We are pleased to announce that Franck Bruel will join Sonepar as of October 11th, 2010. 

Since 2006, Franck Bruel has been Executive President and Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of Point P as well as responsible for Saint Gobain Distribution businesses in four Southern European countries. Prior to that, Franck Bruel was based in Stockholm where, as CEO, he was responsible for the integration of the newly acquired Dahl Group which operates in six countries in Northern Europe. 

On top of his twenty-three years of sales and management experience in the building equipment B to B distribution sector, as well as his international sensitivity, Franck Bruel will contribute to Sonepar through his personal and professional values and convictions, which are dear to our Group. 

During the beginning of 2011, Franck Bruel will be appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President of the Sonepar Executive Committee (SEC) within the same General Management structure. 

Franck Bruel will thus succeed Frank H. Lakerveld who requested our Board to exercise his retirement rights in line with a previous agreement. Until his departure for retirement, Frank H. Lakerveld will pursue his full responsibility in the operational conduct of the Group with his well-known dedication and great talent. 

We would like to thank Frank H. Lakerveld for his outstanding contribution over the years to the development of Sonepar. 

During his integration period in the months to come, Franck Bruel will have the opportunity - along my side and with the cooperation of Frank H. Lakerveld and François Poncet - to become acquainted with our Group before taking on full operational responsibility. 

We warmly welcome Franck Bruel in our Group which he finds particularly attractive for its family ownership, distinctive human features and decentralized international organization.