Founded in 1969 by Henri Coisne, the Sonepar group, electrical equipment distributor, grew rapidly thanks to the ongoing support of its family shareholders, organizing and structuring its business of electrical equipment distribution.

A group of European stature as of 1982, Sonepar is now enlarging its international footprint through targeted acquisitions around the world. The integration of substantial Hagemeyer assets in 2008 marks a major step forward in that direction.

Today, with 13 billion euros of turnover (2008 estimation), Sonepar is represented by over 160 companies operating in 34 countries on five continents. It is at the heart of a €140 billion global market which, due to the growing number of applications for electrical equipment, fast-changing product technologies, and the need for new services, has considerable further potential.

Sonepar's business involves seeking out manufacturers and identifying and selecting the electrical equipment and technical solutions best suited to market requirements and then making them available to its own customers - generally electricity professionals - in the right place, at the right time and at the right price. Its logistics expertise, which serves a dense distribution network, ensures efficient, reliable and rapid distribution of high-quality products.