  rexel is a french group founded in 1967, that specializes in the distribution of electrical supplies to professional users. it distributes products and services in the areas of automation, technical supply and energy management. the offerings cover a wide range, including lighting, security, automation, climate control, communication, building automation and renewable energies. the group has 2,300 sales outlets (branches) in 38 countries and 30,000 employees. the company positions itself as a leader in its market.http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/quote?ticker=rxl:fp ==history== ===1967-90 â creation: cdme, from french to international=== the rexel group originated from the compagnie de distribution de matÃ©riel electrique (cdme), created in 1967 by compagnie lebon. cdme was created by the merger of four companies (revimex, facen, sotel and lienard-soval). specialised in the sale of electrical supplies, the company developed in france by acquiring family-run regional companies. in 1978, cdme launched a branch for the distribution of professional electronic and computing equipment, and diversified into the industrial supplies trade. from the 1980s, cdme developed in european and international markets, establishing a presence in cyprus, saudi arabia, portugal, benelux, the federal republic of germany, singapore, and canada. in 1983, cdme entered the unlisted securities market of the paris stock exchange. it was at that time that it became the leading distributor of electrical supplies in france with more than 20 percent of the domestic market and a 6-percent share worldwide. in 1986, the company established a presence in the united states. at that time, it had around 350 sales outlets, including 65 abroad. in 1987, the compagnie franÃ§aise de l'afrique occidentale (cfao) became cdmeâs largest shareholder (68 percent). ===1990-2005: the construction of the rexel group=== pinault group acquired a majority stake in cdme in december 1990; cdme was then the biggest distributor of electrical supplies (30 percent market share) in france, belgium and portugal; this new subsidiary represented 38 percent of the pinault group revenue. in june 1993, cdme merged with groupelec distribution (third on the french market). the group adopted the rexel name. in the 1990s, th
1967_establishments_in_France CAC_Mid_60 Companies_established_in_1967 Companies_of_France Distributors Lighting_brands Private_equity_portfolio_companies