Rexel plans to acquire GCG, a Chicago, IL-based provider of specialty wire and cable, connectivity, power and engineered solutions for critical infrastructure applications. GCG operates 16 locations with approximately 950 employees and is expected to reach over $1.1 billion of revenue in 2026.

According to the press release announcing  the acquisition, GCG combines specialty distribution with a complete range of advanced services including engineering, custom assembly, product modification, kitting, testing and rapid fulfillment. A significant portion of its revenue is generated from proprietary offerings, while more than 75% incorporates value-added products or services. These capabilities allow GCG to participate further upstream in product design and specification, help customers reduce installation time and labor, and build more embedded customer relationships.

The release saif the acquisition will position Rexel at the center of several powerful mega trends reshaping the global economy and its electrification. More than 60% of GCG’s revenue is exposed to high-growth segments including data centers, power/utilities infrastructure, grid modernization, communications, defense, utilities and other long-term growth markets where artificial intelligence, rising electricity demand and increasing technical complexity are driving sustained infrastructure investments.

Guillaume Texier, Rexel’s CEO said in the press statement, “The acquisition of GCG is an exciting and major step forward in Rexel’s strategy. It significantly expands our addressable market, strengthening our position in key, fast-growing segments. It moves Rexel into higher-value parts of the infrastructure value chain and creates a more complete offering across electrical power and digital connectivity.

“It’s financially attractive, immediately accretive to adjusted earnings and to Rexel’s EBITA margin, with substantial additional value creation potential from synergies and commercial expansion. The acquisition of GCG is fully in line with Rexel’s Axelerate 28 strategy, which aims at shaping our portfolio towards more growth and more value-added, and is a significant step in the direction of achieving our mid-term objectives.”

Guggenheim Securities and Rothschild & Co served as financial advisors to Rexel and Sidley Austin LLP served as legal advisor. Solomon Partners and J.P. Morgan served as financial advisors to GCG, with Kirkland & Ellis and Fredrikson & Byron serving as legal counsel.

Rexel SA had $22.7 billion in 2025 global revenues and 1,876 branches in 17 countries around the world. Its North American operations are ranked #4 in Electrical Wholesaling's 2026 Top Listing.