WESCO International, Inc. is a holding company for WESCO Distribution, a multinational electronics distribution and services company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. WESCO International, Inc., a publicly tradedFortune 500 holding company headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a provider of electrical, industrial, and communications maintenance, repair and operating and original equipment manufacturer products, construction materials, and advanced supply chain management and logistic services. 2018 annual sales were approximately $8.2 billion. The company employs 9,100 people, maintains relationships with 30,000 suppliers, and serves 70,000 active customers worldwide. Customers include commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, government agencies, institutions, telecommunications providers, and utilities. WESCO operates 10 fully automated distribution centers and 500 branches in North America and international markets.
History
In 1922, WESCO Distribution was formed as a subsidiary of the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, also based in Pittsburgh. It had existed for decades within Westinghouse as the subsidiary charged with selling and distributing company components in the electrical and industrial fields. WESCO maintained close ties to its parent. In 1994, the private equity firmClayton, Dubilier & Rice arranged for the purchase of WESCO from Westinghouse. CD & R sold WESCO to The Cypress Group for $1.1 billion in June 1998. This group formed WESCO International, Inc., which is the current owner of WESCO Distribution. In 1998, WESCO acquired the Bruckner Supply Company. On May 12, 1999, WESCO held its initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange, selling 9.72 million shares for $18 per share, raising $175 million. In 2005, WESCO acquired the Carlton-Bates Company. In 2006, WESCO acquired the Communication Supply Corporation. In 2008, the company was recognized for "environmentally sustainable business practices" through an Environmental Stewardship Award from Veolia ES Technical Solutions. In November 2010 the company acquired TVC Communications, a "distributor of broadband communications network infrastructure" for about. In 2010, WESCO acquired Brews Supply. In 2012, WESCO acquired EECOL Electric. In June 2012 the company acquired Conney Safety for an undisclosed sum. In 2014, WESCO acquired Hazmasters. In 2015, WESCO acquired Hill Country Electric Supply, Aelux, and Needham Electric Supply. In 2016, WESCO acquired Atlanta Electrical Distributors. On January 13, 2020, WESCO agreed to acquire Anixter for $4.5 billion in cash and WESCO stock.
