Stuart C. Irby Co. Acquires Tennesco, Inc

Jackson, MS, November 11, 2008 - Stuart C. Irby Co., a subsidiary of Sonepar USA, today signed an agreement to acquire Tennesco, Inc. in Chattanooga, TN effective December 12, 2008.

Tennesco, established in 1985, has 11 employees and is a full line stocking distributor and manufacturers’ agent offering quality products to commercial and industrial customers. “Irby has had a utility presence in Chattanooga for years and this will give us the opportunity to move into the commercial and industrial market,” says Irby President Mike Wigton. “It will also strengthen Sonepar’s presence as a global distributor,” he continued. “Tennesco and Irby are very similar and share many of the same suppliers. The location of Tennesco close proximity to Irby’s Regional Distribution Center in Nashville will allow us to expand their product and service offering.”

Larry Cox, President of Tennesco, states, “This will be a great fit for Tennesco, our employees and our customers. Irby will bring additional products to help serve our clientele.” Larry Cox will continue to serve customers as he takes on his new role as Irby's Chattanooga Commercial & Industrial Operations Manager.

Irby, headquartered in Jackson, MS, operates 56 branches in 21 states and is one of the largest regional electrical distributors in the United States. The employees of Irby serve customers in four major market segments – industrial, contractor, commercial and utility – with innovative products and services.

Sonepar USA is made up of the finest electrical supply distributors in the United States. The company has over 4,600 associates in 13 companies operating more than 253 branches in 35 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.