FRANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA —French electrical distributor Rexel has agreed to acquire Chicago-based GCG from private equity firm Audax in a deal valuing the enterprise at approximately 1.4 billion dollars. To fund the transaction, Rexel intends to utilize existing cash reserves alongside 800 million euros in new debt, while planning an equity issuance of up to 500 million euros to maintain balance sheet leverage. Expected to close by the end of 2026 pending regulatory approvals, the acquisition will operate under Rexel's broader global network upon completion.
GCG provides specialized wire, cable, connectivity, and power infrastructure solutions across 16 locations in the United States, employing around 950 people and generating over 1.1 billion dollars in annual revenue. Rexel is a Paris-headquartered global distributor of electrical products, services, and energy solutions, serving commercial, industrial, and residential markets across multiple continents.
This strategic transaction positions Rexel to capture rising demand driven by electrification, grid modernization, and artificial intelligence infrastructure. More than 60 percent of GCG's current revenue originates from high-growth markets such as data centers, telecommunications, defense, and power utilities. Integrating GCG’s customized assembly, engineering, and rapid fulfillment capabilities allows Rexel to extend beyond standard distribution into higher-margin technical services and specialized infrastructure design.
The deal reflects a broader consolidation trend within the industrial supply chain, as distributors prioritize specialized, value-added capabilities to secure long-term utility and technology contracts. For investors and market participants, the acquisition enhances Rexel's exposure to North American infrastructure investments, providing meaningful commercial synergies and expanding its addressable market in high-demand technical sectors.
