WESCO acquires electronics distributor

WESCO International Inc., Pittsburgh, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire RS Electronics, Livonia, Mich., a distributor of electronic and electrical products serving the industrial, medical equipment, automotive and contract manufacturing end markets. The company has eight branches located in the Midwest and Southeast and forecasted 2011 sales of approximately $60 million. The deal is expected to close next month.

In a press statement, John Engel, WESCO's chairman and CEO, said, “Along with our acquisitions of Carlton Bates in 2005 and AA Electric in 2008, RS Electronics expands our industrial OEM customer base and electronic-based product offerings.”