SONEPAR USA ’s Viking Electric Supply Acquires Anchor Electric Supply

MINNEAPOLIS , Minn., December 14, 2007 – Viking Electric Supply, a subsidiary of Sonepar USA, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Anchor Electric Supply, a single-branch distributor located in Sturgeon Bay, Wisc., which primarily serves the contractor and industrial markets in the Door County peninsula.

Founded in 1991 by Pat Saladin, Anchor Electric Supply has since expanded to include six associates. Its new facility features more than 14,000 square feet, which includes employee offices, a showroom floor and warehouse space.

Pat Saladin will continue his day-to-day responsibilities as Branch Manager. The remaining staff of Anchor Electric Supply, a seasoned group of veterans with many years of experience both with Anchor and with other segments of the electrical industry, remains employed with Viking Electric Supply.

“The Anchor merger is a great extension of our business operations in Green Bay and northeastern Wisconsin. Pat Saladin has built a business model that focuses on customer service and has been an excellent competitor of ours for many years,” stated Greg Hames, President of Viking Electric. “We are pleased to welcome them into the Viking organization as our 24 th location in the Minnesota – Wisconsin market. We intend to continue the expansion of our Upper Midwest footprint and the Anchor purchase is part of that strategic plan.”

Viking will use the Anchor business as a foundation for growth in the Door County peninsula. The peninsula has enjoyed a tremendous surge of business and recreational activity as the highway infrastructure has improved in the area. Viking is committed to adding people and resources to the northeastern Wisconsin market to support this growth opportunity.

About Viking Electric Supply
Viking Electric, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, operates 24 branches throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Founded in 1964, Viking Electric has been serving the electrical contractor, industrial, tool and other related markets for over 43 years.

About Sonepar USA
Sonepar USA is made up of the finest electrical supply distributors in the United States. The company has 4,200 associates in 11 companies operating more than 200 branches in 32 states. In 2006, Sonepar USA achieved $2.4 billion in revenue. It is a member of the Sonepar group - the world's largest privately held electrical distributor. Worldwide, Sonepar employs over 22,650 employees, with 1,330 branch locations and 2006 annual sales of $12.4 billion.