Sonepar USA and Hagemeyer North America Join Forces in the Mid-Atlantic

PHILADELPHIA & CHARLESTON, S.C.--(Business Wire)--
Sonepar USA and Hagemeyer North America (HNA), both subsidiary companies of
global electrical distributor Sonepar, proudly announce the partnership of its
mid-Atlantic locations. Sonepar USA`s locations, operating under the company
name of Capital Lighting & Supply, will join forces with HNA`s mid-Atlantic
locations, formerly their Tristate Electrical & Electronics locations.

"This is our first formal partnership endeavor since Hagemeyer North America
joined the Sonepar family in 2008," says Paul Klasing, President of Sonepar USA.
"We`re excited about joining forces for the good of our customers, associates,
and suppliers in the mid-Atlantic region. Because we had two strong, successful
companies, some in overlapping markets, the decision to merge the companies was
an easy one. Our customers will reap the benefits of expanded products,
solutions, and expertise, and our associates will be united to share best
practices and strategies for improved growth and service. It`s a winning
combination."

John Hardy, President of Capital Lighting & Supply, has been appointed President
of the new organization. For the immediate future, the locations will continue
to operate under their existing Capital Lighting and Supply, Hagemeyer NA, or
Tristate names. Combined, the new organization will offer services from over 46
locations across Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia.

"We are very excited about this new relationship," says Hardy. "Tristate
Electrical & Electronics has a superior reputation as a fully-integrated
electrical and electronics distributor. Together we look forward to leveraging
each other`s strengths and expertise to grow market share. This opportunity to
work together just makes great business sense."

"Our companies have many similarities in vision, culture, customer service and
commitment to quality," says Scott McDowell, HNA Region Vice President. "Capital
Lighting & Supply has a commitment to providing their customers excellence in
service, electrical products, lighting and extensive application expertise. We
bring value to each other. "

The combination of these companies will result in a first class organization
based on commitment to customer service and local leadership.

About Sonepar USA and Capital Lighting & Supply

Sonepar USA (www.soneparusa.com) 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 253 branches in 35 states. In 2008, Sonepar USA
achieved revenues of $3.3 billion pro forma. Sonepar USA is a member of the
Sonepar group (www.sonepar.com), the world's largest privately held electrical
distributor. Worldwide, Sonepar employs over 34,000 employees, with 2,050 branch
locations and estimated annual 2008 sales of $16 billion pro forma.

Capital Lighting & Supply (www.capitallighting.com) provides electrical
products, lighting, and services to contractors, builders, and end-users in the
mid-Atlantic States. They service their customers from 21 locations throughout
Maryland and Virginia and from their new 220,000 square foot headquarters and
CDC in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

About Hagemeyer North America (HNA) and Tristate Electrical & Electronics

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 $1.7 billion and employs
approximately 4,800 associates. HNA is a member of the Sonepar group
(www.sonepar.com), the world's largest privately held electrical distributor.
Worldwide, Sonepar employs over 34,000 employees, with 2,050 branch locations
and estimated annual 2008 sales of $16 billion pro forma.

Tristate Electrical & Electronics Supply Company, Inc. is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Hagemeyer North America, Inc. Founded in 1927, it is a
full-service, value-added electrical distributor with 24 locations in Maryland,
Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Sonepar USA
Maria Venezia, Director, Communications, 215-399-5910,
Maria.Venezia@sonepar-us.com
or
Hagemeyer North America
Shannon Bennett, Director, Communications, 843-745-1845,
sbennett@hagemeyerna.com

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