue. Sonepar USA is a member of the Sonepar group, the world's largest privately held electrical distributor. Worldwide, Sonepar employs 34,000 employees in 160 companies across 34 countries and had 2007 annual sales of $15.3 billion.

About Hagemeyer North America
Hagemeyer North America, Inc. (www.hagemeyerna.com) is a distributor of products and services focusing on business-to-business markets in electrical materials, safety products, and industrial products and services throughout North America. Hagemeyer North America has annual revenues of $1.8 billion, and employs approximately 4,800 associates. Hagemeyer is a member of the Sonepar group, the world's largest privately held electrical distributor. Worldwide, Sonepar employs 34,000 employees in 160 companies across 34 countries and had 2007 annual sales of $15.3 billion.