The Acquisition of Anixter International by Wesco International

Abstract

The merger of Wesco International and Anixter, two major players in the B2B distribution and supply chain sectors, was completed on June 22, 2020. This merger, valued at $4.5 billion, has met and exceeded expectations, generating substantial value and establishing a dominant presence in the industry. The combination strategically shifted WESCO’s focus to more high-end markets, leading to significant sales growth, improved efficiencies, and expanded market presence. By leveraging the strengths of both companies, the merger has resulted in a 30% increase in 2023 sales compared to 2019, a 78% rise in adjusted EBITDA, and cost savings of $315 million, exceeding the projected $200 million target .

Adjusted net income for ordinary shareholders rose substantially from $225.9 million in 2019 to an impressive $763.6 million in 2023. Additionally, margin grew by 240 bps, and adjusted EPS surged from $5.20 in 2019 (WESCO International, Inc, 2020b) to $14.60 in 2023. Free cash flow substantially increased from $180.3 million to $700 million, while the leverage ratio improved post-merger, declining from 5.7x in 2020 Q2 to 2.8 in 2023. The company successfully reduced its total debt, returning to the desired leverage range ahead of schedule. The merger of Wesco International and Anixter has created a more robust company that has led to record sales and is well-positioned for continuous global growth (WESCO International, Inc, 2023).