WESCO INTERNATIONAL INC, S-1/A, 1999-04-19

WESCO INTERNATIONAL INC
S-1/A, 1999-04-19
ELECTRICAL APPARATUS & EQUIPMENT, WIRING SUPPLIES

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AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 19, 1999

REGISTRATION NO. 333-73299
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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AMENDMENT NO. 2 TO

FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

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WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DELAWARE 5063 25-1723345
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
</TABLE>

COMMERCE COURT, SUITE 700
FOUR STATION SQUARE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15219
(412) 454-2200
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL
EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

JEFFREY B. KRAMP, ESQ.
COMMERCE COURT, SUITE 700
FOUR STATION SQUARE
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA 15219
(412) 454-2200
(NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)

-------------------------

COPIES TO:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
MICHAEL C. MCLEAN VINCENT PAGANO, JR.
Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP Simpson Thacher & Bartlett
1500 Oliver Building 425 Lexington Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222-2312 New York, New York 10017
(412) 355-6500 (212) 455-2000
</TABLE>

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Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: AS SOON
AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. [ ]

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. [ ]

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [ ]

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]

-------------------------

THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SEC, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY
DETERMINE.

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<PAGE> 2

THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. WE MAY
NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER
TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE
SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 19, 1999

PROSPECTUS

9,725,000 SHARES
WESCO INTL. LOGO

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.

COMMON STOCK
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THIS IS OUR INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING OF SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK. WE ARE
OFFERING 9,725,000 SHARES. 7,780,000 SHARES ARE INITIALLY BEING OFFERED IN THE
UNITED STATES AND CANADA AND 1,945,000 SHARES ARE INITIALLY BEING OFFERED
OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA. NO PUBLIC MARKET CURRENTLY EXISTS FOR OUR
SHARES.

THE COMMON STOCK HAS BEEN APPROVED FOR LISTING ON THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE,
SUBJECT TO NOTICE OF ISSUANCE, UNDER THE SYMBOL "WCC." ANTICIPATED PRICE RANGE
$17.00 TO $19.00 PER SHARE.

INVESTING IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISKS. RISK FACTORS BEGIN ON PAGE 8.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PER SHARE TOTAL
--------- ------
<S> <C> <C>
Public Offering Price....................................... $ $
Underwriting Discount....................................... $ $
Proceeds to WESCO International, Inc........................ $ $
</TABLE>

We have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 1,458,750
additional shares of common stock on the same terms and conditions as set forth
above solely to cover over-allotments, if any.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities
commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this
prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a
criminal offense.

Lehman Brothers expects to deliver the shares on or about , 1999.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LEHMAN BROTHERS
BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.

DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE

GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.

ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO. ING BARING FURMAN SELZ LLC
INCORPORATED

, 1999
<PAGE> 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary.................. 2
Risk Factors........................ 8
Use of Proceeds..................... 12
Dividend Policy..................... 12
Capitalization...................... 13
Dilution............................ 14
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial
Information....................... 15
Selected Historical Consolidated
Financial Data.................... 20
Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations..................... 24
Our Business........................ 33
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
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<S> <C>
Management.......................... 46
Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions...................... 58
Principal Stockholders.............. 61
Description of Capital Stock........ 63
Description of Certain
Indebtedness...................... 65
Shares Eligible For Future Sale..... 70
United States Federal Tax
Considerations.................... 72
Underwriting........................ 75
Legal Matters....................... 79
Experts............................. 79
Available Information............... 79
Index to Financial Statements....... F-1
</TABLE>

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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

You should only rely on the information contained in this prospectus. We
have not authorized anyone to provide you with information different from that
contained in this prospectus. We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to
buy, shares of common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are
permitted. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of
the date of this prospectus, regardless of the time of delivery of this
prospectus or of any sale of common stock.

This preliminary prospectus is subject to completion prior to this
offering. Among other things, this preliminary prospectus describes WESCO as we
currently expect it to exist at the time of this offering.

Certain persons participating in this offering may engage in transactions
that stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the price of the common stock,
including stabilizing bids, syndicate covering transactions or the imposition of
penalty bids. For a discussion of these activities, see "Underwriting."

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This is only a summary and it does not contain all the information that may
be important to you. Unless we otherwise indicate, all information appearing in
this prospectus gives effect to a 57.8 to one stock split in the form of a stock
dividend of our common stock to occur prior to the offering. You should read the
following summary together with the more detailed information about WESCO and
the common stock being sold in this offering and our historical and pro forma
financial statements including the notes to those statements appearing elsewhere
in this prospectus.

OUR COMPANY

With sales of over $3 billion in 1998, we are a leading North American
distributor of electrical products and other industrial maintenance, repair and
operating supplies, commonly referred to as MRO. We are the second largest
distributor in the $72 billion U.S. electrical distribution industry. We are
also the largest provider of integrated supply services in the United States.
Our integrated supply solutions allow customers to reduce their operating costs
through comprehensive outsourcing of all of their MRO procurement purchases
through a single supplier with a highly automated process. We have over 330
branches and five distribution centers strategically located in 48 states, nine
Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico, Guam, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Singapore.
We serve over 130,000 customers worldwide, offering over 1,000,000 products from
over 23,000 suppliers.

Combining strong internal growth with acquisitions, our sales and income
from operations plus depreciation, amortization and recapitalization costs, or
EBITDA before recapitalization costs, increased at a compounded annual growth
rate of over 16% and over 42%, respectively, since 1994. WESCO's earnings
increased from a loss of $0.5 million in 1994 to $36.2 million in 1997. In 1998,
we recorded a net loss of $7.7 million resulting from a $51.8 million one-time
charge associated with our recapitalization.

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For information concerning sales, net income and EBITDA before
recapitalization costs for 1994, see Notes 1 and 7 to "Selected Historical
Consolidated Financial Data." EBITDA before recapitalization costs is presented
since management believes that such information is considered by some investors
to be a non-GAAP alternative basis for evaluating WESCO's ability to pay
interest and repay debt.
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<PAGE> 5

We generate a significant amount of cash flow and require low capital
investment to maintain our business. This significant cash flow is available to
be used to enhance stockholder value by making acquisitions, reducing debt or
repurchasing common stock.

Our key management personnel are both operators and owners, many of whom
have purchased significant equity positions over the past five years. Prior to
the offering, over 220 of our executives and managers collectively held over 32%
of our common stock on a fully diluted basis. None of our executives and
managers will sell any shares of common stock in the offering. Our stock
ownership and other incentive programs have closely aligned the interests of our
managers with those of our stockholders.

OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY

Our objective is to be the leading distributor of electrical products and
other MRO supplies and the leading provider of value-added related services to
companies in North America and selected international markets. In achieving this
leadership position, our goal is to grow earnings at a faster rate than sales by
focusing on continuous productivity improvement. Our growth strategy leverages
our existing strengths and focuses on developing new initiatives and programs
to:

- enhance our leadership position in electrical distribution;

- grow national programs;

- extend our leadership position in integrated supply;

- gain share in key local markets;

- actively pursue strategic acquisitions;

- leverage our e-commerce and information system capabilities;

- continue to improve profit margins; and

- expand our international operations.

OWNERSHIP

Upon completion of this offering, management will own approximately 29% of
our common stock on a fully diluted basis. The Cypress Group L.L.C. ("Cypress")
will own approximately 35% of our common stock on a fully diluted basis. None of
management, Cypress or its affiliates will sell any shares in the offering.
Three of the seven members of our Board of Directors are affiliated with
Cypress.

Cypress is a private equity firm which currently manages over $3 billion of
equity capital on behalf of major public and private pension funds, university
endowments, trusts and other leading financial institutions. Cypress seeks to
invest alongside experienced executives in growth businesses to achieve
long-term capital appreciation. The Cypress professionals have successfully
employed this strategy in numerous other investments such as Infinity
Broadcasting Corporation, Lear Corporation, R.P. Scherer Corporation, Cinemark
USA, Inc., Williams Scotsman, Inc. and Frank's Nursery & Crafts, Inc.

RISK FACTORS

See the section of this prospectus entitled "Risk Factors" for a discussion
of factors that you should consider before investing in the common stock offered
in this prospectus. These risk factors include competition, our substantial debt
and related restrictions, growth strategy, our product supply, the importance of
our information systems, our year 2000 compliance, our foreign operations, the
significant influence of our controlling stockholders, the possible volatility
in the price of our common stock, shares eligible for future sale, and
anti-takeover provisions in our corporate documents.
3
<PAGE> 6

THE OFFERING

Common stock offered by WESCO:

U.S. offering..................... 7,780,000 shares

International offering............ 1,945,000 shares
---------

Total................ 9,725,000 (1)

Common stock outstanding after the
offering.................................... 46,552,281 shares (2)

Use of Proceeds............................. We intend to use net proceeds of
$163.0 million from this
offering to retire all of the
outstanding 11 1/8% senior
discount notes due 2008, to
repay all of the existing
indebtedness under our revolving
credit facility, and the
remaining balance to repay a
portion of the Tranche B term
loan. See "Use of Proceeds."

NYSE Symbol................................. WCC

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(1) Excludes shares that may be sold upon the exercise of the underwriters'
over-allotment option.

(2) Based on 34,774,503 shares outstanding as of April 1, 1999, after giving
effect to the 57.8 to one stock split in the form of a stock dividend and
the conversion of certain outstanding notes in an aggregate principal amount
of $37 million into 2,052,778 shares of common stock at the offering price.
Currently, we also have authorized and issued Class B (non-voting) common
stock, which is identical to the common stock except that it has no voting
rights other than as required by law. The common stock to be outstanding
after this offering also reflects the possible future conversion of
outstanding shares of Class B common stock, at any time at the option of the
holders, on a share for share basis into common stock and the termination
concurrent with this offering of the rights of certain employee holders of
common stock to require us under certain limited circumstances to repurchase
all of their shares. See "Description of Capital Stock."

4
<PAGE> 7

SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth summary historical consolidated financial
data of WESCO as of and for the four years ended December 31, 1998, which have
been derived from WESCO's audited financial statements. Our business was part of
Westinghouse for the first two months of 1994. The results of operations and
financial data for that period have been combined with the results of WESCO for
the ten months ended December 31, 1994. For information concerning the period
ended December 31, 1994, see Note 1 to the "Selected Historical Consolidated
Financial Data."

The following table also presents certain summary unaudited pro forma
financial data of WESCO as of and for the year ended December 31, 1998, which
have been derived from the "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information" and
related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary unaudited pro
forma income statement data give effect to the recapitalization, the acquisition
of Bruckner and the offering as if they had occurred as of January 1, 1998. The
summary unaudited pro forma balance sheet data give effect to the offering as if
it occurred as of December 31, 1998. The summary unaudited pro forma financial
data are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to be
indicative of the results that would have actually been obtained had the
recapitalization, the acquisition of Bruckner and the offering been completed on
the dates indicated or that may be expected to occur in the future. Pro forma
results of the other acquisitions completed in 1998 are not included as they
would not be materially different from the consolidated results presented.

EBITDA before recapitalization costs represents income from operations plus
depreciation, amortization and recapitalization costs. EBITDA before
recapitalization costs is presented since management believes that such
information is considered by certain investors to be an additional basis for
evaluating WESCO's ability to pay interest and repay debt. EBITDA before
recapitalization costs should not be considered an alternative to measures of
operating performance as determined in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles or as a measure of WESCO's operating results and cash
flows or as a measure of WESCO's liquidity. Since EBITDA before recapitalization
costs is not calculated identically by all companies, this presentation may not
be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. Adjusted
working capital is defined as trade accounts receivable plus inventory less
accounts payable. Redeemable common stock is described in Note 11 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements. Under certain limited circumstances, the
holders of redeemable common stock have the right to require us to repurchase
all of the redeemable shares and the exercisable portion of the options. These
repurchase rights terminate upon consummation of the offering. The redemption
value of the shares and exercisable portion of the options at December 31, 1998
was approximately $130.3 million.

The summary historical and pro forma financial data should be read in
conjunction with, and are qualified in their entirety by, the historical
consolidated financial statements of WESCO and the notes thereto, "Selected
Historical Consolidated Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and "Unaudited Pro Forma
Financial Information," contained elsewhere in this prospectus.
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SUMMARY HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA FINANCIAL DATA
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
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1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998
-------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
(PRO FORMA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Sales, net.............................. $1,635.8 $ 1,857.0 $ 2,274.6 $ 2,594.8 $ 3,025.4 $ 3,205.3
Gross profit............................ 262.5 321.0 405.0 463.9 537.6 556.4
Selling, general and administrative
expenses.............................. 232.6 258.0 326.0 372.5 415.0 421.8
Depreciation and amortization........... 8.7 7.3 10.8 11.3 14.8 16.8
Recapitalization costs.................. -- -- -- -- 51.8(1) 51.8(1)
-------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income from operations.................. 21.2 55.7 68.2 80.1 56.0 66.0
Interest expense, net................... 20.0 15.8 17.4 20.1 45.1 40.5
Other expense........................... -- -- -- -- 10.1(2) 15.3(2)
-------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income before income taxes.............. 1.2 39.9 50.8 60.0 0.8 10.2
Provision for income taxes.............. 1.7 14.8 18.3 23.8 8.5(3) 12.2(3)
-------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
charge, net of taxes.................. (0.5) 25.1 32.5 36.2 (7.7) (2.0)
Extraordinary charge, net of applicable
taxes................................. -- 8.1(4) -- -- -- --
-------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss)....................... $ (0.5) $ 17.0 $ 32.5 $ 36.2 $ (7.7)(1) $ (2.0)(1)
======== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Earnings (loss) per common share (5),(6)
Basic before extraordinary charge, net
of taxes............................ -- $ 0.43 $ 0.55 $ 0.61 $ (0.17)(1) $ (0.04)(1)
Basic................................. -- 0.29 0.55 0.61 (0.17) (0.04)
Diluted before extraordinary charge,
net of taxes........................ -- 0.41 0.51 0.55 (0.17) (0.04)
Diluted............................... -- 0.28 0.51 0.55 (0.17) (0.04)
Weighted average common shares
outstanding
Basic................................. -- 57,842,483 58,680,756 59,030,100 45,051,632 46,023,806
Diluted............................... -- 60,883,283 63,670,919 66,679,063 45,051,632 46,023,806
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA before recapitalization costs.... $ 29.9 $ 63.0 $ 79.0 $ 91.4 $ 122.6 $ 134.6
Capital expenditures.................... -- 6.5 9.3 11.6 10.7
Net cash provided by (used for)
operating activities.................. -- 25.7 15.1 (12.0) 276.9
Net cash provided by (used for)
investing activities.................. -- (12.0) (110.9) (21.5) (184.1)
Net cash provided by (used for)
financing activities.................. -- (9.8) 87.2 41.1 (92.3)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Adjusted working capital................ $ 196.5 $ 222.5 $ 291.6 $ 338.8 $ 146.7(7) $ 146.7(7)
Total assets............................ 533.7 581.3 773.5 870.9 950.5 952.3
Total long-term debt (including current
portion).............................. 180.6 177.9 262.2 295.2 595.8 406.7
Redeemable common stock................. 5.5 7.7 8.9 9.0 21.5 --
Stockholders' equity (deficit).......... 99.5 116.4 148.7 184.5 (142.6) 70.4
OTHER DATA:
Sales growth............................ 13.5% 22.5% 14.1% 16.6% 23.5%
Growth of EBITDA before recapitalization
costs................................. 110.7% 25.4% 15.6% 34.1% 47.3%
</TABLE>

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(1) Reflects a one-time charge related to the recapitalization, and primarily
includes noncapitalized financing expenses, professional and legal fees and
management compensation costs. Excluding the effects of this charge, net
income would have been $30.6 million and diluted earnings per share would
have been $0.59 and pro forma net income would have been $36.3 million and
pro forma diluted earnings per share would have been $0.74.

(2) Represents costs relating to the sale of accounts receivable pursuant to
the receivables facility.
(3) Certain nondeductible recapitalization costs and other permanent
differences significantly exceeded income before income taxes and resulted
in an unusually high provision for income taxes.
(4) Represents a charge, net of taxes, relating to the writeoff of unamortized
debt issuance and other costs associated with the early extinguishment of
debt.

(5) For the year ended December 31, 1998, $1.3 million of the interest on
convertible debt and 6,630,180 common share equivalents have not been
included, since the impact was anti-dilutive.

(7) Excludes $274.2 million of accounts receivable pursuant to the sale in 1998
of such receivables in connection with the receivables facility.
7
<PAGE> 10

RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the following factors and other information
contained in this prospectus in evaluating our business before deciding to
invest in the shares of our common stock.

AN INCREASE IN COMPETITION COULD DECREASE SALES OR EARNINGS

The distribution industry for electrical products and other industrial MRO
supplies and services is very competitive. Competition is primarily focused on
the local service area. We compete directly with national and regional
broad-based companies, niche companies carrying only specialized products, and
small, local companies with one or a few locations. Another source of
competition in this industry is buying groups formed by smaller distributors to
increase purchasing power and provide some cooperative marketing capability.

Some of our existing competitors have, and new market entrants may have,
greater financial and marketing resources than we do. To the extent existing or
future competitors seek to gain or retain market share by reducing prices, we
may be required to lower our prices, thereby adversely affecting financial
results.

OUR SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF DEBT COULD LIMIT OUR GROWTH AND IMPOSES RESTRICTIONS
ON OUR BUSINESS

We have incurred substantial indebtedness. Our level of debt could
adversely affect the interests of our stockholders, for example, by limiting our
ability to:

- use operating cash flow in other areas of our business since we must
dedicate a substantial portion of these funds to pay interest and retire
debt;

- obtain additional financing to fund our growth strategy, capital
expenditures and other purposes; and

- react to changing market conditions and economic downturns.

Before giving effect to this offering, we had $595.8 million of
indebtedness as of December 31, 1998, and on a pro forma basis after giving
effect to the use of net proceeds in this offering, we would have had $406.7
million of indebtedness. We may incur additional indebtedness in the future to
fund our growth strategy and for general corporate purposes, subject to certain
limitations contained in the instruments governing our indebtedness.

Our debt agreements contain numerous financial and operating covenants that
limit our discretion with respect to certain business matters. These covenants
place significant restrictions on, among other things:

- our ability to incur additional indebtedness;

- to pay dividends and other distributions;

- to repay our obligations; and

- to merge or consolidate with other entities.

SUCCESS OF OUR GROWTH STRATEGY MAY BE LIMITED BY THE AVAILABILITY OF APPROPRIATE
ACQUISITIONS AND OUR ABILITY TO INTEGRATE ACQUIRED BUSINESSES INTO OURS

A principal component of our strategy is to continue to expand through
additional acquisitions that complement our operations in new or existing
markets. Our acquisitions will involve risks, including the successful
integration and management of acquired operations and personnel. The integration
of acquired businesses may also lead to the loss of key employees of the
acquired companies and diversion of management attention from ongoing business
concerns. We may not be able to identify businesses that meet our strategic
criteria and acquire them on satisfactory terms. We

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also may not have access to sufficient capital to complete certain acquisitions.
Future acquisitions may not prove advantageous and could have a material adverse
effect on our operating results.

LOSS OF KEY SUPPLIERS OR LACK OF PRODUCT AVAILABILITY COULD DECREASE SALES AND
EARNINGS

Most of our agreements with suppliers are generally terminable by either
party on no more than 60 days notice. Our ten largest suppliers in 1998
accounted for approximately 38% of our purchases for the period. Our largest
supplier was Eaton Corporation, through its Cutler-Hammer division, accounting
for approximately 15% of our purchases. The loss of, or a substantial decrease
in the availability of, products from any of these suppliers, or the loss of key
preferred supplier agreements, could have a material adverse effect on our
business. In addition, supply interruptions could arise from shortages of raw
materials, labor disputes or weather conditions affecting products or shipments,
transportation disruptions or other reasons beyond our control. An interruption
of operations at any of our five distribution centers could have a material
adverse effect on the operations of branches served by the affected distribution
center. Furthermore, we cannot assure that particular products, or product
lines, will be available to us, or available in quantities sufficient to meet
customer demand. This limited product access could put us at a competitive
disadvantage.

A DISRUPTION OF OUR INFORMATION SYSTEMS COULD INCREASE EXPENSES, DECREASE SALES
OR REDUCE EARNINGS

A serious disruption of our information systems could have a material
adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Our computer systems
are an integral part of our business and growth strategies. We depend on our
information systems to process orders, manage inventory and accounts receivable
collections, purchase products, ship products to our customers on a timely
basis, maintain cost-effective operations and provide superior service to our
customers.

OUR SYSTEMS MAY NOT BE YEAR 2000 COMPLIANT AND COULD CAUSE A TEMPORARY
DISRUPTION OF OUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS RESULTING IN INCREASED EXPENSES, DECREASED
SALES OR REDUCED EARNINGS

The Year 2000 issue concerns the ability of automated applications to
process date-dependent processes, calculations, and information by properly
interpreting the year. With respect to WESCO, the Year 2000 issue may
potentially impact business-critical computerized applications related to, among
others, customer sales, service and invoicing, purchasing, inventory management,
payroll, financing, and financial accounting and reporting. In addition, other
non business-critical systems and services may also be affected.

Year 2000 compliance has already been achieved in many systems. Other
systems and processes critical to our business which are not Year 2000 compliant
are either being replaced or corrected through program changes, application
upgrades or replacement. We expect to have substantially completed required
remediation efforts by July 1999. Our project team is also developing or
enhancing contingency plans to minimize the potential adverse effect the Year
2000 issue could have on WESCO in the event business-critical systems and
processes fail to be compliant.

OUR FOREIGN OPERATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISKS AND MAY BE
ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY FOREIGN CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS

Although only 1% of our sales are presently realized outside of the United
States and Canada, we believe substantial opportunities exist for us in other
international markets. As our business activities increase in these markets,
economic and political conditions of each local market may adversely affect our
results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Our results of
operations and the value of our foreign assets are affected by fluctuations in
foreign currency exchange rates, new and different legal, tax, accounting and
regulatory requirements.

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OUR CONTROLLING STOCKHOLDERS WILL OWN APPROXIMATELY 42% OF OUR COMMON STOCK AND
CAN EXERCISE SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE OVER OUR AFFAIRS

After the offering, approximately 42% of the issued and outstanding shares
of common stock will be held by Cypress and its affiliates. Accordingly, Cypress
and its affiliates can exercise significant influence over our affairs,
including the election of our directors, appointment of our management and
approval of actions requiring the approval of our stockholders, including the
adoption of amendments to our certificate of incorporation and approval of
mergers or sales of substantially all of our assets. The voting power of these
stockholders under certain circumstances could have the effect of delaying or
preventing a change in control of WESCO.

OUR COMMON STOCK HAS NEVER BEEN PUBLICLY TRADED AND THE PRICE OF OUR COMMON
STOCK MAY FLUCTUATE SIGNIFICANTLY

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common
stock. Our common stock has been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to
notice of issuance, under the symbol "WCC". We do not know how the common stock
will trade in the future. We determined the initial public offering price
through negotiations with the underwriters. You may not be able to resell your
shares at or above the initial offering price because the market price for
shares of our common stock may fluctuate based on a number of factors including:

- our operating performance and the performance of other similar companies;

- news announcements relating to us, our industry or our competitors;

- changes in earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts;

- changes in general economic conditions;

- other developments affecting us, our industry, or our competitors; and

- the stock market has experienced significant price and volume
fluctuations in recent years, which are often unrelated to the operating
performance of specific companies.

A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF SHARES WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE BY OUR CURRENT
STOCKHOLDERS, AND THE SALE OF THOSE SHARES COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR STOCK
PRICE

Upon completion of the offering, our current stockholders and holders of
options to acquire common stock, including our executive officers and directors
and their affiliates, will beneficially own approximately 79.1% of the
outstanding shares of our common stock (76.7%, if the underwriters'
over-allotment option is exercised in full) and the rights to purchase an
additional 2.4% of our outstanding common stock through the exercise of
currently exercisable options. After expiration of a 180-day "lock-up" period,
these holders will in general be entitled to dispose of their shares. Sales of
substantial amounts of our common stock, or the perception that such sales could
occur at the expiration of such 180 day period, may materially adversely affect
the prevailing market price of our common stock from time to time.

PROVISIONS IN OUR CORPORATE DOCUMENTS COULD DELAY OR PREVENT A CHANGE IN CONTROL
OF OUR COMPANY

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain several provisions
which may have anti-takeover effects and may discourage, delay or prevent a
takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in his best interest. These
provisions include the requirements that:

- our board of directors will be classified into three classes with
staggered terms; and

- our board of directors will have the authority to authorize the issuance
of preferred stock, which could adversely affect the voting and other
rights of the holders of our common stock.

10
<PAGE> 13

THIS PROSPECTUS CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements regarding our business.
When used in this prospectus, the words "anticipates," "plans," "believes,"
"estimates," "intends," "expects," "projects" and similar expressions may
identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements
contain such words. Such statements, including, but not limited to, our
statements regarding business strategy, growth strategy, productivity and
profitability enhancement, new product and service introductions and liquidity
and capital resources are based on management's beliefs, as well as on
assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management, and
involve various risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond our
control. Our actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any
forward-looking statement made by or on our behalf. In light of these risks and
uncertainties there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information
will in fact prove to be accurate. Factors that might cause actual results to
differ from such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to,
those discussed in "Risk Factors."

11
<PAGE> 14

USE OF PROCEEDS

Based on an assumed initial public offering price of $18.00 per share (the
midpoint of the estimated range of initial public offering prices), we will
receive approximately $163.0 million from the sale of shares of common stock in
the offering after deduction of estimated underwriting discounts and commissions
and estimated expenses (approximately $187.6 million if the underwriters' over-
allotment option is exercised in full). We intend to use net proceeds of $59.7
million from the offering to retire all of the outstanding 11 1/8% senior
discount notes due 2008 (of which $53.7 million will be applied to the principal
amount of such notes and $6.0 million will be applied to a prepayment premium),
$42.4 million to repay all of the existing indebtedness under the revolving
credit facility, and the remaining balance to repay a portion of the Tranche B
term loan.

The senior discount notes were sold at a discount resulting in a yield to
maturity of 11.175% per annum and will mature on June 1, 2008. As of December
31, 1998, the interest rate on the Tranche B term loan was 7.8% per annum, and
the interest rate on borrowings under the revolving credit facility was 8.3% per
annum. The revolving credit facility matures on June 5, 2004. The Tranche B term
loan matures on June 5, 2006. WESCO used the proceeds of the revolving credit
facility for general corporate purposes. WESCO used the proceeds of the Tranche
B term loan and the proceeds of the issuance of senior discount notes to pay
certain fees and expenses and to repay certain indebtedness in connection with
the recapitalization. See Note 9 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

DIVIDEND POLICY

We have not paid or declared any dividends on our capital stock since our
inception. We anticipate that, following the completion of the offering,
earnings will be retained to support the growth of our business and will not be
distributed to stockholders as dividends. The declaration and payment of any
future dividends and the amount thereof will be determined by our board of
directors and will depend upon our results of operations, financial condition,
cash requirements, future prospects, limitations imposed by credit and debt
agreements and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."

Pursuant to our credit and debt agreements, we may not declare or make, or
agree to declare or make, directly or indirectly, any dividends, except that we
may declare and pay dividends with respect to our capital stock payable solely
in additional shares of our common stock or options, warrants or other rights to
purchase our common stock. For further information concerning dividend
restrictions, see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

12
<PAGE> 15

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization as of
December 31, 1998. Our capitalization is presented on an actual basis and on a
pro forma basis. The pro forma presentation gives effect to:

- our sale of 9,725,000 shares of common stock in the offering at an
assumed initial public offering price of $18.00 per share (the midpoint
of the estimated range of initial public offering prices) after deducting
estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering
expenses and the anticipated application of the net proceeds from the
offering; and

- the conversion of certain outstanding notes in the aggregate principal
amount of $37 million and the termination of certain employees' rights to
require WESCO to repurchase outstanding redeemable common stock.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1998
-------------------------
PRO FORMA
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED(1)
------- --------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents................................... $ 8.1 $ 8.1
======= =======
Total debt:
Credit facilities:
Revolving facility..................................... $ 42.4 $ --
Delayed draw term facility............................. -- --
Term loans............................................. 169.5 109.2
Senior subordinated notes................................. 289.2 289.2
Senior discount notes..................................... 52.1 --
Other debt................................................ 42.6 8.3
------- -------
Total debt........................................ 595.8 406.7
Redeemable common stock, 4,901,902 shares issued and
outstanding; as adjusted, none............................ 21.5 --
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock: $.01 par value, none; as adjusted,
20,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and
outstanding............................................ -- --
Common stock:
Common stock, $.01 par value, 120,000,000 shares
authorized, 25,209,817 shares issued and outstanding;
as adjusted, 41,889,497 shares issued and
outstanding............................................ 0.3 0.4
Class B common stock (non-voting), $.01 par value,
10,000,000 shares authorized, 4,653,131 shares issued
and outstanding; as adjusted, 4,653,131 shares issued
and outstanding........................................ -- --

Additional capital........................................ 326.7 545.5
Retained earnings (deficit)............................... (468.2)(2) (474.1)(2)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)............. (1.4) (1.4)
------- -------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit).............. (142.6) 70.4
------- -------
Total capitalization......................... $ 474.7 $ 477.1
======= =======
</TABLE>

- -------------------------

(1) See "Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Information."
(2) Reflects the effects of the recapitalization. See Note 3 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements.

13
<PAGE> 16

DILUTION

Our pro forma deficit in consolidated net tangible book value as of
December 31, 1998 was $(346.6) million or $(9.41) per share of our common stock.
Pro forma deficit in consolidated net tangible book value per share represents
the excess of total liabilities over total tangible assets adjusted for the
conversion of certain outstanding notes in the aggregate principal amount of $37
million and the termination of certain employees' rights to require WESCO to
repurchase outstanding redeemable common stock divided by the adjusted number of
shares of common stock outstanding. After giving effect to the sale of the
shares of our common stock in the offering (at an assumed initial offering price
of $18 per share) and before deducting anticipated offering expenses and
underwriting discounts and commissions, our adjusted pro forma deficit in
consolidated net tangible book value as of December 31, 1998 would have been
$(171.6) million or $(3.69) per share, representing an immediate $21.69 per
share dilution to new investors purchasing shares at the initial public offering
price. The following table illustrates such per share dilution.

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Assumed initial public offering price per share............. $ 18.00
-------
Pro forma deficit in consolidated net tangible book value
per share as of December 31, 1998......................... $ (9.41)
-------
Increase per share attributable to new investors.......... $ 5.72
-------
Deficit in consolidated net tangible book value per share
after the offering........................................ $ (3.69)
-------
Dilution per share to new investors......................... $ 21.69
=======
</TABLE>

The following table sets forth, on a pro forma basis as of December 31,
1998, the number of shares of common stock purchased from WESCO, the total
consideration paid and the average price per share paid by existing stockholders
and by new investors (assuming the sale by WESCO of 9,725,000 shares in the
offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $18 per share), before
deduction of underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses
(dollars in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES PURCHASED TOTAL CONSIDERATION
--------------------- -------------------
PERCENT PERCENT AVERAGE
AFTER AFTER PRICE
NUMBER OFFERING AMOUNT OFFERING PER SHARE
---------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Existing stockholders(1).......... 36,817,628 79.1% $377,030 68.3% $10.24
---------- ----- -------- ----- ------
New stockholders.................. 9,725,000 20.9 175,050 31.7 18.00
---------- ----- -------- ----- ------
Total........................ 46,542,628 100.0% $552,080 100.0%
========== ===== ======== =====
</TABLE>

- -------------------------

(1) Includes shares issuable upon the conversion of certain outstanding notes in
the aggregate principal amount of $37 million.

The foregoing tables assume no exercise of any outstanding stock options or
the underwriters' over-allotment options. As of December 31, 1998, there were
outstanding exercisable options to purchase 5,133,912 shares of common stock at
a weighted average exercise price of approximately $2.05 per share. To the
extent that the outstanding options are exercised, the effect of the option
exercises will be anti-dilutive to new investors.

14
<PAGE> 17

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following unaudited pro forma financial information of WESCO has been
prepared to give effect to the acquisition of Bruckner, the recapitalization and
the offering. We treated the recapitalization as a leveraged recapitalization
for financial reporting purposes; accordingly, the historical basis of our
assets and liabilities was not affected by the transaction. For a discussion of
the recapitalization, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations -- Recent Developments."

The pro forma adjustments presented are based upon available information
and include certain assumptions and adjustments that we believe are reasonable
under the circumstances. These adjustments are directly attributable to the
transactions referenced above and are expected to have a continuing impact on
our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our historical
condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1998 and the statement
of operations for the year ended December 31, 1998 were derived from our
Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.

Our unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet gives effect
to the offering as if it had occurred on December 31, 1998. Our unaudited pro
forma condensed consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December
31, 1998 gives effect to the acquisition of Bruckner, the recapitalization and
the offering as if they occurred on January 1, 1998.

The historical financial data of Bruckner for the period January 1, 1998 to
September 11, 1998 (the acquisition date) was derived from its unaudited
financial statements. The acquisition of Bruckner was accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting pursuant to which the total purchase price was
allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed
based on their estimated fair values. None of the acquisitions described in the
prospectus, excluding Bruckner, met the individual or aggregate criteria
outlined by the SEC's significant subsidiary test.

The unaudited pro forma financial information and related notes thereto are
provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect our
results of operations or financial condition that would have actually resulted
had the events referred to above or in the notes to the unaudited pro forma
financial information been consummated. In addition, the unaudited pro forma
financial information is not intended to project our financial condition or
results of operations for any future period and does not necessarily reflect the
effect of an extraordinary charge of $9.6 million expected to result from the
offering related to the early extinguishment of outstanding 11 1/8% senior
discount notes and a portion of the credit facilities.

15
<PAGE> 18

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
WESCO OFFERING WESCO
HISTORICAL ADJUSTMENTS AS ADJUSTED
---------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents........................ $ 8,093 $ 8,093
Trade accounts receivable........................ 181,511 181,511
Other accounts receivable........................ 22,265 22,265
Inventories...................................... 343,764 343,764
Other current assets............................. 26,438 $ 3,759(1) 30,197
--------- ----------- --------
Total current assets........................ 582,071 3,759 585,830
Property, buildings and equipment, net........... 107,596 107,596
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization........ 234,049 234,049
Other assets..................................... 26,806 (2,002)(2) 24,804
--------- ----------- --------
Total assets................................ $ 950,522 $ 1,757 $952,279
========= =========== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable................................. $ 378,590 $378,590
Accrued payroll and benefit costs................ 19,614 19,614
Current portion long-term debt................... 16,592 $ (6,950)(3) 9,642
Other current liabilities........................ 51,671 (539)(4) 51,132
--------- ----------- --------
Total current liabilities................... 466,467 (7,489) 458,978
Long-term debt................................... 579,238 (182,156)(3) 397,082
Other noncurrent liabilities..................... 7,040 7,040
Deferred income taxes............................ 18,832 18,832
--------- ----------- --------
Total liabilities........................... 1,071,577 (189,645) 881,932
Redeemable common stock.......................... 21,506 (21,506)(5) --
Stockholders' equity............................. (142,561) 212,908(6) 70,347
--------- ----------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders'
equity.................................... $ 950,522 $ 1,757 $952,279
========= =========== ========
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet
16
<PAGE> 19

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

(1) Reflects the tax benefit associated with an extraordinary loss on the early
extinguishment of debt discussed in footnote (3) below of $9,639 (before tax
benefit of $3,759) at an assumed rate of 39%.
(2) Reflects the write-off of deferred financing costs in connection with the
repayment of debt discussed in footnote (3) below.
(3) Reflects adjustments relating to long-term debt in connection with the
offering as follows:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Repayment of senior discount notes (net of unamortized
purchase discount of $1,659).............................. $ (52,071)
Repayment of Tranche B term loan (including $500 current
portion).................................................. (60,303)
Repayment of revolving credit facility...................... (42,450)
Conversion of acquisition notes (including $6,450 current
portion).................................................. (34,282)
---------
$(189,106)
=========
</TABLE>

The assumed conversion of the acquisition notes results from requirements of
three notes for automatic conversion upon the offering and anticipated firm
commitment from one noteholder as to their intent to convert at the assumed
offering price.
(4) Reflects payment of accrued interest associated with extinguished
indebtedness.
(5) Reflects the termination of certain employees' rights to require WESCO to
repurchase the redeemable common stock.
(6) Reflects adjustments relating to stockholders' equity as follows:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Net proceeds from the offering.............................. $163,000
Termination of redemption feature........................... 21,506
Conversion of acquisition notes............................. 34,282
Extraordinary charge, net of tax benefit of $3,759.......... (5,880)
--------
$212,908
========
</TABLE>

The proceeds from the offering have been assumed since the transaction
reflects an underwritten offering and the underwriters have a firm commitment
to purchase all of the offered securities.

17
<PAGE> 20

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BRUCKNER
WESCO BRUCKNER PRO FORMA RECAPITALIZATION WESCO OFFERING WESCO
HISTORICAL HISTORICAL(1) ADJUSTMENTS ADJUSTMENTS PRO FORMA ADJUSTMENTS AS ADJUSTED
---------- ------------- ----------- ---------------- ---------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales, net............ $3,025,439 $179,894 $3,205,333 $3,205,333
Cost of goods sold.... 2,487,780 161,218 2,648,998 2,648,998
---------- -------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit........ 537,659 18,676 556,335 556,335
Selling, general and
administrative
expenses............ 415,028 6,792 $ (67)(5) 421,753 421,753
Depreciation and
amortization........ 14,805 77 $ 1,899(2) 16,781 16,781
Recapitalization costs
(9)................. 51,800 51,800 51,800
---------- -------- ------- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
Income (loss) from
operations........ 56,026 11,807 (1,899) 67 66,001 66,001
Interest expense,
net................. 45,121 2,575(3) 9,696(6) 57,392 $(16,620)(8) 40,772
Other income.......... (264) (264) (264)
Other expenses........ 10,122 5,168(7) 15,290 15,290
---------- -------- ------- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
Income (loss) before
income taxes...... 783 12,071 (4,474) (14,797) (6,417) 16,620 10,203
Provision (benefit)
for income taxes.... 8,519 2,693(4) (5,771)(4) 5,711 6,482(4) 12,193
---------- -------- ------- -------- ---------- -------- ----------
Income (loss) from
continuing
operations before
extraordinary charge
directly
attributable to the
offering (9)........ $ (7,736) $ 12,071 $(7,437) $ (9,026) $ (12,128) $ 10,138 $ (1,990)
========== ======== ======= ======== ========== ======== ==========
Earnings (loss) per
common share (11)
Basic................. $ (0.17) $ (0.04)
========== ==========
Diluted (9)(10)....... $ (0.17) $ (0.04)
========== ==========
Weighted average
common shares used
in computing basic
earnings (loss) per
share............... 45,051,632 46,023,806
========== ==========
Weighted average
common shares and
common share
equivalents used in
computing diluted
earnings (loss) per
share............... 45,051,632 46,023,806
========== ==========
</TABLE>

See notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations
18
<PAGE> 21

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

(1) Reflects Bruckner historical financial data for the period January 1, 1998
to September 11, 1998 (the acquisition date). Certain reclassifications
have been made to Bruckner's historical financial statements to conform to
the presentation used by WESCO upon completion of the acquisition.
(2) Reflects incremental amortization of goodwill resulting from the
acquisition of Bruckner over an estimated period of 35 years.
(3) Reflects incremental interest expense on new obligations related to the
acquisition of Bruckner. The obligations consist of $19,000 of new
borrowings and a non-interest bearing convertible note due March 31, 2000
and discounted to a value of $26,621 for financial reporting purposes (face
value $30,000). The assumed interest rate on the $19,000 of new borrowings
under WESCO's existing credit agreement was 8.3%. For purposes of this pro
forma financial information, the original issue discount on the
non-interest bearing convertible note is accreted on a straight-line basis
(which approximates the effective interest method) over the period ending
March 31, 2000. Assuming a 0.125 percentage point change in interest rates,
interest expense would change by $24 for the year ended December 31, 1998.
(4) Reflects the income tax effect of converting Bruckner from a subchapter S
corporation to a C corporation and the income tax effects of the pro forma
adjustments at an assumed rate of 39%.
(5) Reflects the elimination of non-recurring advisory, management consulting
and monitoring fees paid to WESCO's investors prior to the recapitalization
during the periods presented. Historical revenue and expenses would not
have been materially changed without these services.
(6) Reflects the incremental interest expense relating to the recapitalization
assuming interest rates of 9 1/8% for the senior subordinated notes, 7.60%
for the Tranche A term loan and 7.75% for the Tranche B term loan
borrowings under a new credit agreement, and amortization of original issue
and purchase discounts, as well as the incremental amortization expense
resulting from the capitalization of transaction fees and expenses of
$10,570 related to the recapitalization. The amortization of debt issuance
costs was $1,355 for the year ended December 31, 1998. The senior discount
notes were issued with an original issue discount of $36,522. The original
issue discount is being accreted over the period ending June 1, 2003.
Assuming a 0.125 percentage point change in interest rates, interest
expense would change by $213 for the year ended December 31, 1998.
(7) Reflects the incremental costs related to the sale of certain accounts
receivable in connection with the recapitalization at an assumed discount
rate of 6.19%.
(8) Reflects the elimination of interest expense and the elimination of
amortization of original issue and purchase discounts with the repayment of
senior discount notes, revolving credit facility borrowings and a portion
of Tranche B term loan as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMORTIZATION
ACCRETION OF INTEREST
DISCOUNTS EXPENSE TOTAL
------------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Senior discount notes....................................... $5,801 $ 5,801
Revolving credit facility................................... $3,131 3,131
Tranche B term loan......................................... 4,674 4,674
Acquisition notes........................................... 2,175 561 2,736
------ ------ -------
$7,976 $8,366 $16,342
====== ====== =======
</TABLE>

In addition, amortization of debt issuance costs totaling $278 associated
with the above debt were eliminated.
(9) Includes a one-time charge primarily related to the noncapitalized
financing expenses, professional and legal expenses and management
compensation costs. Assuming such charges were not incurred, pro forma net
income would have been $36,310 and pro forma diluted earnings per share
would have been $0.74.

(10) Excludes interest on convertible debt of $1,266 for Historical and As
Adjusted and 6,630,180 and 3,266,844 common share equivalents for
Historical and As Adjusted, respectively, as the inclusion would be
anti-dilutive.

(11) Reflects a 57.8 to one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend
of WESCO's common stock approved by the board of directors on April 11,
1999 to be effective prior to the consummation of the offering.

19
<PAGE> 22

SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial
data of WESCO as of and for the four years ended December 31, 1998 which have
been derived from audited financial statements. The period ended December 31,
1994 represents the combined financial data of our predecessor, Westinghouse
Electric Supply Company, a division of Westinghouse, for the two months ended
February 28, 1994 and of WESCO for the ten months ended December 31, 1994. The
combined selected data do not purport to represent what WESCO's consolidated
results of operations would have been if the acquisition had actually occurred
on January 1, 1994. The selected historical consolidated financial data of WESCO
as of December 31, 1997 and 1998 and for the three years ended December 31, 1998
have been derived from our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere
herein, which have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. The selected
historical consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with, and
is qualified in its entirety by, our historical consolidated financial
statements and the accompanying notes thereto and "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in
this prospectus.

20
<PAGE> 23

SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1994(1) 1995 1996 1997 1998
-------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Sales, net................................ $1,635.8 $ 1,857.0 $ 2,274.6 $ 2,594.8 $ 3,025.4
Gross profit.............................. 262.5 321.0 405.0 463.9 537.6
Selling, general and administrative
expenses................................ 232.6 258.0 326.0 372.5 415.0
Depreciation and amortization............. 8.7 7.3 10.8 11.3 14.8
Recapitalization costs.................... -- -- -- -- 51.8(2)
-------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income from operations.................... 21.2 55.7 68.2 80.1 56.0
Interest expense, net..................... 20.0 15.8 17.4 20.1 45.1
Other expense............................. -- -- -- -- 10.1(3)
-------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income before income taxes................ 1.2 39.9 50.8 60.0 0.8
Provision for income taxes................ 1.7 14.8 18.3 23.8 8.5(4)
-------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before and extraordinary
charge, net of taxes.................... (0.5) 25.1 32.5 36.2 (7.7)
Extraordinary charge, net of applicable
taxes................................... -- 8.1(5) -- -- --
-------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss)......................... $ (0.5) $ 17.0 $ 32.5 $ 36.2 $ (7.7)(2)
======== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Earnings (loss) per common share (6)
Basic before extraordinary charge, net
of taxes............................ -- $ 0.43 $ 0.55 $ 0.61 $ (0.17)(2)
Basic................................. -- 0.29 0.55 0.61 (0.17)
Diluted before extraordinary charge,
net of taxes........................ -- 0.41 0.51 0.55 (0.17)
Diluted............................... -- 0.28 0.51 0.55 (0.17)
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic................................. -- 57,842,483 58,680,756 59,030,100 45,051,632
Diluted............................... -- 60,883,283 63,670,919 66,679,063 45,051,632
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
EBITDA before recapitalization costs
(7)..................................... $ 29.9 $ 63.0 $ 79.0 $ 91.4 $ 122.6
Capital expenditures...................... -- 6.5 9.3 11.6 10.7
Net cash provided by (used for) operating
activities.............................. -- 25.7 15.1 (12.0) 276.9
Net cash provided by (used for) investing
activities.............................. -- (12.0) (110.9) (21.5) (184.1)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing
activities.............................. -- (9.8) 87.2 41.1 (92.3)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Adjusted working capital (8).............. $ 196.5 $ 222.5 $ 291.6 $ 338.8 $ 146.7(9)
Total assets.............................. 533.7 581.3 773.5 870.9 950.5
Total long-term debt (including current
portion)................................ 180.6 177.9 262.2 295.2 595.8
Redeemable common stock (10).............. 5.5 7.7 8.9 9.0 21.5
Stockholders' equity (deficit)............ 99.5 116.4 148.7 184.5 (142.6)
</TABLE>

21
<PAGE> 24

- ---------------

(1) Our business was part of Westinghouse for the first two months of 1994. The
results of operations and financial data for that period are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THE PREDECESSOR (i) WESCO
-------------------- ------------
TWO MONTHS TEN MONTHS COMBINED
ENDED ENDED YEAR ENDED
FEBRUARY 28, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1994 1994 1994(ii)
-------------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales, net................................ $237.3 $1,398.5 $1,635.8
Gross profit.............................. 32.5 230.0 262.5
Selling, general and administrative
expenses................................ 34.9 197.7 232.6
Depreciation and amortization............. 1.2 7.5 8.7
------ -------- --------
Income (loss) from operations............. (3.6) 24.8 21.2
Interest expense, net (iii)............... 2.4 17.6 20.0
------ -------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes......... (6.0) 7.2 1.2
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
(iv).................................... (1.9) 3.6 1.7
------ -------- --------
Net income (loss)......................... $ (4.1) $ 3.6 $ (0.5)
====== ======== ========
Other Financial Data:
EBITDA before recapitalization costs.... $ (2.4) $ 32.3 $ 29.9
Net cash provided by operating
activities........................... (11.5) 63.7 --
Net cash used for investing
activities........................... 0.1 (256.6) --
Net cash provided by financing
activities........................... 11.9 197.5 --
</TABLE>

(i) Presents consolidated financial data of our predecessor, the
Westinghouse Electric Supply Company, a division of Westinghouse, for
the periods prior to WESCO's acquisition of substantially all of the
assets and certain liabilities of our predecessor, effective February
28, 1994. Consolidated financial data of our predecessor have been
derived from our predecessor's consolidated financial statements,
which have been audited by our predecessor's accountants. The
Commission, in Staff Accounting Bulletin Number 55 (SAB 55), requires
that historical financial statements of a subsidiary, division or
lesser business component of another entity include certain expenses
incurred by the parent on its behalf. These expenses include officer
and employee salaries; rent; depreciation; advertising; accounting
and legal services; other selling, general and administrative
expenses; and other such expenses. The financial statements of our
predecessor include such adjustments, estimates or allocations as the
management of our predecessor's parent company believed necessary to
reflect these expenses. Because of such items, certain aspects of the
consolidated results of operations for periods prior to the period
beginning February 28, 1994 are not comparable with those for
subsequent periods.
(ii) Presents combined results of operations of our predecessor for the
two months ended February 28, 1994 and of WESCO for ten months ended
December 31, 1994. The combined operations data does not purport to
represent what WESCO's consolidated results of operations would have
been if the acquisition had actually occurred on January 1, 1994.
(iii) Our predecessor received a charge from its parent company in the form
of interest expense for the portion of the parent company investment
that, for internal reporting purposes, represented debt. For the two
months ended February 28, 1994, approximately 40% of the average
parent company investment was considered to be debt for internal
reporting purposes. The effective annual interest rates for all
periods was approximately 10%. This
22
<PAGE> 25

method of reporting interest expense for internal reporting purposes
is not necessarily indicative of interest expense that would have
been incurred had our predecessor operated as a separate stand-alone
entity.
(iv) Our predecessor's results of domestic operations were included in the
consolidated U.S. federal income tax return of Westinghouse. The
income tax expense and other tax-related information in our
predecessor's consolidated financial statements were calculated as if
our predecessor had not been eligible to be included in the
consolidated tax returns of Westinghouse (i.e., on a "stand-alone"
basis). The calculation of tax provisions and deferred taxes
necessarily required certain assumptions, allocations and estimates
that our predecessor's management believed were reasonable to
accurately reflect the tax reporting for our predecessor as if a
stand-alone taxpayer.

(2) Reflects a one-time charge primarily related to noncapitalized financing
expenses, professional and legal fees and management compensation costs.
Reference is made to Note 1 to "Prospectus Summary -- Summary Historical
and Pro Forma Financial Data" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Results of
Operations -- 1998 compared to 1997."

(3) Represents costs relating to the sale of accounts receivable pursuant to
the receivables facility.
(4) Certain nondeductible recapitalization costs and other permanent
differences significantly exceeded income before income taxes and resulted
in an unusually high provision for income taxes.
(5) Represents a charge, net of taxes, relating to the write-off of unamortized
debt issuance and other costs associated with the early extinguishment of
debt.

(6) Reflects a 57.8 to one stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend
of WESCO's common stock approved by the board of directors on April 11,
1999 to be effective prior to consummation of the offering. For a
description of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common
share, see Notes 2 and 13 to Consolidated Financial Statements included
elsewhere in this prospectus. For the year ended December 31, 1998, $1.3
million of the interest on convertible debt and 6,630,180 common share
equivalents have not been included, since the impact was anti-dilutive.

(7) EBITDA before recapitalization costs represents income from operations plus
depreciation, amortization and recapitalization costs. EBITDA before
recapitalization costs is presented since management believes that such
information is considered by certain investors to be an additional basis
for evaluating WESCO's ability to pay interest and repay debt. EBITDA
before recapitalization costs should not be considered an alternative to
measures of operating performance as determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of WESCO's
operating results and cash flows or as a measure of WESCO's liquidity.
Since EBITDA before recapitalization costs is not calculated identically by
all companies, this presentation may not be comparable to other similarly
titled measures of other companies.

(8) Defined as trade accounts receivable plus inventories less accounts
payable.
(9) Excludes $274.2 million of accounts receivable pursuant to the sale in 1998
of such receivables in connection with the receivables facility.
(10) Represents redeemable common stock as described in Note 11 to Consolidated
Financial Statements. Under certain limited circumstances, the holders
thereof have the right to require us to repurchase all of the redeemable
shares and the exercisable portion of the options. These repurchase rights
terminate upon consummation of the offering. The redemption value of the
shares and exercisable portion of the options at December 31, 1997 and 1998
was approximately $68.6 million and $130.3 million, respectively. See
"Certain Relationships and Related Transactions -- Management
Stockholders."

23
<PAGE> 26

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the audited
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this
prospectus.

GENERAL

WESCO is a leading distributor of electrical products and other industrial
MRO supplies and the leading provider of value-added related services in North
America. WESCO has over 330 branches and five distribution centers strategically
located in 48 states, nine Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico, Guam, Mexico, the
United Kingdom and Singapore. WESCO serves over 130,000 customers worldwide,
offering over 1,000,000 products from over 23,000 suppliers. WESCO's diverse
customer base includes a wide variety of industrial companies; contractors for
industrial, commercial, and residential projects; utility companies; and
commercial, institutional and governmental customers. Approximately 90% of
WESCO's net sales are generated from operations in the U.S., 9% from Canada and
the remainder from other countries.

WESCO's sales can be categorized as stock, direct ship and special orders.
Stock orders are filled directly from existing inventory and generally represent
40% to 50% of total sales. Approximately 35% to 45% of WESCO's total sales are
direct ship sales. Direct ship sales are typically custom-built products, large
orders or products that are too bulky to be easily handled and, as a result, are
shipped directly to the customer from the supplier. Special orders are for
products that are not ordinarily stocked in inventory and are ordered based on a
customer's specific request. Special orders represent the remainder of total
sales. Gross profit margins on stock and special order sales are approximately
50% higher than those on direct ship sales. Although direct ship gross margins
are lower, operating profit margins are often higher, since the product handling
and fulfillment costs associated with direct shipments are much lower.

WESCO continues to emphasize a number of initiatives designed to improve
its working capital performance, primarily in the area of inventory management.
Such initiatives include:

- coordinating purchasing and inventory investment activities among groups
of branches or "districts;"

- upgrading the automated stock replenishment programs used to supply
branches from the distribution centers;

- negotiating improved inventory return and consignment arrangements with
suppliers;

- increasing the use of preferred suppliers; and

- shortening lead times between order and delivery from suppliers.

WESCO has historically financed its acquisitions, new branch openings,
working capital needs and capital expenditures through internally generated cash
flow and borrowings under its credit facilities. During the initial phase of an
acquisition or new branch opening, WESCO typically incurs expenses related to
installing or converting information systems, training employees and other
initial operating activities. With some acquisitions, WESCO may incur expenses
in connection with the closure of any of its own redundant branches.
Historically, the costs associated with opening new branches, and closing
branches in connection with certain acquisitions, have not been material. WESCO
has accounted for its acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting.

WESCO is the leading consolidator in its industry, having acquired 18
companies since August 1995 representing annual sales of over $1.1 billion.
Management distinguishes sales attributable to core operations separate from
sales of acquired businesses. The distinction between sales from core

24
<PAGE> 27

operations and from acquired businesses is based on WESCO's internal records and
on management estimates where the integration of acquired businesses results in
the closing or consolidation of branches.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

The recent results of operations and financial position of WESCO were
affected by the following:

Recapitalization. On June 5, 1998, WESCO repurchased and retired all of
its common stock, with the exception of certain shares held by members of
management, for an aggregate consideration of approximately $654 million and
repaid approximately $379 million of the then outstanding indebtedness. In
connection with the transaction, WESCO also sold 89% of its common stock to an
investor group led by affiliates of Cypress for an aggregate cash consideration
of $318 million, issued $300 million of senior subordinated notes and
approximately $50 million of senior discount notes, borrowed $170 million under
a new credit facility and sold approximately $250 million of accounts receivable
as part of an off-balance sheet securitization transaction. Following the
recapitalization, management's retained ownership interest amounted to 11% of
the common stock.

Acquisitions. During 1998, WESCO completed six acquisitions with total
annual sales exceeding $600 million for an aggregate purchase price of $250
million. The most significant acquisition, Bruckner, a provider of integrated
supply procurement services for large industrial companies, was completed in
September 1998. Bruckner had annual sales of approximately $222 million in 1997.
The purchase price paid at closing was $99.1 million, consisting of $72.5
million in cash and a convertible note discounted to a value of $26.6 million.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to net sales of
certain items in WESCO's Consolidated Statements of Operations for the periods
presented:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------
1996 1997 1998
----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales, net.................................................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Gross profit................................................ 17.8 17.9 17.8
Selling, general and administrative expenses................ 14.3 14.3 13.7
Depreciation and amortization............................... 0.5 0.5 0.5
Recapitalization costs...................................... -- -- 1.7
----- ----- -----
Income from operations................................. 3.0 3.1 1.9
Interest expense............................................ 0.8 0.8 1.6
Other expense............................................... -- -- 0.3
----- ----- -----
Income before income taxes............................. 2.2 2.3 --
Income taxes................................................ 0.8 0.9 0.3
----- ----- -----
Net income (loss)...................................... 1.4% 1.4% (0.3)%
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>

1998 Compared to 1997

Net Sales. Sales in 1998 increased $430.6 million, or 16.6%, to $3,025.4
million compared with $2,594.8 million for 1997. Sales from core operations
increased approximately 4% with the balance of the sales increase coming from
eight acquisitions since the beginning of 1997. The mix of direct shipment sales
increased to approximately 42% in 1998 from 39% in 1997 as a result of the
Bruckner acquisition. Substantially all of Bruckner's sales are direct shipment.
Consistent with recent trends, branches with a high volume of sales to utility
customers experienced somewhat higher levels of sales

25
<PAGE> 28

growth. Also, the Canadian branches recorded sales growth of 4% in 1998 in
Canadian currency and when translated to U.S. dollars, those sales declined 3%.

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 1998 increased
$73.7 million to $537.6 million from $463.9 million for 1997. Gross profit
margin declined slightly to 17.8% in 1998 from 17.9% in 1997. This decrease
resulted from a higher proportion of direct ship sales attributable to the
Bruckner acquisition. Direct ship gross margins are lower than those of other
sales; however, operating profit margins are often higher, since the product
handling and fulfillment costs associated with direct shipments are much lower.
Excluding the effects of the Bruckner acquisition, the 1998 gross profit margin
increased to 18.1%. WESCO believes that this increase in gross margin is the
result of numerous gross margin improvement initiatives.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and
administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased $42.5 million, or 11.4%, to $415.0
million. The majority of this increase was associated with companies acquired
during 1998; the remainder of the increase was associated with certain expenses
that are variable in nature and increase when sales increase. As a percent of
sales, SG&A expenses declined to 13.7% compared with 14.3% a year ago,
reflecting cost containment initiatives in the core business representing a 0.4%
decrease as a percent of sales, and the effects of a lower cost structure
associated with the Bruckner acquisition.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased
$3.5 million to $14.8 million reflecting higher amortization of goodwill from
acquisitions and increases in property, buildings and equipment over the prior
year.

Recapitalization Costs. During 1998, WESCO completed the recapitalization
and incurred one-time costs associated with this transaction amounting to $51.8
million. These costs are related to noncapitalized financing expenses,
professional and legal fees and management compensation costs.

Interest and Other Expense. Interest expense totaled $45.1 million, an
increase of $25.0 million over 1997. The increase was primarily due to the
higher levels of borrowings associated with acquisitions and the
recapitalization. Other expense totaled $10.1 million in 1998 reflecting costs
associated with the accounts receivable securitization.

Income Taxes. Income tax expense totaled $8.5 million in 1998 compared
with $23.8 million in 1997. In 1998 WESCO recorded $51.8 million of costs
associated with the recapitalization which contributed to income before taxes of
$0.8 million. Certain nondeductible recapitalization costs and other permanent
differences significantly exceeded the $0.8 million of income before taxes and
resulted in an unusually high effective tax rate. The effective tax rate in 1997
was 39.6%.

Net Income (Loss). Net loss and diluted loss per share totaled $7.7
million and $(0.17) per share, respectively, for 1998, compared with net income
and diluted earnings per share of $36.2 million and $0.55 per share,
respectively, for 1997. The comparability of the results was affected by the
one-time charge of $51.8 million related to the recapitalization, the impact of
the nondeductibility of a portion of these costs on taxes and an increase in
interest expense associated with higher debt levels, as a result of the
recapitalization and acquisitions. Excluding the recapitalization costs of $51.8
million, net income for 1998 would have been approximately $30.6 million.

1997 Compared to 1996

Net Sales. Sales in 1997 increased $320.2 million, or 14.1%, to $2,594.8
million, compared with $2,274.6 million for 1996. Sales from core operations
increased approximately 7%. Within the U.S., the branches with a high volume of
sales to utility customers experienced a somewhat higher level of sales growth.
In addition to growth from core operations, the remaining sales increase
resulted from the nine companies acquired since the beginning of 1996. Sales of
product from stock rose 21%, as compared to the prior period, increasing the mix
of stock sales three percentage points to 48% of total

26
<PAGE> 29

sales. This was a result of several ongoing initiatives designed to increase
stock sales, such as the continued emphasis on growing National Accounts sales,
and, to a lesser extent, the impact of acquired company sales, which have tended
to have a higher mix of stock sales. Direct ship sales rose 4% over the prior
period. This sales increase was below that experienced by WESCO in other areas
and was primarily due to the slower growth in the non-residential construction
market for commercial and industrial projects, which constitutes the majority of
direct ship sales.

Gross Profit. Gross profit in 1997 totaled $463.9 million compared with
$405.0 million in 1996. The increase of $58.9 million, or 14.5%, was due to
higher sales volume in 1997 from both acquisitions and existing operations.
Gross profit margin increased in the comparison to 17.9% from 17.8%. In 1996,
gross profit of approximately $9.3 million was recorded in connection with a
one-time international construction project with a gross profit margin that was
higher than WESCO's usual margins on similar projects due to the service
requirements and risk considerations associated with the order. Excluding this
project, gross profit margins would have been 17.9% and 17.6% in 1997 and 1996,
respectively. The increase in gross profit margin was due to the increase in the
mix of higher margin stock sales including sales associated with acquired
companies.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. SG&A expenses increased
$46.5 million, or 14.3%, to $372.5 million and was primarily attributable to
companies acquired since the beginning of 1996. As a percent of net sales, SG&A
expenses remained unchanged at 14.3%. Acquisitions with higher SG&A expense
rates were partially offset by cost containment in WESCO's core business, as
well as cost reductions in acquired companies.

Interest and Other Expenses. Interest expense increased by $2.7 million in
1997 to $20.1 million from $17.4 million in the prior year. This increase is due
to the higher levels of borrowings associated with acquisitions and increased
working capital to support sales growth, partially offset by lower interest
rates during 1997.

Income Taxes. The effective tax rate was 39.6% for 1997 compared to 36.1%
for 1996. The increase in the effective tax rate was due to the reduction of a
valuation allowance for deferred tax assets in 1995 and 1996, which had the
effect of reducing the income tax rate during those periods. WESCO began its
operations as a stand-alone entity in early 1994 with no history of generating
taxable income. Accordingly, a valuation allowance was established for the net
deferred tax assets that were generated during 1994. In 1995 and 1996, as WESCO
subsequently demonstrated an ability to utilize such deferred tax assets, the
valuation allowance was reduced and had the effect of reducing the effective tax
rate for both 1995 and 1996. Since the valuation allowance was eliminated during
1996, there was no similar effect on the 1997 tax rate.

Net Income. Net income and diluted earnings per share totaled $36.2
million and $0.55 per share, respectively, for 1997, compared with $32.5 million
and $0.51 per share in 1996. The earnings increase was due to an increase in
gross profit partially offset by higher operating expenses and a higher
effective tax rate in the comparison.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Total assets were $950.5 million at December 31, 1998 and $870.9 million a
year earlier. In addition, stockholders' equity was a deficit of $142.6 million
at December 31, 1998 compared with total stockholders' equity of $184.5 million
at December 31, 1997. The changes in these categories, as well as long-term debt
discussed below, reflect the effects of the sale and repurchase of common stock,
debt refinancing and sale of accounts receivable completed in connection with
the recapitalization.

27
<PAGE> 30

Primarily as a result of the recapitalization completed in June 1998, WESCO
has increased its debt as set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
----------------
1997 1998
------ ------
(IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C>
Term loans.................................................. $ -- $169.5
Revolving credit facility................................... -- 42.4
Old revolving credit facility............................... 226.2 --
Senior subordinated notes (1)............................... -- 289.2
Senior discount notes (2)................................... -- 52.1
Mortgage notes (3).......................................... 65.3 --
Other....................................................... 3.7 42.6
------ ------
295.2 595.8
Less current portion........................................ (1.0) (16.6)
------ ------
$294.2 $579.2
====== ======
</TABLE>

- -------------------------
(1) Net of original issue discount of $0.9 million and purchase discount of $9.9
million.
(2) Net of original issue discount of $33.2 million and purchase discount of
$1.7 million.
(3) Net of original issue discount of $16.6 million.

The term loans and revolving facility borrowings are made pursuant to a
credit agreement. The credit agreement provides for three term loan facilities
consisting of Tranche A term loan, Tranche B term loan and a delayed draw term
facility, as well as a $100 million revolving credit facility. Tranche A term
loan provides for borrowings of $80 million, Tranche B term loan provides for
borrowings of $90 million and the delayed draw facility provides for borrowings
of up to $100 million. Borrowings under the credit agreement bear rates of
interest equal to various indices, at WESCO's option, such as an adjusted LIBOR,
prime rate or the Federal Funds rate, plus a borrowing margin. The revolving
credit facility and the Tranche A term loan matures in 2004. The delayed draw
term facility matures in 2005 and the Tranche B term loan matures in 2006. All
term loans provide for amortizations of principal payments prior to maturity.

The senior subordinated notes issued by WESCO Distribution have an
aggregate principal amount of $300 million. The senior subordinated notes bear
interest at 9 1/8%, payable semiannually on June 1 and December 1 of each year.
The notes are due June 1, 2008 and are redeemable at the option of WESCO, in
whole or in part, at any time after June 1, 2003 at certain specified prices.
Prior to June 1, 2001, up to $105 million of the notes may be redeemed at
109.125% in connection with any offering of WESCO's equity securities.

The senior discount notes have an aggregate principal amount of $87
million. The notes were issued with an original issue discount of $36.5 million
that is being accreted over the period ending June 1, 2003. Beginning June 1,
2003, interest accrues at 11 1/8% payable semiannually on June 1 and December 1.
Approximately $30.9 million of the notes must be redeemed on June 1, 2003. The
remaining notes are due June 1, 2008 and are redeemable at the option of WESCO,
in whole or in part, at any time after June 1, 2003 at certain specified prices.
Prior to June 1, 2001, the notes may be redeemed in certain specified instances
at 111.125%.

The debt agreements contain various restrictive covenants that, among other
things, impose limitations on:

- dividend payments or certain other restricted payments or investments;

- the incurrence of additional indebtedness and guarantees or issuance of
additional stock;

28
<PAGE> 31

- creation of liens;

- mergers, consolidation or sales of substantially all of WESCO's assets;

- certain transactions among affiliates;

- payments by certain subsidiaries to WESCO; and

- capital expenditures.

In addition, the agreements require WESCO to meet certain leverage, working
capital and interest coverage ratios. See "Description of Certain Indebtedness."

Aggregate principal repayment requirements for all indebtedness as of
December 31, 1998 are $16.9 million, $40.7 million, $13.1 million, $16.5 million
and $51.4 million in each of the next five years.

An analysis of cash flows for 1998 and 1997 follows:

Operating Activities. For the year ended December 31, 1998, cash provided
by operating activities totaled $276.9 million compared to cash used by
operating activities of $12.0 million for 1997. In connection with WESCO's asset
securitization program, cash provided by operations in 1998 included proceeds of
$274.2 million from the sale of accounts receivable. Excluding this transaction,
operating activities provided $2.7 million. On this basis, the year-to-year
variance in operating cash flow was primarily due to a net loss of $7.7 million,
the $16.9 million increase in certain components of net working capital offset
by increases in non-cash costs associated with the recapitalization,
depreciation, amortization and accretion.

Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $184.1
million in 1998, compared to $21.5 million in 1997, primarily reflecting an
increase of $160.1 million in investments in businesses acquired in the current
period. WESCO's capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 1998 were
$10.7 million as compared to $11.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1997.
Such capital expenditures were primarily for computer equipment and software,
telecommunications equipment, branch and distribution center facility
improvements, forklifts and delivery vehicles.

Financing Activities. Cash used for financing activities totaled $92.3
million for year ended December 31, 1998 compared to $41.1 million provided by
financing activities in 1997, primarily reflecting the recapitalization
completed in June 1998 and borrowings for acquisitions and other general
business purposes.

WESCO's liquidity needs arise from seasonal working capital requirements,
capital expenditures, debt service obligations and acquisitions. In addition,
with the acquisition of Bruckner, WESCO agreed to pay additional contingent
consideration based on a multiple of annual increases in Bruckner's EBITDA
through 2004. Additional contingent payments will not exceed an aggregate of
$130 million, including $30 million which is payable in July, 1999. After the
offering, at the election of Bruckner, up to 50% of any additional contingent
payment is convertible into common stock at its then market value.

In addition to cash generated from operations and amounts available under
the credit facilities, WESCO entered into a receivables facility which provides
liquidity. Pursuant to the receivables facility, WESCO through its wholly-owned
special purpose, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary may sell trade accounts
receivables, on a revolving basis up to $300 million. WESCO may, under certain
circumstances, increase the size of the receivables facility when the amount of
eligible trade accounts receivables exceeds $300 million. See Note 4 to
Consolidated Financial Statements.

After the Offering. WESCO intends to use the net proceeds of the offering
to retire all of the outstanding 11 1/8% senior discount notes due 2008 (of
which $53.7 million will be applied to the

29
<PAGE> 32

principal amount of such notes and $6.0 million will be applied to a prepayment
premium), $42.4 million to repay all of the existing indebtedness under the
revolving credit facility, and the remaining balance to repay a portion of the
Tranche B term loan. See "Capitalization" and "Use of Proceeds." Following the
offering, WESCO will have $100 million available under the revolving credit
facility, under its current provisions, for working capital and other corporate
purposes and up to $100 million available under the delayed draw term facility
to fund acquisitions. In addition, WESCO intends to seek modifications of its
credit agreement to increase the amounts available to borrow on more favorable
terms and conditions. WESCO can give no assurance that it will be able to
negotiate acceptable modifications to the credit agreement.

Management believes that cash generated from operations, together with
amounts available under the credit agreement after the offering and the
receivables facility, will be sufficient to meet WESCO's working capital,
capital expenditure and other cash needs for the next three years. There can be
no assurance, however, that this will be the case. Financing of acquisitions can
be funded under the existing credit agreement and may, depending on the number
and size of acquisitions, require the issuance of additional debt and equity
securities.

YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE

The Year 2000 issue concerns the ability of automated applications to
process date-dependent processes, calculations and information by properly
interpreting the year. The Year 2000 issue may potentially impact WESCO's
business-critical computerized applications related to, among others, customer
sales, service and invoicing, purchasing, inventory management, payroll,
financing and financial accounting and reporting. In addition, other non
business-critical systems and services may also be affected. WESCO has assembled
an internal project team composed of information systems, operations, finance
and executive personnel to:

- assess the readiness of our systems, vendors and suppliers, third-party
service providers, customers and financial institutions;
- replace or correct through program changes all non-compliant
applications;
- develop remediation action plans for systems that may not be Year 2000
compliant; and
- develop contingency plans in the event systems and services are not
compliant.

The readiness assessment phase of the project is complete and consisted of
a detailed assessment and testing of substantially all internal computer
systems, surveys of significant vendors and suppliers, service providers and
customers. WESCO has received, or is seeking, documentation from many external
parties, including its major suppliers, customers and service providers,
indicating their Year 2000 readiness. Over the past three years, WESCO has
invested approximately $5.5 million in new information systems to support the
growth and diversity of its business. In addition to meeting this objective,
Year 2000 compliance was also achieved in many systems. Systems and processes
critical to our business that remain non-compliant are either being replaced or
corrected through program changes and application upgrades.

As of the date of this prospectus, many of WESCO's information technology
and non-information technology systems are Year 2000 compliant, and management
expects to have substantially completed the required remediation efforts by July
1999. The project team is also developing or enhancing contingency plans to
minimize the potential adverse effect the Year 2000 issue could have on WESCO in
the event business-critical systems and processes of WESCO or its suppliers or
customers fail to be compliant. Such contingent plans include identifying
alternative suppliers or service providers. Costs specifically associated with
modifying WESCO's systems for Year 2000 compliance are expensed as incurred.
Through December 31, 1998, such costs totaled approximately $1.1 million. Costs
to be incurred in 1999 to address Year 2000 problems are estimated to be $2.3
million. Such costs do not include normal system upgrades and replacements.

30
<PAGE> 33

Based on current information, WESCO believes that the most likely worst
case scenario to result from a Year 2000 failure by WESCO, its suppliers or
customers would be a temporary limitation in its ability to distribute
electrical products from certain operating locations or provide integrated
supply services to its customers. Based on its own efforts and information
received from third parties, WESCO does not believe that Year 2000 issues are
likely to result in significant operational problems or have a material adverse
impact on its consolidated financial position, operations or cash flow.
Nonetheless, failures of suppliers, third party vendors or customers resulting
from Year 2000 issues could result in a short-term material adverse effect.

INFLATION

The rate of inflation, as measured by changes in the consumer price index,
did not have a material effect on the sales or operating results of WESCO during
the periods presented. However, inflation in the future could affect WESCO's
operating costs. Price changes from suppliers have historically been consistent
with inflation and have not had a material impact on WESCO's results of
operations. However, during 1998 WESCO experienced price reductions on certain
of its products, particularly wire and cable. These price declines did not have
a material effect on WESCO's results of operations.

SEASONALITY

WESCO's operating results are affected by certain seasonal factors. Sales
are typically at their lowest during the first quarter due to a reduced level of
activity during the winter months. Sales increase during the warmer months
beginning in March and continuing through November. Sales drop again slightly in
December as the weather cools and also as a result of reduced level of activity
during the holiday season. As a result, WESCO reports sales and earnings in the
first quarter that are generally lower than that of the remaining quarters.

The following table presents unaudited quarterly operating results for each
of WESCO's last eight quarters as well as the percentage of WESCO's sales
represented by each item. This information has been prepared by WESCO on a basis
consistent with WESCO's audited financial statements and includes all
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that management
considers necessary for a fair presentation of the data. These quarterly results
are not necessarily indicative of future results of operations. This information
should be read in conjunction with WESCO's consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
QUARTER ENDED
--------------------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31 JUNE 30(1) SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31
-------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997:
Sales, net.................. $576.7 100.0% $659.4 100.0% $680.0 100.0% $678.7 100.0%
Gross profit................ 104.4 18.1 114.7 17.4 120.9 17.8 123.9 18.3
Income from operations...... 14.9 2.6 20.8 3.2 23.4 3.4 21.0 3.1
1998:
Sales, net.................. $693.4 100.0% $748.3 100.0% $777.7 100.0% $806.0 100.0%
Gross profit................ 126.7 18.3 133.3 17.8 137.8 17.7 139.8 17.3
Income (loss) from
operations................ 20.2 2.9 (23.4) (3.1) 28.2 3.6 31.0 3.8
</TABLE>

- -------------------------

(1) Includes a one-time charge of $51.8 million related to the recapitalization
in 1998. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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<PAGE> 34

IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In April 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
issued Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up
Activities." This Statement, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1998, requires costs incurred to open a new facility, introduce a
new product, commence a new operation or other similar activities to be expensed
as incurred. Management does not expect this Statement will have a material
impact on the results of operations or financial position of WESCO.

In June 1998, The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This Statement
is effective in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999, although early
adoption is permitted. This Statement requires the recognition of the fair value
of any derivative financial instrument on the balance sheet. Changes in fair
value of the derivative and, in certain instances, changes in the fair value of
an underlying hedged asset or liability, are recognized through either income or
as a component of other comprehensive income. Management does not expect this
Statement will have a material impact on the results of operation or financial
position of WESCO.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

The information required to be furnished relative to market risk has not
been included as it is not material to WESCO.

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<PAGE> 35

OUR BUSINESS
OVERVIEW

With sales of over $3 billion in 1998, we are a leading North American
distributor of electrical products and other industrial MRO supplies. We are the
second largest distributor in the $72 billion U.S. electrical distribution
industry, which has grown at a compounded annual rate of 7% over the last 15
years. We have capitalized on our leadership position in electrical distribution
to become the largest provider of integrated supply services in the United
States. Our integrated supply solutions allow customers to reduce their
operating costs through comprehensive outsourcing of all of their industrial MRO
procurement purchases through a single supplier with a highly automated process.
Demand for integrated supply services has increased approximately 90% annually
since 1994, and the total U.S. market potential, measured as all purchases of
industrial MRO supplies and services, is estimated to be $250 billion.

We have over 330 branches and five distribution centers strategically
located in 48 states, nine Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico, Guam, Mexico, the
United Kingdom and Singapore. We serve over 130,000 customers worldwide,
offering over 1,000,000 products from over 23,000 suppliers. Our diverse
customer base includes a wide variety of industrial companies; contractors for
industrial, commercial, and residential projects; utility companies; and
commercial, institutional and governmental customers.

We are the leading consolidator in our industry, having acquired 18
companies since August 1995, representing annual sales of over $1.1 billion.
Combining strong internal growth with acquisitions, our sales and EBITDA before
recapitalization costs increased at a compounded annual growth rate of over 16%
and over 42%, respectively, since 1994. WESCO's earnings increased from a loss
of $0.5 million in 1994 to $36.2 million in 1997. In 1998, we recorded a net
loss of $7.7 million resulting from a $51.8 million one-time charge associated
with our recapitalization.

To achieve this substantial growth in sales and profitability, our
management team has realigned operations and successfully implemented strategic
initiatives which we believe have:

- significantly expanded our national marketing programs;
- established us as the leader in providing integrated supply services;
- organized our operations to focus on key customer markets;
- positioned us as the industry's leading consolidator;
- significantly improved gross margins, reduced operating costs and
increased return on assets;
- utilized proprietary information technology to reduce costs, streamline
operations and better serve customers;
- established new performance-based incentive systems for branch managers
and sales personnel; and
- promoted broad-based employee participation in common stock ownership and
stock option programs.

Our customers choose WESCO because of our ability to manage large, complex
multi-site plant maintenance programs and procurement for projects that require
special sourcing, technical advice, logistical support and locally based
service. Our national programs - including integrated supply, National Accounts
and Major Projects - meet our customers' growing needs to reduce costs
throughout their supply chain. These needs include value-added procurement
solutions and uniformity of service throughout many locations, a single point of
contact and coordinated pricing and project management. Our national programs
enable customers to reduce material and labor costs, working capital
investments, administration and redundant processes while increasing
reliability, quality, productivity and other efficiencies. Since a customer's
costs of procuring MRO supplies can be over 50% of the cost of the products, the
opportunity for savings is significant.

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<PAGE> 36

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Electrical Distribution

With 1998 sales estimated at $72 billion, the U.S. industry is large and
growing. The industry is also stable with compounded annual growth of 7% since
1982, and it is projected to grow another 7% in 1999. The following chart
illustrates the historical growth and relative stability of the electrical
distribution industry:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
US ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY SALES
($ billions)
<S> <C>
1982 24.6
1983 26.6
1984 29.5
1985 32.7
1986 34.0
1987 36.1
1988 35.9
1989 39.0
1990 39.6
1991 38.1
1992 39.7
1993 45.6
1994 51.1
1995 56.7
1996 61.4
1997 67.3
1998E 72.9
1999P 77.6
</TABLE>

1982-1999
Compounded Annual Growth Rate= 7%

Source: Electrical Wholesaling Magazine

The U.S. electrical distribution industry is also highly fragmented. In
1997, the latest year for which data is available, the four national
distributors, including WESCO, accounted for less than 15% of estimated total
industry sales.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
US ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY SALES

BALANCE OF TOP 250 FULL-
4 NATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS 10 MULTI-REGIONAL DISTRIBUTORS LINE DISTRIBUTORS 4,000+ ALL OTHER DISTRIBUTORS
- ----------------------- ------------------------------ ------------------------ -----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
14.7% 5.8% 23.9% 55.6%
</TABLE>

Source: Electrical Wholesaling Magazine

The electrical distribution industry serves customers in the industrial,
commercial, construction and utility markets. The distribution channel enables
customers to more efficiently purchase a broad

34
<PAGE> 37

range of products and services from a single point of contact and eliminates the
costs and complexity of purchasing directly from many manufacturers. As a
result, distributors have approximately doubled their share of total electrical
products sold in the U.S. from 1972 to 1998, with sales by distributors
representing approximately 60% of the U.S. electrical market in 1997. In
addition to sourcing electrical products, many customers also seek logistical
and technical services from those distributors able to package a wide range of
products and services. Increasingly, customers are seeking distributors that
provide an even broader and more comprehensive package of products and services,
such as integrated supply, as customers outsource non-core functions and strive
to reduce their cost of purchasing, inventory and supply chain management.

Integrated Supply

Demand for integrated supply services is growing rapidly, as more companies
realize they can lower costs by outsourcing their MRO procurement and related
services. The total market for MRO industrial supplies is approximately $250
billion, based on published industry sources. The following chart reflects the
historical and projected annual growth of integrated supply services within that
market:

SALES OF INTEGRATED SUPPLY SERVICES IN THE U.S.
($ billions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
1994 $0.7
1995 $2.0
1996 $3.3
1997 $5.0
2000P $11.0
</TABLE>

Source: Frank Lynn & Associates, Inc. 1998 Study

Companies with integrated supply capabilities seek to consolidate all of a
customer's MRO procurement requirements into a single automated process.
Features of an integrated supply arrangement usually include a combination of
one or more of the following:

- consolidated billing across multiple locations;

- product standardization;

- inventory item reductions;

- order entry systems simplification;

- vendor managed inventory; and

- storeroom management.

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<PAGE> 38

Integrated supply services enable customers to reduce labor costs, working
capital investments, administration and redundant processes while increasing
reliability, quality, productivity and other efficiencies. Since the customers'
costs of procuring MRO supplies can be over 50% of the cost of the products,
such improvements can be significant.

OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY

ENHANCE OUR LEADERSHIP POSITION IN ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION. We intend to
leverage our extensive market presence and brand equity in the WESCO name to
further our leadership position in electrical distribution. We are the second
largest electrical distributor in the U.S. and, through our value-added products
and services, we believe we have become the industry leader in serving several
important and growing markets including:

- industrial customers with large, complex plant maintenance operations,
some of which require a national multi-site service solution for their
electrical distribution product needs;
- large contractors for major industrial and commercial construction
projects;
- the electric utility industry; and
- manufacturers of factory-built homes, recreational vehicles and other
modular structures.

GROW NATIONAL PROGRAMS. Since 1994, revenue from our National Accounts
program has increased in excess of 20% annually. Through our National Accounts
program, we coordinate electrical MRO procurement and purchasing activities
primarily for large industrial companies across multiple locations. We have well
established relationships with over 300 companies, providing us with a recurring
base of revenue through multi-year agreements. We believe that we can continue
to increase revenue generated through our National Accounts program by:

- increasing sales to existing National Account customers through new
products, more services and additional locations;
- extending established National Account relationships to include
integrated supply;
- expanding our customer base by leveraging our existing expertise and
presence within the automotive, petrochemical, pulp and paper and metals
and mining industries; and
- entering new industries such as multi-site retail, financial, commercial
and telecommunications.

In addition, through our Major Projects Group, we plan to intensify our
focus on large projects such as industrial sites, water treatment plants,
airport expansions, healthcare facilities, correctional institutions and new
sports stadiums. We intend to secure new Major Projects contracts through:

- aggressive national marketing of our demonstrated project management
capabilities;
- further development of relationships with leading contractors and
engineering firms;
- close coordination with National Accounts customers on their renovation
and new plant improvement projects; and
- comprehensive materials management services, involving a multi-commodity
integrated supply approach to large projects.

EXTEND OUR LEADERSHIP POSITION IN INTEGRATED SUPPLY. We are the largest
provider of integrated supply services for MRO goods and services in the United
States. We provide a full complement of outsourcing solutions, focusing on
improving the supply chain management process for our customers' indirect
purchases. Our integrated supply programs replace the traditional multi-vendor,
resource-
36
<PAGE> 39

intensive procurement process with a single, outsourced, fully automated process
capable of managing all MRO and related service requirements. Our solutions
range from timely product delivery to taking over the entire procurement
function. Our customers include some of the largest industrial companies in the
United States. Competitive strengths of our integrated supply business include:

- a proven and profitable business model highly adaptable to the scale of
our customers' operations;
- low operating costs;
- highly automated proprietary information systems; and
- established relationships with a large industrial customer base.

We intend to utilize these competitive strengths to increase our integrated
supply sales to both new and existing customers, including our existing National
Account customers.

GAIN SHARE IN KEY LOCAL MARKETS. Significant opportunities exist to gain
local market share, since many local markets are highly fragmented. We intend to
increase our market share in key geographic markets through a combination of
increased sales and marketing efforts at existing branches, acquisitions to
expand our product and customer base and new branch openings. Furthermore, we
intend to leverage our existing relationships with preferred suppliers to
increase sales of their products in local markets through various initiatives,
including sales promotions, cooperative marketing efforts, direct participation
by suppliers in National Accounts implementation, dedicated sales forces and
product exclusivity. To promote growth, we have instituted a compensation system
for branch managers based on profit increases and efficient working capital
management at the branch level. Our compensation system encourages our branch
managers to optimize business activities in their local markets, including
managing the sales force, configuring inventories, targeting potential customers
for marketing efforts and tailoring local service options.

ACTIVELY PURSUE STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS. We are the industry's leading
consolidator. We believe that the highly fragmented nature of the electrical and
industrial MRO distribution industry will provide us with a significant number
of acquisition opportunities. We utilize a disciplined approach toward
acquisitions which includes well defined strategic criteria and established
targets for return on investment and earnings accretion.

EXPAND PRODUCT AND SERVICE OFFERINGS. We intend to build on our
demonstrated ability to introduce new products and services to meet customer
demands and capitalize on market opportunities. For example, we will continue
expanding our presence in the fast-growing data communications market. We have
significantly increased our focus on this market, generating sales of almost
$100 million in 1998, up from $52 million in 1995. By utilizing a dedicated data
communications sales team and training our existing sales force to sell data
communications products, we intend to increase sales to new and existing
customers. In addition, through a recent acquisition, we now have a platform to
sell integrated lighting control and power distribution equipment in a single
package for multi-site specialty retailers, restaurant chains and department
stores. This is a well defined and attractive growth market where our marketing
programs and logistics infrastructure provide measurable benefits for
renovation, new construction and ongoing maintenance activities.

LEVERAGE OUR e-COMMERCE AND INFORMATION SYSTEM CAPABILITIES. We conduct a
significant amount of business electronically and continue to invest in
information technology to create tighter linkages with both customers and
suppliers and to lower costs and shorten cycle time in the supply chain process
for our customers and ourselves by:

- conducting business transactions electronically; we routinely process
customer orders, shipping notices, supplier purchase orders, and funds
transfer electronically with our trading partners; in our integrated
supply business, 95% of all transactions are electronic;

37
<PAGE> 40

- creating tighter linkages to both customers and suppliers through the use
of technological advances, including an ability to order over the
Internet and through CD-ROM catalogs, bar-coding, and electronic funds
transfer;
- providing low cost, highly functional processing of a full-range of our
business operations such as customer service, inventory, logistics
management, accounting and administrative support; and
- analyzing market potential, sales performance and cost of doing business
by branch, customer, product, sales representative and shipment type
enabling us to work with customers to streamline activities and reduce
costs.

CONTINUE TO IMPROVE PROFIT MARGINS. We have more than doubled our profit
margins since 1994 and are committed to seeking continuous improvement in
productivity and profitability. We use innovative and disciplined techniques to
manage our business processes, employee productivity and return on capital.
These initiatives include:

- using performance-based, branch level incentive programs to promote
profitable growth;
- employing more disciplined and sophisticated pricing strategies;
- expanding use of information technology to continuously monitor
operations and enhance decision making in order to streamline activities
and reduce costs;
- utilizing activity-based costing to accurately measure profitability by
branch, salesperson and customer;
- improving inventory management among suppliers, branches and regional
distribution centers; and
- improving sales productivity through sales management and training
programs.

LOWER OPERATING COSTS. Through our national scale, use of technology,
quality of our information management capabilities, strategically located
distribution centers and over 100 separate ISO 9002 quality certifications, we
operate with one of the lowest cost structures in our industry. We will utilize
our low cost advantage to continue to offer our customers competitive pricing
while improving our overall profitability. Our low operating costs make it
possible to fund strategic marketing initiatives and also make it difficult for
less efficient competitors to match our combination of pricing and ability to
service a wide range of customers on a profitable basis.

EXPAND OUR INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS. Our international sales, the majority
of which are in Canada, accounted for 10% of sales in 1998. We believe that
there is significant additional demand for our products and services outside the
U.S. and Canada. Many of our multinational domestic customers are seeking
distribution, integrated supply and project management solutions globally. Our
approach to international operations is consistent with our domestic philosophy.
We follow our established customers and will only pursue business that we
believe utilizes and extends our existing capabilities. This strategy of working
through well-developed customer and supplier relationships reduces risks and
provides the opportunity to establish a profitable business. In 1998 we opened
two branch locations in Mexico, which are growing and profitable, and we
recently opened sales offices in London, Scotland and Singapore.

PROMOTE PERFORMANCE-ORIENTED CULTURE. All named executives, as well as
many other managers purchased significant equity positions over the past five
years. These investments represent a significant portion of their personal net
worth. Prior to the offering, over 220 of our executives and managers
collectively held approximately 32% of our common stock on a fully diluted
basis. None of our executives and managers will sell any shares of common stock
in the offering. Our stock ownership programs and other incentive systems have
closely aligned the interests of the managers with those of our stockholders.
Our performance based stock option programs are directly linked to margin
expansion and operating profit growth objectives.

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<PAGE> 41

ACQUISITION AND INTEGRATION PROGRAM

Our philosophy towards growth includes a continuous evaluation to determine
whether a particular opportunity, capability, or customer need is best developed
internally or purchased through a strategic acquisition. We evaluate potential
acquisitions, including those in the electrical distribution industry, the
integrated supply market and other non-electrical distributors that would
complement our customers' overall supply needs. We have completed 18
acquisitions representing total annual sales of over $1.1 billion. In addition,
we have recently entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire a
northeastern electrical distributor with annual sales of approximately $22
million, subject to regulatory approval.

WESCO ACQUISITION HISTORY
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ACQUISITIONS BRANCH LOCATIONS ANNUAL SALES(1)
- ---- ------------ ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1995...................... 2 2 $ 47
1996...................... 7 67 418
1997...................... 2 9 52
1998...................... 6 21 608
1999 to date.............. 1 3 25
-- --- ------
Total:............... 18 102 $1,150
</TABLE>

---------------------------------

(1) Represents our estimate of annual sales of acquired businesses at
the time of acquisition, based on our review of internal and/or
audited statements of the acquired business.

Our business development department consists of a dedicated team of
professionals who locate, evaluate, and negotiate all aspects of any
acquisition, with particular emphasis on compatibility of management philosophy
and strategic fit. Since 1995 we have considered over 250 potential
acquisitions. We initially evaluate potential acquisitions based on their
ability to:

- better serve our existing customers;
- offer expansion into key growth markets;
- add new product or service capabilities;
- support new National Account customers; and
- strengthen relationships with important manufacturers.

If a potential acquisition meets our strategic objectives, we then perform
a rigorous financial and operational evaluation of the candidate. We adhere
strictly to our acquisition criteria, which include targeted returns on
investment, net income accretion and first year cash flow objectives. Retention
of key management has always been an important element in our transaction
structure.

Upon completing an acquisition, we strive to rapidly integrate the acquired
business into our existing operations. Our focus is to fully understand the
capabilities, strategic opportunities and needs of our new business partners,
shorten the transition period to the extent feasible, maintain the acquired
organization's stability, bolster the organization to better serve the defined
market, adjust incentive programs, assure profitability and closely monitor
sales and customer service. We believe that our disciplined integration process
offers a number of opportunities to improve productivity and customer service,
consolidate purchasing power and reduce operating costs.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

PRODUCTS. Our network of branches and distribution centers stock over
215,000 products. Each branch tailors its inventory to meet the needs of the
customers in its local market, typically stocking

39
<PAGE> 42

approximately 4,000 to 8,000 products. Our integrated supply business allows our
customers to access over 1,000,000 products for direct shipment.

Representative products that we sell include:

- Supplies: Fuses, terminals, connectors, boxes, fittings, tools, lugs,
tape and other MRO supplies
- Distribution Equipment: Circuit breakers, transformers, switchboards,
panelboards and busway
- Lighting: Lamps (light bulbs), fixtures and ballasts
- Wire and Conduit: Wire, cable, metallic and non-metallic conduit
- Control, Automation and Motors: Motor control devices, drives,
programmable logic controllers, pushbuttons and operator interfaces
- Data Communications: Premise wiring, patch panels, terminals, connectors

We purchase products from a diverse group of over 23,000 suppliers. In
1998, the ten largest suppliers accounted for approximately 38% of our
purchases. The largest of these was Eaton Corporation, through its Cutler-Hammer
division, accounting for approximately 15% of total purchases. No other supplier
accounted for more than 6%.

Our supplier relationships are strategically important to us, providing
access to a wide range of products, technical training and sales and marketing
support. We have preferred supplier agreements with approximately 150 of our
suppliers and purchase approximately 60% of our stock inventory pursuant to
these agreements. Consistent with industry practice, most of our agreements with
suppliers, including both distribution agreements and preferred supplier
agreements, are terminable by either party on no more than 60 days notice. See
"Risk Factors -- Loss of Key Preferred Supplier Arrangements or Lack of Product
Availability Could Adversely Affect Our Business."

SERVICES. In conjunction with product sales, we offer customers a wide
range of services and procurement solutions that draw on our product and supply
management expertise and systems capabilities. These services include National
Accounts programs, integrated supply programs and Major Project programs. We are
responding aggressively to the needs of our customers, particularly those in
processing and manufacturing industries. To more efficiently manage the MRO
process on behalf of our customers, we offer a range of supply management
services, including:

- outsourcing of the entire MRO purchasing process;
- providing manufacturing process improvements using state-of-the-art
automated solutions;
- implementing inventory optimization programs;
- participating in joint cost savings teams;
- assigning our employees as on-site support personnel;
- recommending energy-efficient product upgrades; and
- offering safety and product training for customer employees.

National Accounts Programs. The typical National Accounts customer is a
Fortune 500 industrial company, a large utility or other major customer, in each
case with multiple locations. Recently, through rigorous selection processes,
these customers have been seeking to substantially reduce their electrical
supply base -- in some cases from several hundred suppliers to just one -- with
expectations for documented cost reductions, high levels of service and
consistent product and pricing across all locations. Our national platform,
strong branch network and product breadth give us the capacity to offer
multi-site agreements with the scope required by these customers.

Our National Accounts programs provide customers with total supply chain
cost reductions by coordinating purchasing activity for MRO supplies across
multiple locations. We typically are able to demonstrate documented savings of
over 10% within the first year of program launch. Comprehensive implementation
plans establish jointly-managed teams at the local and national level to
prioritize activities, identify key performance measures and track progress
against objectives. We involve our

40
<PAGE> 43

preferred suppliers early in the implementation process, where they can
contribute expertise and product knowledge to accelerate program implementation
and the achievement of cost savings and process improvements.

Integrated Supply Programs. Our integrated supply programs offer customers
a variety of services to support their objectives for improved supply chain
management. We integrate our personnel, product and distribution expertise,
electronic technologies and service capabilities with the customer's own
internal resources to meet particular service requirements. Each integrated
supply program is uniquely configured to deliver a significant reduction in the
number of MRO suppliers, reduce total procurement costs, improve operating
controls and lower administrative expenses. Our solutions range from basic order
fulfillment to taking over the entire procurement function for all indirect
purchases. We believe that customers will increasingly seek to utilize us as an
"integrator," responsible for selecting and managing the supply of a wide range
of MRO and direct material products.

Major Projects. We are one of the industry leaders in serving the complex
needs of large commercial and industrial contractors. We have established a
Major Projects Group, comprised of our most experienced personnel, which focuses
on the top 50 U.S. electrical contractors on a multi-regional basis. These
contractors typically specialize in building industrial sites, water treatment
plants, airport expansions, healthcare facilities, correctional institutions and
new sports stadiums.

MARKETS AND CUSTOMERS

We have a large base of approximately 130,000 customers diversified across
our principal markets. With no customer accounting for more than 3% of 1998
sales, we are not dependent on any single customer.

INDUSTRIAL CUSTOMERS. Sales to industrial customers accounted for
approximately 40% of our sales in 1998, while representing approximately 32% of
the electrical distribution market in 1997.

MRO products are needed to maintain and upgrade the electrical and
communications networks at all industrial sites. Expenditures are greatest in
the heavy process industries, such as pulp and paper and petrochemical.
Typically, electrical MRO is the first or second ranked product category by
purchase value for total MRO requirements for an industrial site. Other MRO
product categories include, among other things, lubricants; pipe, valves and
fittings; fasteners; and power transmission products. MRO activity has been
difficult and costly for industrial users to manage, as it is characterized by a
fragmented supplier base, a high volume of low dollar transactions, poor usage
and cost information and relatively high inventory levels. For example, it is
not unusual for a customer to inventory as many as 10,000 MRO products.
Furthermore, customers are sensitive to supply reliability, since a lack of
critical spares could cause an entire manufacturing process to shut down.

Certain manufacturing customers incorporate electrical components and
assemblies into their own products, which are commonly referred to as original
equipment manufacturers or OEMs. Original equipment manufacturers typically
require a reliable, high volume supply of a narrow range of electrical items.
Customers in this segment are particularly service and price sensitive due to
the volume and the critical nature of the product used. They expect value-added
services such as design and technical support, timely supply and electronic
commerce. Long term customer relationships are common and lead to an efficient
supply process and stable, recurring revenues.

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS. Sales to electrical contractors accounted for
approximately 39% of our sales in 1998, while representing approximately 41% of
the electrical distribution market in 1997. These customers range from large
contractors for major industrial and commercial projects, the customer types we
principally serve, to small residential contractors which represent a small
portion of our sales. Electrical products purchased by contractors typically
account for approximately 40% to

41
<PAGE> 44

50% of the total installed project cost, and, therefore, accurate cost estimates
and competitive material costs are critical to a contractor's success in
obtaining profitable projects. Contractors choose a distributor on the basis of
price, various support services such as design assistance, bill of material
development, project management capabilities, credit policies and inventory
availability.

UTILITIES. Sales to utilities accounted for approximately 15% of our sales
in 1998, while representing approximately 8% of the electrical distribution
market in 1997. This market includes large investor-owned utilities, rural
electric cooperatives and municipal power authorities. We provide our utility
customers with an extensive range of supplies to meet their MRO and capital
projects needs. Integrated supply arrangements are also important in this market
as cost pressures and deregulation cause utility customers to streamline
procurement practices.

Recent trends in the utility industry favor utility-oriented electrical
distributors like us. The most important trend is the deregulation of utility
power generation, which has forced large utilities to seek better asset
utilization and cost savings in all aspects of their operations, including
purchasing and supply management. In focusing on their core business, some have
outsourced supply functions in order to reduce costs and enhance cash flow.

COMMERCIAL, INSTITUTIONAL AND GOVERNMENTAL CUSTOMERS. Sales to commercial,
institutional and governmental customers accounted for approximately 5% of our
sales in 1998, while representing approximately 13% of the electrical
distribution market in 1997. This fragmented market includes schools, hospitals,
property management firms, retailers and government agencies of all types.
Through a recent acquisition, we now have a platform to sell integrated lighting
control and distribution equipment in a single package for multi-site specialty
retailers, restaurant chains and department stores.

DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

BRANCH NETWORK. We have over 330 branches, of which approximately 275 are
located in the U.S., approximately 50 are located in Canada and the remainder
are located in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guam, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Over
the last three years we have opened approximately 15 branches per year,
principally to service National Accounts customers. In addition to
consolidations in connection with acquisitions, we occasionally close or
consolidate existing branch locations to improve operating efficiency.

DISTRIBUTION CENTERS. To support our branch network, we have five
distribution centers located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, serving the
Northeast and Midwest U.S.; near Reno, Nevada, serving the Western U.S.; near
Memphis, Tennessee, serving the Southeast and Central U.S.; near Montreal,
Quebec, serving Eastern and Central Canada; and near Vancouver, British
Columbia, serving Western Canada.

Our distribution centers add value for our branches and customers through
the combination of a broad and deep selection of inventory, on-line ordering,
same day shipment and central order handling and fulfillment. Our distribution
center network reduces the lead-time and improves the reliability of our supply
chain, giving us a distinct competitive advantage in customer service.
Additionally, the distribution centers reduce the time and cost of supply chain
activities through automated replenishment and warehouse management systems, and
economies of scale in purchasing, inventory management, administration and
transportation.

SALES ORGANIZATION

GENERAL SALES FORCE. Our general sales force is based at the local
branches and comprises approximately 2,200 of our employees, almost half of whom
are outside sales representatives and the remainder are inside sales personnel.
Outside sales representatives, who have an average of more than

42
<PAGE> 45

eight years of experience with us, are paid under a compensation structure which
is heavily weighted towards commissions. They are responsible for making direct
customer calls, performing on-site technical support, generating new customer
relations and developing existing territories. The inside sales force is a key
point of contact for responding to routine customer inquiries such as price and
availability requests and for entering and tracking orders.

NATIONAL ACCOUNTS. We believe that we have the largest National Accounts
sales force in the electrical distribution industry, led by an experienced group
of sales executives who negotiate and administer contracts, coordinate branch
participation and identify sales and service opportunities. National Accounts
managers' efforts are aligned by targeted customer industries, including
automotive, pulp and paper, petrochemical, steel, mining and food processing.

DATA COMMUNICATIONS. Sales of data communications products are supported
by a dedicated group of outside and inside sales representatives who focus
primarily on the premise wiring systems market. This team is supported by
additional resources in the purchasing, inventory management, product training,
product management and regional sales areas. We also operate a training facility
where customers and the general sales force can receive industry-recognized
certification in data communications product installation.

MAJOR PROJECTS. Since 1995 a group of highly experienced sales managers
target, on a national basis, the market for large construction projects with
electrical material valued in excess of $1 million. Our approach distinguishes
us from almost all of our competitors, which typically handle even the largest
construction projects on a local basis. Through the Major Projects Group, we can
meet the needs of contractors for complex construction projects such as new
sports stadiums, industrial sites, water treatment plants, airport expansions,
healthcare facilities and correctional institutions.

e-COMMERCE. We have recently entered into a strategic alliance with
Datastream Systems, Inc. to unite their customer base, the largest in the
maintenance software market, with our nationwide distribution network. The
initiative is part of Datastream's overall electronic commerce effort, called
e-MRO(SM), which enables customers to search, select and purchase from a broad
selection of MRO supplies through the Internet.

INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS

To serve the Canadian market, we operate a network of approximately 50
branches in nine provinces. Branch operations are supported by two distribution
centers located near Montreal and Vancouver. With sales of approximately US$272
million, Canada represented 9% of our total sales in 1998. The Canadian market
for electrical distribution is considerably smaller than the U.S. market, with
roughly US$2.4 billion in total sales in 1997, according to industry sources.

We are continuing to build our international presence outside of the U.S.
and Canada, principally by following our National Accounts customers and key
suppliers into their high growth markets, thereby limiting start-up risk and
enhancing profit. We sell internationally through domestic export sales offices
located within North America and sales offices in international locations. We
have recently opened offices in Aberdeen, Scotland and London, England to
support our sales efforts in Europe, Africa and the former Soviet Union, and an
office in Singapore to support our sales in Asia. We also recently opened two
branches in the Mexico City area.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Our corporate information system, WESCOM, provides low cost, highly
functional processing of a full range of our business operations, such as
customer service, inventory and logistics management, accounting and
administrative support. The system has been upgraded with decision support,

43
<PAGE> 46

executive information system analysis and retrieval capabilities to provide
detailed income statement and balance sheet variance and trend reporting at the
branch level. The system also provides activity-based costing capabilities for
analyzing profitability by customer, sales representative and shipment type.
Sales and margin trends and variances can be analyzed by branch, customer,
product category, supplier or account representative.

The WESCOM system is fully distributed within WESCO, and every branch
(other than EESCO and certain newly acquired branches) utilizes its own computer
system to support local business activities. Telecommunication links through a
central system give each branch access to information on inventory status in our
distribution centers as well as other branches and an increasing number of
on-line suppliers. We are developing an upgraded version of the WESCOM system to
be released in 1999. This new version, WESNET, will link all branch operations
through an intranet technology. EESCO operates its own system which is linked to
our central system. We intend to integrate EESCO into the WESNET system over the
next 12 months which is expected to reduce costs associated with operating dual
systems.

We routinely process customer orders, shipping notices, suppliers purchase
orders, and funds transfer via EDI transactions with our trading partners. Our
electronic commerce strategy calls for tighter linkages to both customers and
suppliers through greater use of technological advances, including Internet and
CD-ROM catalogs, bar-coding, enhanced EDI and other innovative improvements.

Our integrated supply services are supported by our proprietary procurement
and inventory management systems. These systems provide a fully integrated,
flexible supply chain platform that currently handles over 95% of our integrated
supply customers' transactions electronically. Our configuration options for a
customer range from on-line linkages to the customer's business and purchasing
systems, to total replacement of a customer's procurement and inventory
management system for MRO supplies.

COMPETITION

We compete directly with national, regional and local providers of
electrical and other industrial MRO supplies. Competition is primarily focused
on the local service area and is generally based on product line breadth,
product availability, service capabilities and price. We believe that we have
certain competitive advantages over many of our local competitors, which are not
able to carry the range of products stocked by us, offer our depth of
value-added services or achieve our level of purchasing economies of scale.
Another source of competition is buying groups formed by smaller distributors to
increase purchasing power and provide some cooperative marketing capability.
While increased buying power may improve the competitive position of buying
groups locally, we believe these groups have not been able to compete
effectively with us for National Accounts customers due to the difficulty in
coordinating a diverse ownership group.

EMPLOYEES

As of December 31, 1998, we had approximately 5,450 employees worldwide, of
which approximately 4,700 were located in the U.S. and approximately 750 in
Canada and our other foreign locations. Less than 5% of our employees are
represented by unions. We believe our labor relations are generally good.

PROPERTIES

We have over 330 branches, of which approximately 275 are located in the
U.S., approximately 50 are located in Canada and the remainder are located in
Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guam, Singapore

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<PAGE> 47

and the United Kingdom. Approximately 30% of branches are owned facilities, and
the remainder are leased.

The following table summarizes our distribution centers:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LOCATION SQUARE FEET LEASED/OWNED
- -------- ----------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Warrendale, PA.................................... 252,700 Owned and Leased
Sparks, NV........................................ 195,800 Leased
Byhalia, MS....................................... 148,000 Owned
Dorval, QE........................................ 97,000 Leased
Burnaby, BC....................................... 34,300 Owned
</TABLE>

We also lease our 60,400 square foot headquarters in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. We do not regard the real property associated with any single
branch location as material to our operations. We believe our facilities are in
good operating condition.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Our trade and service mark, composed of the words "WESCO the extra effort
people(R)," together with the running man design, is registered in the United
States Patent and Trademark Office, the Canadian Trademark Office and the
Mexican Instituto de la Propriedad Industrial. All trademarks and trade names
referred to in this business section are the property of their respective
holders.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Our facilities and operations are subject to federal, state and local laws
and regulations relating to environmental protection and human health and
safety. Some of these laws and regulations may impose strict, joint and several
liability on certain persons for the cost of investigation or remediation of
contaminated properties. These persons may include present or future owners and
operators of properties, and persons that arranged for the disposal of hazardous
substances. In addition, the disposal of certain products we distribute, such as
ballasts, fluorescent lighting and batteries, must comply with environmental
laws. Our owned and leased real property may carry with it certain liabilities
under environmental laws.

We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with
applicable environmental laws. There are no significant capital expenditures for
environmental control matters either estimated in the current year or expected
in the near future.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are party to routine litigation incidental to our business. We do not
believe that any legal proceedings to which we are a party or to which any of
our property is subject will have a material adverse effect on our financial
position or results of operations.

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<PAGE> 48

MANAGEMENT

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Our directors and executive officers and their respective ages and
positions are set forth below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Roy W. Haley................................. 52 Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer
Steven A. Burleson........................... 39 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer
William M. Goodwin........................... 53 Vice President, Operations
James H. Mehta............................... 43 Vice President, Business Development
James V. Piraino............................. 39 Vice President, Marketing
Robert B. Rosenbaum.......................... 41 Vice President, Operations
Patrick M. Swed.............................. 56 Vice President, Operations
Donald H. Thimjon............................ 55 Vice President, Operations
Ronald P. Van, Jr............................ 38 Vice President, Operations
Robert E. Vanderhoff......................... 44 Vice President, Operations and Supplier
Business Development
Jeffrey B. Kramp............................. 39 Corporate Secretary and General Counsel
James L. Singleton........................... 43 Director
James A. Stern............................... 48 Director
Anthony D. Tutrone........................... 34 Director
Michael J. Cheshire.......................... 50 Director
Robert J. Tarr, Jr........................... 55 Director
Kenneth L. Way............................... 59 Director
</TABLE>

Set forth below is biographical information for our executive officers and
directors listed above.

ROY W. HALEY became Chairman of the Board upon the recapitalization. Mr.
Haley has been President and Chief Executive Officer and a Director of WESCO
since February 1994. From 1988 to 1993, Mr. Haley was an executive at American
General Corporation, a diversified financial services company, where he served
as Chief Operating Officer and as President and Director. Mr. Haley is also a
director of United Stationers, Inc. and Cambrex Corporation.

STEVEN A. BURLESON joined WESCO in January 1995 as Corporate Controller and
became Vice President and Corporate Controller in 1997. In 1998, Mr. Burleson
became Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. From 1990 to 1995, Mr. Burleson
was Vice President and Treasurer of The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

WILLIAM M. GOODWIN has been Vice President, Operations of WESCO since March
1984. Since 1977, Mr. Goodwin has served as a branch, district and region
manager for WESCO in various locations and also served as Managing Director of
WESCOSA, a former Westinghouse affiliated manufacturing and distribution
business in Saudi Arabia.

JAMES H. MEHTA has been Vice President, Business Development of WESCO since
November 1995. From 1993 to 1995, Mr. Mehta was a principal with Schroder
Ventures, a private equity investment firm based in London, England.

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<PAGE> 49

JAMES V. PIRAINO has been Vice President, Marketing since joining WESCO in
August 1996. From 1995 to 1996, Mr. Piraino was a Vice President of AlliedSignal
Corp. From 1989 to 1995, Mr. Piraino occupied marketing and sales management
positions with W.W. Grainger, Inc.

ROBERT B. ROSENBAUM has been Vice President, Operations of WESCO since
September 1998. Prior to joining WESCO, Mr. Rosenbaum was the President of
Bruckner Supply Company, Inc., an integrated supply company we acquired in
September 1998.

PATRICK M. SWED has been Vice President, Operations of WESCO since March
1994. Mr. Swed had been Vice President of Branch Operations for WESCO from 1991
to 1994.

DONALD H. THIMJON has been Vice President, Operations of WESCO since March
1994. Mr. Thimjon served as Vice President, Utility Group for WESCO from 1991 to
1994 and as Regional Manager from 1980 to 1991.

RONALD P. VAN, JR. has been Vice President, Operations of WESCO since
October 1998. Mr. Van served as Controller of the EESCO Division for WESCO from
1996 to October 1998. From 1994 to 1996, Mr. Van was a Vice President and
Controller of EESCO, an electrical distributor we acquired in 1996.

ROBERT E. VANDERHOFF has been Vice President, Operations and Supplier
Business Development since April 1998, and Vice President, Manufactured
Structures Group since March 1994. Mr. Vanderhoff had been Vice President of
WESCO since April 1993.

JEFFREY B. KRAMP has been our Corporate Secretary and General Counsel since
March 1994. From 1987 to February 1994, Mr. Kramp served as Assistant General
Counsel at Westinghouse, with WESCO as his primary legal responsibility during
this time period.

JAMES L. SINGLETON became a Director of WESCO upon the recapitalization.
Mr. Singleton has been a Vice Chairman of Cypress since its formation in April
1994. Prior to joining Cypress, he was a Managing Director in the Merchant
Banking Group at Lehman Brothers Inc. ("Lehman Brothers"). Mr. Singleton is also
a director of Able Body Corporation, Cinemark USA, Inc., Genesis ElderCare
Corp., L.P. Thebault Company and Williams Scotsman, Inc.

JAMES A. STERN became a Director of WESCO upon the recapitalization. Mr.
Stern has been Chairman of Cypress since its formation in April 1994. Prior to
joining Cypress, Mr. Stern was a Managing Director with Lehman Brothers, and
served as head of the Merchant Banking Group. During his career at Lehman
Brothers, he also served as head of that firm's Investment Banking, High Yield
and Primary Capital Markets Groups. Mr. Stern is also a director of AMTROL Inc.,
Cinemark USA, Inc., Frank's Nursery & Crafts, Inc., Lear Corporation, Noel
Group, Inc., Genesis ElderCare Corp. and a trustee of Tufts University.

ANTHONY D. TUTRONE became a Director of WESCO upon the recapitalization.
Mr. Tutrone has been a Managing Director of Cypress since 1998 and has been a
member of Cypress since its formation in April 1994. Prior to joining Cypress,
he was a member of the Merchant Banking Group of Lehman Brothers. Mr. Tutrone is
also a director of AMTROL Inc.

MICHAEL J. CHESHIRE became a Director of WESCO in 1998. Mr. Cheshire is
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Gerber Scientific. Prior to joining
Gerber Scientific in 1997, Mr. Cheshire spent 21 years with General Signal
Corporation and was most recently President of their electrical group. Mr.
Cheshire is also a Director of the Connecticut Business and Industry
Association.

ROBERT J. TARR, JR. became a Director of WESCO in 1998. Mr. Tarr worked for
more than 20 years in senior executive roles for Harcourt General, including six
years as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of
Harcourt General, Inc. (formerly General Cinema

47
<PAGE> 50

Corporation) and the Neiman Marcus Group, Inc. Mr. Tarr is also a Director of
the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, Houghton Mifflin & Co.,
Hannaford Bros., Inc., and Barneys Inc.

KENNETH L. WAY became a Director of WESCO in 1998. Mr. Way has been
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lear Corporation since 1988 and has been
affiliated with Lear Corporation and its predecessor companies for 33 years in
engineering, manufacturing, and general management capacities. Mr. Way is also a
Director of Comerica, Inc. and CMS Energy Corporation.

COMPOSITION OF OUR BOARD AND COMMITTEES

After the offering, WESCO's Board of Directors will be divided into three
classes. Each class will consist, as nearly as possible, of one-third of the
whole number of the Board of Directors. Directors for each class will be elected
at the annual meeting of stockholders held in the year in which the term for
such class expires. Upon election, directors will serve thereafter for three
years, and will hold office until their successors are elected and qualified.
There are currently seven members of the Board of Directors. The term of Class I
directors will expire in 2000, the term of Class II directors in 2001 and the
term of Class III directors in 2002.

Our Board of Directors has three standing committees: an Executive
Committee, an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee.

The Executive Committee consists of Messrs. Singleton, Cheshire, Haley and
Stern, with Mr. Singleton serving as Chairman. It is responsible for overseeing
the management of the affairs and business of WESCO and has been delegated
authority to exercise the powers of the Board during intervals between Board
meetings.

The Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Singleton, Tarr and Tutrone, with
Mr. Singleton serving as Chairman. After the offering, the Audit Committee will
consist of Mr. Tarr as Chairman and another independent director to be
appointed. It is responsible for recommending the firm to be appointed as
independent accountants to audit WESCO's financial statements and to perform
services related to the audit; reviewing the scope and results of the audit with
the independent accountants; reviewing with the management and the independent
accountants WESCO's year end operating results; considering the adequacy of the
internal accounting and control procedures of WESCO, reviewing the non-audit
services to be performed by the independent accountants, if any, and considering
the effect of such performance on the accountants' independence.

The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Stern, Singleton, Tutrone
and Way, with Mr. Stern serving as Chairman. It is responsible for the review,
recommendation and approval of compensation arrangements for directors and
executive officers, for the approval of such arrangements for other senior level
employees, and for the administration of certain benefit and compensation plans
and arrangements of WESCO.

OUTSIDE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Each director of WESCO who is not an employee of WESCO or any of its
subsidiaries or Cypress is entitled to receive an annual director's fee of
$25,000. Effective January 1, 1999, WESCO established the 1999 deferred
compensation plan for non-employee directors under which non-employee directors
can elect to defer 25% or more of the annual director's fee. Amounts deferred
under this arrangement will, on the deferral date, be converted into stock units
(common stock equivalents) which will be credited to a bookkeeping account in
the director's name. For purposes of determining the number of stock units to be
credited to a director for a particular year, the average of the high and low
trading prices of the common stock on the first trading day in January of that
year will be used. Distribution of deferred stock units will be made in a lump
sum or installments, in the

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<PAGE> 51

form of shares of common stock, in accordance with the distribution schedule
selected by the director at the time the deferral election is made.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information set forth below describes the components of the total
compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and our four other most highly
compensated executive officers, based on 1998 salary and bonuses. The principal
components of these individuals' current cash compensation are the annual base
salary and bonus included in the Summary Compensation Table. Also described
below is other compensation these individuals can receive under employment
agreements and our stock and option programs.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
-------------------------
AWARDS
ANNUAL -------------------------
COMPENSATION SECURITIES ALL OTHER
-------------------- UNDERLYING COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) OPTIONS/SARS(#)(1) ($)(2)(3)(4)
- --------------------------- ---- --------- -------- ------------------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Roy W. Haley, Chairman,
President & CEO.............. 1998 500,000 425,000 867,000 1,074,000
1997 466,667 425,000 -- 52,300
James H. Mehta, Vice President,
Business Development......... 1998 275,000 115,000 190,740 564,637
1997 258,339 115,000 -- 13,325
Patrick M. Swed, Vice
President, Operations........ 1998 200,000 130,000 190,740 473,000
1997 200,000 130,000 -- 33,000
James V. Piraino, Vice
President, Marketing......... 1998 175,840 110,000 127,160 374,920
1997 165,000 110,000 -- 14,463
Stanley C. Weiss, Executive
Vice President, Industry
Affairs(5)................... 1998 300,000 150,000 -- 62,160(6)
1997 300,000 150,000 -- 62,010(6)
</TABLE>

- -------------------------

(1) All options were granted under the 1998 stock option plan. All options
granted in 1998 have an exercise price of $10.75 per share. See "1998 Stock
Option Plan."

(2) Includes contributions by us under the WESCO Distribution, Inc. retirement
savings plan in the amounts of (a) $12,800, $7,737, $16,100, $8,562 and
$13,950, for Messrs. Haley, Mehta, Swed, Piraino and Weiss, respectively, in
1998 and (b) $9,550, $7,675, $15,950, $7,543 and $13,700, for Messrs. Haley,
Mehta, Swed, Piraino and Weiss, respectively, in 1997.
(3) Includes contributions by us under the WESCO Distribution, Inc. deferred
compensation plan in the amounts of (a) $61,200, $6,900, $16,900, $10,350
and $31,800, for Messrs. Haley, Mehta, Swed, Piraino and Weiss,
respectively, in 1998 and (b) $42,750, $5,650, $17,050, $6,920 and $31,900,
for Messrs. Haley, Mehta, Swed, Piraino and Weiss, respectively, in 1997.
(4) Includes special retention bonus payment in 1998 in the amounts of
$1,000,000, $550,000, $440,000 and $356,008 for Messrs. Haley, Mehta, Swed
and Piraino, respectively.
(5) Mr. Weiss retired from WESCO effective December 31, 1998.
(6) Includes life insurance premiums in the amount of $16,410.

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<PAGE> 52

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

In connection with the recapitalization, we entered into an employment
agreement with Mr. Haley providing for a rolling employment term of three years.
Pursuant to his agreement, Mr. Haley is entitled to an annual base salary of
$500,000 and an annual incentive bonus equal to a percentage of his annual base
salary ranging from 0% to 200%. The actual amount of Mr. Haley's annual
incentive bonus will be determined based upon our financial performance as
compared to the annual performance objectives established for the relevant
fiscal year. If Mr. Haley's employment with us is terminated by us without
"cause", by Mr. Haley for "good reason" or as a result of Mr. Haley's death or
disability, Mr. Haley is entitled to continued payments of his average annual
base salary and his average annual incentive bonus, reduced by any disability
payments for the three-year period, or in the case of a termination due to Mr.
Haley's death or disability, the two-year period, following such termination,
and continued welfare benefit coverage for the two-year period following such
termination. In addition, in the event of any such qualifying termination, all
outstanding options held by Mr. Haley will become fully vested. The agreement
further provides that, in the event of the termination of Mr. Haley's employment
by us without cause or by Mr. Haley for good reason, in either such case, within
the two-year period following a "change in control" of WESCO, in addition to the
termination benefits described above, Mr. Haley is entitled to receive continued
welfare benefit coverage and payments in lieu of additional contributions to our
Retirement Savings Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan for the three year period
following such change in control. We have agreed to provide Mr. Haley with an
excise tax gross up with respect to any excise taxes Mr. Haley may be obligated
to pay pursuant to Section 4999 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of
1986 on any excess parachute payments. In addition, following a change in
control, Mr. Haley is entitled to a minimum annual bonus equal to 50% of his
base salary and the definition of "good reason" is modified to include certain
additional events. The agreement also contains customary covenants regarding
nondisclosure of confidential information and non-competition and
non-solicitation restrictions.

In connection with our acquisition of EESCO, we entered into an employment
agreement with Mr. Weiss, pursuant to which we agreed to employ Mr. Weiss during
the period commencing on the date of the acquisition and ending on December 31,
1998. During the employment term under the agreement, Mr. Weiss was entitled to
an annual base salary of $300,000 and an annual performance-based incentive
bonus equal to a percentage of his annual base salary, not to exceed 75%. The
agreement also contained customary covenants regarding nondisclosure of
confidential information and non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions.
Mr. Weiss retired from WESCO effective December 31, 1998.

1998 STOCK OPTION PLAN

In connection with the recapitalization, we established a 1998 stock option
plan to provide certain of WESCO's executive and key employees options to
purchase shares of common stock. The 1998 stock option plan is administered by
the Compensation Committee, which is constituted in such a way that, to the
extent practicable, awards under the 1998 stock option plan qualify, or will
qualify when granted, for exemption under Rule 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 and as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The Compensation Committee has the authority to
select employees to whom awards are granted and to set the terms, conditions and
provisions of such awards. In addition, the Compensation Committee is
authorized, by majority action, to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and
regulations relating to the administration of the 1998 stock option plan, to
make determinations with respect to the vesting and exercisability of the 1998
plan options, and to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for
the administration and interpretation of the 1998 stock option plan. The 1998
stock option plan provides that the Board may adjust the number and class of
shares available for issuance under the

50
<PAGE> 53

1998 stock option plan and the number and class of shares subject to and
exercise price of any outstanding 1998 plan options as necessary or appropriate
to reflect any common stock dividend, stock split or share combination or any
recapitalization, merger, consolidation, exchange of shares, liquidation or
dissolution of WESCO.

A total of 3,612,500 shares of common stock were authorized for issuance
under the 1998 stock option plan.

The exercise price per share of common stock to be purchased upon exercise
of the 1998 plan options is determined by the Compensation Committee's
evaluation of the fair market value per share of the common stock on the date of
the grant of the option. At the discretion of the Compensation Committee, the
exercise price of any 1998 plan options exercised after the offering may be paid
in full or in part in the form of shares of common stock already owned and held
for at least six months by the participant, based on the fair market value of
such common stock on the date of exercise, as determined by the Board. As of
March 31, 1999, options to purchase 3,462,798 shares of common stock had been
granted under the 1998 stock option plan, of which (1) none had been canceled or
exercised, (2) 3,462,798 with a weighted average exercise price of $10.75 per
share remained outstanding, and (3) none were exercisable. We expect to file a
registration statement on Form S-8 with respect to the 1998 stock option plan
after the offering. After giving effect to the foregoing, 149,702 options
remained available for grant under the 1998 stock option plan.

Change in Control Provisions

In the event of a "change in control", outstanding 1998 plan options,
whether or not exercisable, will be canceled in exchange for a cash payment with
respect to each share of common stock subject to such 1998 plan options equal to
the excess of (1) the value per share of the common stock in the transaction
giving rise to the change in control over (2) the per share exercise price,
unless the Compensation Committee determines in good faith, prior to the change
in control, that the outstanding 1998 plan options will be honored or assumed by
the successor in a manner that provides the 1998 stock option plan participants
with rights at least as favorable as those prevailing immediately prior to the
change in control. The offering has not resulted in a "change in control."

Management Stock Option Agreements

Each participant under the 1998 stock option plan is required to enter into
a management stock option agreement specifying the exercise price and duration
of the 1998 plan options being granted and such other terms consistent with the
1998 stock option plan as the Compensation Committee determines. Certain other
terms of the management stock option agreements are summarized below.

Transferability of Options; Repurchase of Options

The 1998 stock option plan provides that no award granted under the 1998
stock option plan may be disposed of in any way, other than by will or by the
laws of descent and distribution. All 1998 plan options granted pursuant to the
1998 stock option plan are exercisable only by the participant to whom such 1998
plan options were granted during his or her lifetime. Following the death of a
participant, all rights with respect to 1998 plan options that were exercisable
by the participant at the time of his or her death may be exercised by the
participant's beneficiary or estate provided that the deceased participant's
beneficiary agrees in writing to be bound by the provisions of the 1998 stock
option plan and the management stock option agreement. The management stock
option agreements also contain certain repurchase rights and obligations of
WESCO, which will terminate upon consummation of the offering.

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<PAGE> 54

Exercise of Options

Outstanding 1998 plan options granted under the 1998 stock option plan
consist of two parts: a portion which is subject to time-based vesting and a
portion which is subject to performance-based vesting. The time-based 1998 plan
options will vest at a rate of 25% on each June 5 beginning in 1999 and ending
in 2002. Performance-based 1998 plan options will become fully vested and
exercisable on the earlier of January 1, 2008 or the grantee's sixty-fifth
birthday, but may vest earlier at the rate of 25% per year from 1998 through
2001, if WESCO meets certain annual performance goals.

Termination of Options

All 1998 plan options terminate on the tenth anniversary of the date of
grant, unless terminated earlier as described below. Upon termination of a
participant's employment with WESCO, unless otherwise determined by the
Compensation Committee, (1) any unexercisable 1998 plan options will terminate
and will not be exercisable, and (2) then exercisable 1998 plan options will
terminate within certain specified periods depending upon the circumstances of
the termination of employment.

Federal Income Tax Aspects of the 1998 Stock Option Plan

The 1998 plan options are non-qualified stock options, i.e., they do not
qualify as "incentive stock options" under Section 422 of the U.S. Internal
Revenue Code. The grant of a 1998 plan option has no tax consequences to WESCO
or to the participant. Upon exercise of a 1998 plan option, however, the
participant will recognize taxable ordinary income equal to the excess of the
fair market value on the date of the exercise of the shares of the common stock
acquired over the exercise price of the 1998 plan option, and that amount will
be deductible for federal income tax purposes by WESCO. The holder of the option
shares will, upon a later disposition of such shares, recognize short term or
long term capital gain or loss, depending on the holding period of the shares
but WESCO will not be entitled to an additional tax deduction.

1994 STOCK OPTION PLAN

Under our 1994 stock option plan, the Compensation Committee, which is
responsible for administering the 1994 stock option plan, may grant to certain
executives, officers, and other key employees options to purchase up to an
aggregate of 10,461,800 shares of common stock. In connection with the
recapitalization, future issuances of options under the 1994 stock option plan
were terminated and all options granted under the 1994 stock option plan became
fully vested. The outstanding 1994 plan options were granted with an exercise
price per share equal to the fair market value per share on the date of grant as
determined by the Compensation Committee. We expect to file a registration
statement on Form S-8 with respect to the 1994 stock option plan after the
offering.

As of March 31, 1999, 1994 plan options to purchase 4,666,714 shares of
common stock with a weighted average exercise price of $1.92 were exercisable.

Change in Control Provisions

In the event of a change in control, outstanding 1994 plan options will be
canceled in exchange for a cash payment with respect to each share of common
stock subject to such 1994 plan options equal to the excess of (1) the value per
share of the common stock in the transaction giving rise to the change in
control over (2) the per share exercise price, unless the Compensation Committee
determines in good faith, prior to the change in control, that the outstanding
1994 plan options will be honored or assumed by the successor in a manner that
provides the option participants with rights at least as favorable as those
prevailing immediately prior to the change in control. The offering will not
result in a change in control.

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<PAGE> 55

Termination of Options

All 1994 plan options terminate on the tenth anniversary of the date of
grant, unless terminated earlier as described below. Upon termination of a
participant's employment with WESCO, unless otherwise determined by the
Compensation Committee, in the case of termination other than for cause, then
exercisable 1994 plan options will terminate within certain specified periods
depending upon the circumstances of the termination of employment.

Transferability of Options; Repurchase of Options

The 1994 plan options will not be transferable or assignable other than by
will or by the laws of descent, and a 1994 plan option can be exercised only by
the participant to whom it is granted or by the participant's estate or
designated beneficiary upon such participant's death. Unless the Compensation
Committee otherwise determines, each 1994 plan option agreement provides that
the participant, in respect of shares purchased upon the exercise of any 1994
plan option, is entitled to the benefits of, and bound by the obligations in,
the registration and participation agreement, including certain demand and
"piggyback" registration rights thereunder. The 1994 stock option plan also
contains certain repurchase rights and obligations of WESCO, which will
terminate upon the consummation of the offering.

Federal Income Tax Aspects of the 1994 Stock Option Plan

The grant and exercise of 1994 plan options will have the same tax
consequences as the grant and exercise of 1998 plan options. See "1998 Stock
Option Plan -- Federal Income Tax Aspects."

STOCK OPTION PLAN FOR BRANCH EMPLOYEES

A total of 2,890,000 shares of common stock may be issued under our stock
option plan for branch employees. The Compensation Committee, which is
responsible for administering the branch option plan, may grant to our branch
managers and other key employees employed at a branch or contributing
significantly to growth and profitability of a branch options to purchase shares
of common stock. Branch options that are canceled, terminated or forfeited
without exercise will again be available for grant. The Board may at any time
amend or terminate the branch option plan, but may not adversely affect the
rights of any participant with respect to branch options granted prior to such
action, unless the participant consents. As of March 31, 1999, 1,459,450 options
had been granted, of which (1) 98,260 branch options had been canceled without
exercise, (2) 9,653 branch options had been exercised at an exercise price of
$3.38, (3) 1,351,537 branch options granted with a weighted average exercise
price of $3.38 per share were outstanding, and (4) 453,730 branch options with
an exercise price of $3.38 were exercisable. After giving effect to the
foregoing, 1,528,810 branch options remained available for grant under the
branch option plan. The outstanding branch options were granted with an exercise
price per share determined by the Board to represent the estimated fair market
value per share on the date of grant. At the discretion of the Compensation
Committee, the exercise price of any branch option exercised after the offering
may be paid in full or in part in the form of shares of common stock already
owned and held for at least six months by the participant, based on the fair
market value of such common stock on the date of exercise, as determined by the
Board. None of the named executives currently participate in the branch option
plan.

Branch options are granted to participants as soon as practicable following
the end of each performance period under the branch option plan. The first such
performance period commenced on February 28, 1994 and ended on December 31,
1996, and the second such performance period commenced on January 1, 1997 and is
scheduled to end on December 31, 1999. Branch options are allocated to branch or
division employees by the Compensation Committee based primarily on the
achievement of branch or division performance objectives during each performance
period.

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<PAGE> 56

Under the terms of the recapitalization agreement, the Compensation
Committee adopted a resolution causing 100% of all branch options to be rolled
over and remain outstanding without any acceleration of the vesting schedule. We
expect to file a registration statement on Form S-8 with respect to the branch
option plan after the offering.

Change in Control Provisions

In the event of a change in control, outstanding branch options, whether or
not exercisable, will be canceled in exchange for a cash payment with respect to
each share of common stock subject to such branch options equal to the excess of
(1) the value per share of the common stock in the transaction giving rise to
the change in control over (2) the per share exercise price, unless the
Compensation Committee determines in good faith, prior to the change in control,
that the outstanding branch options will be honored or assumed by the successor
in a manner that provides the participants with rights at least as favorable as
those prevailing immediately prior to the change in control. The offering will
not result in a change in control.

Branch Option Agreements

Each participant is required to enter into a branch option agreement
specifying the exercise price and duration of the branch options being granted
and such other terms consistent with the branch option plan as the Compensation
Committee determines. Other terms of the branch option agreement are summarized
below.

Exercise of Branch Options; Exercise Price

Except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee or in
connection with a change in control, branch options become exercisable in
one-third installments on each of the first, third, and fifth anniversaries of
the date of grant. Upon exercise of a branch option, the participant is required
to enter into a stock subscription agreement. The per share exercise price of
any branch option may not be less than the greatest of (1) the fair market value
per share of common stock as of the end of the related performance period, (2)
such fair market value as of the date of grant, and (3) $1.73.

Termination of Branch Options

All branch options terminate on the tenth anniversary of the date of grant,
unless terminated earlier as described below. Upon termination of a
participant's employment with WESCO, unless otherwise determined by the
Compensation Committee, (1) any unexercisable branch options held by such
participant will terminate and will not be exercisable, (2) in the case of
termination other than for cause, then exercisable branch options will terminate
within certain specified periods depending upon the circumstances of the
termination of employment, and (3) in the case of termination for cause, all
branch options held by such participant, whether or not then exercisable, will
terminate immediately.

Transferability of Branch Options; Repurchase of Branch Options

The branch options will not be transferable or assignable other than by
will or by the laws of descent, and a branch option can be exercised only by the
participant to whom it is granted or by the participant's estate or designated
beneficiary upon such participant's death. Unless the Compensation Committee
otherwise determines, each branch option agreement provides that the branch plan
participant, in respect of shares purchased upon the exercise of any branch
option, is entitled to the benefits of, and bound by the obligations in, the
registration and participation agreement, including certain demand and
"piggyback" registration rights thereunder. The branch option agreements also

54
<PAGE> 57

contain certain repurchase rights and obligations of WESCO, which will terminate
upon the consummation of the offering.

Federal Income Tax Aspects of the Branch Options

The grant and exercise of branch options will have the same federal income
tax consequences as the grant and exercise of the 1998 options. See "1998 Stock
Option Plan -- Federal Income Tax Aspects."

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

In April 1999, we established the 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or LTIP,
to assist us in attracting and retaining key employees and to act as an
incentive for such employees to achieve corporate objectives. The LTIP will
become effective upon the completion of this offering and is designed to be a
successor plan to our 1994 stock option plan, 1998 stock option plan and branch
option plan. Outstanding options granted under the prior plans will continue to
be governed by their existing terms and any remaining options under such plans
will be granted under the LTIP. We expect to file a registration statement on
Form S-8 with respect to the LTIP after the offering.

An initial reserve of 6,936,000 shares of common stock has been authorized
for issuance under the LTIP. The Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors will administer the LTIP, and has the sole discretionary authority to
interpret the LTIP, to establish and modify administrative rules for the LTIP,
to impose appropriate conditions or restrictions on awards granted under the
LTIP and to take any other steps in connection with the LTIP that the
Compensation Committee believes are necessary or advisable.

The Compensation Committee may grant awards under the LTIP in the form of
stock options, restricted stock awards and performance awards to our key
employees at its discretion. Each participant is required to execute an award
agreement with WESCO which sets forth the specific terms and conditions of the
award. Except under certain circumstances involving a change in our capital
structure no participant may be granted awards with respect to more than
1,000,000 shares of common stock during any calendar year.

With respect to stock options granted under the LTIP, the Compensation
Committee has the discretion to determine the exercise price of each share of
common stock that may be purchased upon the exercise of those options. The LTIP
provides that fair market value is to be determined according to the closing
price per share of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date
of the grant.

The Compensation Committee may designate options granted under the LTIP as
incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. However, no participant
may receive incentive stock options to purchase shares of common stock with an
aggregate value on the date of the grant of more than $100,000. In addition, the
exercise price of any incentive stock option granted to any participant who owns
more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock
must be at least 110% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the
date of the grant.

The LTIP contains an accelerated ownership feature. This feature is
intended to encourage employees to exercise options at an earlier date and to
retain the shares so acquired, in furtherance of our policy of encouraging
increased employee stock ownership. Under the accelerated ownership feature,
participants who tender previously owned shares or have shares withheld to pay
all or a portion of the exercise price of vested stock options or to cover the
associated tax liability may be eligible, in the discretion of the Compensation
Committee, to receive an option covering the same number of shares as are
tendered or withheld for such purposes. The market value on the date of

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<PAGE> 58

grant of an accelerated ownership option establishes the exercise price of such
option, and such option will have a term equal to the remaining term of the
original option.

Subject to the Compensation Committee's authority to accelerate or extend
the time during which an option granted under the LTIP would be exercisable,
options granted under the LTIP will expire on the first to occur of: expiration
of the option provided in the related award agreement, termination of the award
upon the lapse of a specific period of time following the termination of the
participant's employment, depending on the reasons for the termination, or ten
years from the date of the grant. If certain events occur which would constitute
a change in control under the LTIP, all options outstanding on the date of the
change in control will become immediately and fully exercisable.

The Compensation Committee may also award restricted shares of common stock
to our employees under the LTIP based on performance standards, periods of
service or other criteria that the Compensation Committee establishes.
Restricted shares awarded under the LTIP are subject to the restrictions, terms
and conditions contained in the LTIP and the award agreements executed by the
participants and may not be transferred, other than by will or the laws of
descent and distribution or to an inter vivos trust to which the participant is
treated as the owner, pledged or sold prior to the lapse of those restrictions.
If certain events occur which would constitute a change in control under the
LTIP, all restrictions applicable to the restricted shares awarded under the
LTIP will terminate.

Finally, the Compensation Committee may also grant to our employees
performance awards consisting of the right to receive a payment which is
measured by the fair market value of a specific number of shares of common
stock, increases in that fair market value during a specified time period,
called the "award period", or a fixed cash amount which is contingent upon the
extent to which certain predetermined performance targets are met. The
performance targets may be related to the performance of WESCO or the individual
performance of the participant and are determined by the Compensation Committee
at its discretion. If certain events occur which would constitute a change in
control under the LTIP, all performance awards for all award periods will become
immediately payable to all participants and will be paid to all participants
within 30 days after the change in control.

OPTION GRANTS

The following table sets forth as to persons named in the Summary
Compensation Table additional information with respect to stock options granted
during 1998:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
% OF
TOTAL
OPTIONS
NUMBER OF GRANTED POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT
SECURITIES TO ASSUMED RATES OF STOCK PRICE
UNDERLYING EMPLOYEES APPRECIATION FOR OPTION TERM(2)
OPTIONS IN FISCAL EXERCISE EXPIRATION -------------------------------
NAME GRANTED(1) YEAR PRICE ($/SH) DATE 5% 10%
---- ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Roy W. Haley............. 867,000 20.8% $10.75 8/6/2008 $5,858,908 $14,847,624
James H. Mehta........... 190,740 4.6 10.75 8/6/2008 1,288,960 3,266,477
Patrick M. Swed.......... 190,740 4.6 10.75 8/6/2008 1,288,960 3,266,477
James V. Piraino......... 127,160 3.1 10.75 8/6/2008 859,307 2,177,651
Stanley C. Weiss......... -- -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>

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<PAGE> 59

- -------------------------

(1) A portion of these options will vest on the basis of time ratably over four
years and the remainder will vest in full on January 1, 2008, or if earlier,
on the grantee's 65th birthday or the attainment of pre-established
performance goals.
(2) Amounts represent hypothetical gains that could be achieved for the
respective options if exercised at the end of the option term. These gains
are based on assumed rates of stock price appreciation of 5% and 10%
compounded annually from the date the respective options were granted to
their expiration date. These assumptions are not intended to forecast future
appreciation of our stock price. The potential realizable value computation
does not take into account federal or state income tax consequences of
option exercises or sales of appreciated stock.

AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
VALUES

The following table sets forth information for each named executive with
regard to the aggregate stock options held at December 31, 1998. No stock
options were exercised by any of the named executives during 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
OPTIONS AT FY-END(#) AT FY-END($)(1)
NAME (EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE) (EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE)
- ---- --------------------------- ---------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Roy W. Haley........................... 1,287,784/867,000 20,952,112/6,289,800
James H. Mehta......................... 495,346/190,740 7,936,677/1,383,756
Patrick M. Swed........................ 330,038/190,740 5,369,684/1,383,756
James V. Piraino....................... 82,654/127,160 1,208,350/922,504
Stanley C. Weiss....................... --/-- --/--
</TABLE>

- -------------------------

(1) Based on the offering price of $18.00 per share of common stock.

The foregoing options were issued under our existing stock option plans. In
connection with the June 1998 recapitalization, the Board caused all unvested
1994 plan options, including those held by the named executives, to vest and
become exercisable upon the closing of the recapitalization.

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<PAGE> 60

RETENTION BONUS PAYMENT

We paid an aggregate amount of approximately $11 million to a group of
approximately 45 managers, including the named executives, upon the closing of
the recapitalization. With respect to each of these managers, payment was equal
to approximately one to two times base salary. Immediately prior to the closing
of the recapitalization, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, or CD&R, which was the
majority shareholder of WESCO prior to the recapitalization, made an equity
contribution to WESCO equal to approximately one-half of this aggregate amount.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

During 1998 prior to the recapitalization, a former outside director and
three former directors affiliated with CD&R served on the Compensation
Committee. We had agreed to indemnify certain former members of the Board
affiliated with CD&R and such CD&R affiliates against liabilities incurred under
securities laws or with respect to their previous services for us.

At December 31, 1998, three directors affiliated with Cypress served on the
Compensation Committee.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION AND PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT

In connection with the recapitalization, an investor group led by Cypress
which included, among others, Chase Capital Partners and Co-Investment Partners,
L.P., CD&R, Westinghouse and WESCO entered into a registration and participation
agreement, which amended and restated the previous agreement among CD&R,
Westinghouse and WESCO, to reflect, among other things, the succession of the
investor group to CD&R's and Westinghouse's rights and obligations thereunder.
Pursuant to the registration and participation agreement, the investor group and
the management stockholders have the right, under certain circumstances and
subject to certain conditions, to request that we register under the Securities
Act shares of common stock held by them. Subject to certain conditions and
exceptions, the investor group and the management stockholders also have the
right to require that shares of common stock held by them be included in any
registration under the Securities Act commenced by us. Neither the investor
group nor any of the management stockholders have requested that shares of
common stock held by them be included in this offering. The registration and
participation agreement provides that we will pay all expenses in connection
with the first three registrations requested by the investor group and the
management stockholders. The registration and participation agreement also
provides that we will indemnify the investors and the management stockholders
and their affiliates for certain liabilities they may incur under the securities
laws.

The registration and participation agreement also contains certain
restrictions which prohibit the sale of common stock by Cypress unless Cypress
provides each holder of common stock entitled to the benefits of the
registration and participation agreement, including the other members of the
investor group and the management stockholders, with a 30-day prior notice
pursuant to which such holders may agree to participate in such sale on a pro
rata basis with Cypress. The registration and participation agreement provides
that, if Cypress sells all of its shares of common stock to a third party,
Cypress may require such other holders of common stock to sell all of their
shares to such third party pursuant to such sale at the same price and on the
same terms as Cypress. In addition, the registration and participation agreement
provides that if prior to any public equity offering by us, we issue additional
shares of common stock to Cypress, subject to some exceptions, we will offer to
all holders of registrable securities that are "accredited investors" the right
to purchase a pro rata

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<PAGE> 61

share of the newly-issued shares, based on each holder's equity interest in us,
at the same price and on the same terms as Cypress.

In addition, the registration and participation agreement provides that so
long as Cypress owns any of our securities, Cypress shall have the right to
designate one director to our board of directors and the board of directors of
WESCO Canada.

At the time we entered the registration and participation agreement,
Cypress was not affiliated with WESCO, and we believe the transaction was made
on terms no less favorable to us than we could have obtained from an
unaffiliated third party.

MANAGEMENT STOCKHOLDERS

Each member of management who holds common stock is a party to a stock
subscription agreement with us which provides that each management stockholder
is entitled to certain benefits of, and bound by certain obligations in, the
registration and participation agreement, including certain registration rights
thereunder. These stock subscription agreements also provide the management
stockholder with the right under certain limited circumstances to require us to
purchase all of the management stockholder's shares of common stock at the then
fair market value based upon certain events. Pursuant to the stock option
agreements governing each management stockholder's stock options, such
management stockholder also has the right under certain limited circumstances to
require us to purchase all of such management stockholder's options at the then
fair market value of the common stock minus the exercise price upon such events.
At December 31, 1998, the redemption value of the shares and exercisable portion
of the options was $130.3 million. See Note 11 to Consolidated Financial
Statements. These repurchase rights will terminate upon the consummation of this
offering. In addition, such stock subscription agreements and stock option
agreements provide that such rights are subject to, and limited by, any
restrictions contained in the credit facilities, the indentures or other debt
instruments on our ability to redeem or repurchase equity held by management
stockholders.

A portion of the purchase price paid for the common stock purchased by
certain management stockholders has been financed by full-recourse bank loans
guaranteed by us. As of December 31, 1998, Messrs. Burleson, Goodwin, Haley,
Kramp, Mehta, Piraino, Swed, Thimjon, Van and Vanderhoff had outstanding loans
guaranteed by us in the amount of $0, $260,572, $3,054,872, $68,700, $1,487,903,
$266,634, $343,200, $0, $49,686 and $282,832, respectively and since January 1,
1997, the largest amounts outstanding under such loans were $68,800, $260,572,
$3,054,872, $68,800, $1,487,903, $266,634, $587,959, $167,262, $49,686 and
$282,832, respectively.

PAYMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE RECAPITALIZATION

In connection with the recapitalization, Cypress received a transaction fee
of approximately $9.5 million from us and was reimbursed for all out-of-pocket
expenses. We have also agreed to indemnify Cypress to the fullest extent
allowable under applicable Delaware law and against any suits, claims, damages
or expenses which may be made against or incurred by Cypress under applicable
securities laws, including in connection with the offering.

Approximately $517.5 and $62.1 million of the equity consideration paid in
connection with the recapitalization was paid to CD&R and Westinghouse,
respectively, to purchase their shares of common stock. In addition,
approximately $52.1 million of the equity consideration was paid to purchase
5,780,000 shares held by Westinghouse upon exercise of an option granted at the
date of formation with an exercise price of $1.73 per share. Westinghouse also
held approximately $66.6 million of our formerly existing indebtedness which was
repaid in connection with the recapitalization. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations -- Recent
Developments" and Notes 3 and 16 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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<PAGE> 62

The recapitalization was a negotiated transaction between WESCO, CD&R and
Cypress, and we believe the transaction was made on terms no less favorable to
us than could have been obtained from an unaffiliated third party.

OTHER TRANSACTIONS

Prior to the recapitalization, Westinghouse and CD&R were considered to be
related parties. In 1998, we purchased $2.8 million from, and sold $7.3 million
worth of products to, Westinghouse. See Note 16 to Consolidated Financial
Statements. We paid an affiliate of CD&R fees of approximately $0.1 million for
advisory, management consulting and monitoring services rendered during 1998.

We believe these transactions were made on terms no less favorable to us
than we could have obtained from an unaffiliated third party.

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<PAGE> 63

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

The following table sets forth certain information known to us with respect
to the beneficial ownership of common stock as of March 31, 1999 and as adjusted
to reflect WESCO's sale of the common stock in the offering by (i) each person
known by us to beneficially own more than five percent of our outstanding common
stock, (ii) each of our directors, (iii) each executive officer named in the
Summary Compensation Table, and (iv) all of our directors and officers as a
group. Unless otherwise indicated, the person or persons named have sole voting
and investment power. In determining the number and percentage of shares
beneficially owned by each person, shares that may be acquired by such person
pursuant to options or convertible stock exercisable or convertible within 60
days of the date hereof are deemed outstanding for purposes of determining the
total number of outstanding shares for such person and are not deemed
outstanding for such purpose for all other stockholders.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OWNED
BENEFICIALLY
-------------------
NUMBER OF PRIOR TO AFTER
NAME SHARES OWNED BENEFICIALLY OFFERING OFFERING
- ---- ------------------------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cypress Merchant Banking Partners L.P.(1)
c/o The Cypress Group L.L.C
65 East 55th Street
New York, New York 10222....................... 18,580,966 53.4% 39.9%
Cypress Offshore Partners L.P.(1)
Bank of Bermuda (Cayman) Limited
P.O. Box 513 G.T Third Floor
British America Tower
George Town, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands, B.W.I.......................... 962,370 2.8% 2.1%
Chase Equity Associates, L.P.(2)
c/o Chase Capital Partners, L.P.
380 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor
New York, New York 10017....................... 4,653,131 13.4% 10.0%
Co-Investment Partners, L.P.
c/o CIP Partners, LLC
660 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10021....................... 4,653,189 13.4% 10.0%
Roy W. Haley..................................... 2,644,350 7.3% 5.5%
James H. Mehta................................... 1,007,743 2.9% 2.1%
James V. Piraino................................. 187,850 * *
Patrick M. Swed.................................. 625,685 1.8% 1.3%
Stanley C. Weiss(3).............................. -- * *
James L. Singleton(1)............................ 19,543,336 56.2% 42.0%
James A. Stern(1)................................ 19,543,336 56.2% 42.0%
Anthony D. Tutrone............................... -- * *
Michael J. Cheshire.............................. 23,120 * *
Robert J. Tarr, Jr............................... 23,120 * *
Kenneth L. Way................................... 23,120 * *
All executive officers and directors as a group
(18) persons................................... 25,269,004 71.3% 53.5%
</TABLE>

61
<PAGE> 64

- -------------------------

* Represents holdings of less than 1%.
(1) Cypress Merchant Banking Partners L.P. and Cypress Offshore Partners L.P.
are affiliates of Cypress. The general partner of Cypress Merchant Banking
Partners L.P. and Cypress Offshore Partners L.P. is Cypress Associates L.P.
and The Cypress Group L.L.C. is the general partner of Cypress Associates
L.P. Messrs. Singleton and Stern are members of Cypress and may be deemed to
share beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock shown as
beneficially owned by such Cypress funds. Such individuals disclaim
beneficial ownership of such shares.
(2) These shares constitute shares of non-voting Class B common stock which are
convertible at any time into common stock at the option of the holder.
(3) Mr. Weiss retired from WESCO effective December 31, 1998.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

At the time of the offering, the authorized capital stock consists of
120,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $.01 per share, 10,000,000
shares of Class B common stock, par value $.01 per share, and 20,000,000 shares
of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share.

COMMON STOCK

VOTING RIGHTS. Each holder of shares of common stock is entitled to one
vote per share on all matters to be voted on by stockholders. Holders of common
stock are not entitled to cumulative votes in the election of directors.

DIVIDEND RIGHTS. The holders of common stock are entitled to dividends and
other distributions if, as and when declared by the Board out of assets legally
available therefor, subject to the rights of any holder of preferred stock,
restrictions set forth in WESCO's credit facilities and restrictions, if any,
imposed by other indebtedness outstanding from time to time. See "Dividend
Policy" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and
Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources." The holders of common
stock and Class B common stock are entitled to equivalent per share dividends
and distributions.

OTHER RIGHTS. Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of WESCO,
the holders of shares of common stock would be entitled to share pro rata (on an
equal basis with the holders of the Class B common stock) in the distribution of
all of WESCO's assets remaining available for distribution after satisfaction of
all its liabilities and the payment of the liquidation preference of any
outstanding preferred stock. The holders of common stock have no preemptive or
other subscription rights to purchase shares of WESCO, nor are they entitled to
the benefits of any sinking fund provisions. No share of common stock issued in
connection with or outstanding prior to the offering is subject to any further
call or assessment.

REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK. Certain employees and key management of WESCO who
hold common stock and options may require WESCO to repurchase in the event of
death, disability or termination without cause during the term of employment,
all of their shares and the exercisable portion of the options they hold. This
repurchase right will terminate upon the consummation of the offering.

CLASS B COMMON STOCK

The Class B common stock (nonvoting) is identical to the common stock in
all respects except that the holders of Class B common stock will have no right
to vote, except as required by law. Shares of Class B common stock automatically
convert into the same number of shares of common stock upon the sale or transfer
by the holder thereof to a non-affiliate. To the extent permitted by law, each
holder of Class B common stock is entitled to convert any or all shares of Class
B common stock held into the same number of shares of common stock.

PREFERRED STOCK

The Board of Directors has the authority, without further action by the
stockholders, to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more
series and to fix the number of shares, designations, voting powers,
preferences, optional and other special rights and the restrictions or
qualifications thereof. The rights, preferences, privileges and powers of each
series of preferred stock may differ with respect to dividend rates, amounts
payable on liquidation, voting rights, conversion rights, redemption provisions,
sinking fund provisions and other matters. The issuance of shares of preferred
stock could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for
distribution to holders of shares of common stock and Class B common stock and
could adversely affect the rights and

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powers, including voting rights, of holders of shares of common stock and Class
B common stock. The existence of authorized and undesignated shares of preferred
stock may also have an adverse effect on the market price of the common stock.
In addition, the issuance of any shares of preferred stock could have the effect
of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of WESCO. No shares of
preferred stock are outstanding, and WESCO has no current intention to issue any
shares of preferred stock.

CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

WESCO's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended and restated, provides for
a classified Board of Directors in which directors are divided into three
classes, each class being elected for a term of three years expiring at
successive yearly intervals. In addition, the Certificate of Incorporation
requires a vote of a majority of the remaining Board of Directors to fill a
vacancy on the Board and does not permit vacancies to be filled by a vote of the
stockholders. The Certificate of Incorporation provides that vacancies filled by
the Board of Directors will be filled for the remainder of the term of the class
in which the vacancy occurs. The Certificate of Incorporation further states
that a decrease in the number of directors will not shorten the term of any
incumbent.

SECTION 203 OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW

We are a Delaware corporation subject to Section 203 of the DGCL. Section
203 provides in general that an interested stockholder acquiring more than 15%
of the outstanding voting stock of a corporation subject to Section 203 but less
than 85% of such stock may not engage in certain business combinations (as
defined in Section 203) with the corporation for a period of three years
subsequent to the date on which the stockholder became an interested stockholder
unless:

- prior to such date the corporation's board of directors approve either
the business combination or the transaction in which the stockholder
became an interested stockholder or

- the business combination is approved by the corporation's board of
directors and authorized by a vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding
voting stock of the corporation not owned by the interested stockholder.

A "business combination" includes mergers, asset sales and other
transactions resulting in financial benefit to a stockholder. Section 203 could
prohibit or delay mergers or other takeover or change of control attempts with
respect to WESCO and, accordingly, may discourage attempts that might result in
a premium over the market price for the shares held by stockholders.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

The Transfer Agent and Registrar for our common stock will be American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

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DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS

CREDIT FACILITIES

The following is a summary of the material terms of the credit agreement
entered into among WESCO, WESCO Distribution--Canada, Inc., WESCO Distribution,
certain financial institutions party thereto, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as U.S.
administrative agent, syndication agent and U.S. collateral agent, The Chase
Manhattan Bank of Canada, as Canadian administrative agent and Canadian
collateral agent, and Lehman Commercial Paper Inc., as documentation agent. The
following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the credit
agreement.

THE FACILITIES. The credit agreement provides for three term loan
facilities in an aggregate principal amount of up to $270.0 million, consisting
of:

- a Tranche A term loan facility providing for term loans to WESCO
Distribution in an aggregate principal amount of up to $80.0 million,

- a Tranche B term loan facility providing for term loans to WESCO
Distribution in an aggregate principal amount of up to $90.0 million,
and

- a delayed draw term facility providing for term loans to WESCO
Distribution in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100.0 million;
and

a revolving credit facility providing for:

- dollar revolving loans in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at
any time not to exceed $50.0 million and

- U.S. dollar and/or Canadian dollar revolving loans in an aggregate
principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed U.S. $50.0
million.

An aggregate principal amount not to exceed $25.0 million is available
under the revolving credit facility for acquisitions permitted under the credit
agreement. The revolving credit facility and the term facilities are referred to
in this prospectus as the credit facilities.

AVAILABILITY. The full amount of the Tranche A term facility and the
Tranche B term facility was drawn upon the closing of WESCO Distribution's notes
offering on June 5, 1998 and amounts repaid or prepaid will not be able to be
reborrowed. The delayed draw term facility is available for two years after June
5, 1998 solely for acquisitions permitted under the credit agreement and amounts
repaid or prepaid will not be able to be reborrowed. Amounts under the revolving
credit facility are available on a revolving basis.

INTEREST. At the option of WESCO Distribution, borrowings under the term
facilities and borrowings in U.S. dollars under the revolving credit facility
bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR or the highest of Chase's
published prime rate, a certificate of deposit rate plus 1% and the Federal
Funds effective rate plus 0.5%, referred to as ABR, plus, in each case a
borrowing margin based on WESCO Distribution's financial performance. At the
option of WESCO Distribution, borrowings in Canadian dollars under the revolving
credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the higher of Chase
Canada's published prime rate and the Canadian Dollar Offered Rate plus 1%,
plus, in each case, a borrowing margin based on WESCO Distribution's financial
performance. Amounts outstanding under the credit facilities not paid when due
will bear interest at a default rate equal to 2% above the rates otherwise
applicable to the loans under the credit agreement.

FEES. WESCO Distribution has agreed to pay certain fees with respect to the
credit agreement, including:

- fees on the unused commitments of the lenders;

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- letter of credit fees on the aggregate face amount of outstanding letters
of credit;

- annual administration fees; and

- agent, arrangement and other similar fees.

SECURITY; GUARANTEES. WESCO has irrevocably guaranteed the obligations of
WESCO Distribution under the credit facilities jointly and severally, with each
existing and subsequently acquired or organized domestic subsidiary and, to the
extent no adverse tax consequences would result, any foreign subsidiary other
than WESCO Distribution and the receivables subsidiary. In addition, the
obligations of WESCO Distribution under the credit facilities and the related
guarantees are secured by substantially all of the assets of WESCO and each
other existing and subsequently acquired and organized domestic subsidiary and,
to the extent no adverse tax consequences would result, foreign subsidiary other
than the receivables subsidiary.

WESCO has irrevocably guaranteed the obligations of WESCO Canada under the
revolving credit facility jointly and severally, with WESCO Distribution and
each existing and subsequently acquired or organized subsidiary of WESCO Canada
and any other subsidiary of WESCO organized under the laws of Canada and the
U.S. guarantors. In addition, the obligations of WESCO Canada under the
revolving credit facility and the related guarantees are secured by the U.S.
collateral and substantially all of the assets of WESCO Canada and each existing
and subsequently acquired or organized subsidiary of WESCO Canada and any other
subsidiary of WESCO organized under the laws of Canada.

COMMITMENT REDUCTIONS AND REPAYMENTS. The revolving credit facility will
mature in 2004. The Tranche A term loan will mature in 2004 with quarterly
amortization payments during the term of such loan in an annual aggregate
principal amount as follows: 1999, $4.0 million; 2000, $8.0 million; 2001, $12.0
million; 2002, $16.0 million; 2003, $20.0 million; and 2004, $20.0 million. The
Tranche B term loan will mature in 2006, with quarterly amortization payments
during the term of such loan in an annual aggregate principal amount as follows:
1999 through 2004, $500,000; 2005, $34.2 million; and 2006, $52.3 million. The
delayed draw term facility will mature in 2005, with quarterly amortization
payments during the term of such facility in an annual aggregate principal
amount as follows: 2002, $25.0 million; 2003, $25.0 million; 2004, $25.0
million; and 2005, $25.0 million assuming WESCO Distribution borrows the full
amount available under the delayed draw term facility.

In addition, the credit facilities are subject to mandatory prepayment and
reductions in an amount equal to:

- 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain equity issuances by WESCO, WESCO
Distribution, WESCO Canada or any of their respective subsidiaries,

- 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain debt issuances of WESCO, WESCO
Distribution, WESCO Canada or any of their respective subsidiaries,

- 75% of WESCO Distribution's excess cash flow, subject to a reduction to
50% if WESCO Distribution's long-term senior unsecured debt receives an
investment grade rating from Standard and Poor's Rating Service or
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and

- 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales or other
dispositions of property by WESCO, WESCO Distribution or any of its
subsidiaries, in each case subject to exceptions.

AFFIRMATIVE, NEGATIVE AND FINANCIAL COVENANTS. The credit agreement
contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict the ability of
WESCO, WESCO Distribution, WESCO Canada and their respective subsidiaries to
dispose of assets, incur additional indebtedness, incur or guarantee
obligations, repay other indebtedness or amend other debt instruments, pay
dividends,

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create liens on assets, make investments, loans or advances, make acquisitions,
engage in mergers or consolidations, change the business conducted by WESCO
Distribution, WESCO Canada and their respective subsidiaries, make capital
expenditures, or engage in certain transactions with affiliates and otherwise
restrict certain corporate activities. In addition, the credit agreement
requires us to comply with specified financial ratios and tests.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT. The credit agreement contains customary events of
default.

RECEIVABLES FACILITY

The following is a summary of the material terms of the receivables
facility entered into among WESCO Distribution, WESCO Canada, WESCO Receivables
Corp., a special purpose wholly-owned subsidiary of WESCO Distribution, Chase as
liquidity bank and funding agent for a multi-seller asset-backed commercial
paper issuer. The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the receivables sale agreements and the pooling agreement.

THE RECEIVABLES FACILITY. WESCO Receivables purchases the receivables
generated by WESCO, WESCO Canada and certain other subsidiaries pursuant to two
receivables sale agreements. The receivables sale agreements contain customary
terms for similar transactions.

WESCO Receivables has entered into a pooling agreement with Chase as
trustee pursuant to which WESCO Receivables transfers all the receivables to a
trust, and the commercial paper issuer, or in certain circumstances, the
liquidity bank provides through the purchase of an undivided percentage
ownership interest in the Trust. If the commercial paper issuer no longer wishes
to, or is unable to, provide financing, which may occur at any time, the
liquidity bank is committed to thereafter be the receivables purchaser. The
receivables facility is supported by a commitment of the liquidity bank, subject
to the terms and conditions of the pooling agreement, to purchase transferred
interests for a period of approximately six years on a revolving basis in an
amount not to exceed $300 million at any time. See Note 4 to Consolidated
Financial Statements for further information concerning funding under the
receivables facility.

The trust, on behalf of the receivables purchasers, has a first priority
perfected ownership or security interest in the receivables, the rights of WESCO
Receivables under the receivables sale agreements and cash collections and other
proceeds received in respect of the receivables. Pursuant to a servicing
agreement entered into by the receivables sellers, WESCO Receivables and the
trust, the receivables sellers have agreed to service the receivables for the
trust; provided, that, upon the occurrence of certain events, the servicing
agreement may be terminated by the trustee.

COSTS. The effective financing rate under the receivables facility will be
the weighted average of the interest rates on all outstanding commercial paper
issued by the commercial paper issuer to fund its purchase of the transferred
interests, except if the liquidity bank is the receivables purchaser, the
effective financing rate will be either adjusted LIBOR plus a margin of up to
2.25% per annum or ABR plus a margin of up to 1.25% per annum, at the option of
WESCO Receivables, plus in each case the fees described below.

FEES. WESCO Receivables has agreed to pay certain fees with respect to the
receivables facility, including a commitment fee to the liquidity bank, a
program fee and agent, arrangement and other similar fees.

FACILITY REDUCTIONS. After the end of the revolving period, all collections
in respect of receivables purchased by WESCO Receivables from the receivables
sellers will be used to reduce the transferred interests of the receivables
purchasers in the receivables. Additionally, at any time, WESCO Receivables at
its option may reduce the purchase commitment upon notice to the receivables
purchasers or terminate the purchases of transferred interests by the
receivables purchasers.
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EARLY TERMINATION EVENTS. The pooling agreement contains certain early
amortization events which will cause the termination of, or permit the
Receivables Purchasers to terminate, the revolving period and effectively reduce
the amount of financing available under the receivables facility to zero.

REPLACEMENT FACILITY. Although WESCO Distribution received a six-year
commitment, WESCO Distribution intends to replace the receivables facility
through a securitization of the receivables in the capital markets or another
securitization transaction. However, no assurance can be made that such
transaction will be completed or, if completed, whether such transaction may
have materially different terms from the receivables facility.

9 1/8% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2008

WESCO Distribution has outstanding $300 million in aggregate principal
amount of its senior subordinated notes. The senior subordinated notes are
subject to the terms and conditions of an indenture dated as of June 5, 1998
between WESCO Distribution and Bank One, N.A., as trustee. The following summary
of the material provisions of the senior subordinated notes does not purport to
be complete, and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to,
all of the provisions of the senior subordinated indenture and those terms made
a part of the senior subordinated indenture and not otherwise defined herein are
used below with the meanings set forth in the senior subordinated indenture.

GENERAL. The senior subordinated notes will mature on June 1, 2008 and bear
interest at 9 1/8% per annum, payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of
each year. The senior subordinated notes are general unsecured obligations of
WESCO Distribution and are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and
future senior debt of WESCO Distribution. The notes are unconditionally
guaranteed, on an unsecured senior subordinated basis, jointly and severally, by
WESCO.

OPTIONAL REDEMPTION. The senior subordinated notes are subject to
redemption at any time, at the option of WESCO Distribution, in whole or in
part, on or after June 1, 2003 at redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, starting at 104.563% of principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest,
during the 12-month period beginning June 1, 2003 and declining annually to 100%
of principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest, on June 1, 2006 and thereafter.

In addition, prior to June 1, 2001, WESCO Distribution may redeem up to 35%
of the aggregate principal amount of the senior subordinated notes with the net
proceeds of this offering or other equity offerings, to the extent such proceeds
are contributed within 120 days of any such offering to WESCO Distribution as
common equity, at a price equal to 109.125% of the principal, plus accrued and
unpaid interest, provided that at least 65% of the original aggregate principal
amount of the senior subordinated notes remains outstanding thereafter.

CHANGE OF CONTROL. Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder
of the senior subordinated notes may require WESCO Distribution to repurchase
all or a portion of such holder's senior subordinated notes at a purchase price
equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest.

SUBORDINATION. The senior subordinated notes are general unsecured
obligations of WESCO Distribution and are subordinate to all existing and future
senior debt of WESCO Distribution. The senior subordinated notes will rank
senior in right of payment to all subordinated Indebtedness of WESCO
Distribution.

CERTAIN COVENANTS. The senior subordinated indenture contains a number of
covenants restricting the operation of WESCO Distribution, which, among other
things, limit the ability of WESCO Distribution to incur additional
indebtedness, pay dividends or make distributions, sell assets, issue subsidiary
stock, restrict distributions from subsidiaries, create certain liens, enter
into certain consolidations or mergers and enter into certain transactions with
affiliates.
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EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, with certain
exceptions, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of
the then outstanding senior subordinated notes may accelerate the maturity of
all the senior subordinated notes as provided in the senior subordinated
indenture.

11 1/8% SENIOR DISCOUNT NOTES DUE 2008

WESCO has outstanding $87 million in aggregate principal amount of its
senior discount notes. The senior discount notes are subject to the terms and
conditions of an indenture dated as of June 5, 1998 between WESCO and Bank One,
N.A., as trustee. The following summary of the material provisions of the senior
discount notes does not purport to be complete, and is subject to, and qualified
in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the senior discount
indenture and those terms made a part of the senior discount indenture and not
otherwise defined herein are used below with the meanings set forth in the
senior discount indenture.

GENERAL. The senior discount notes will mature on June 1, 2008 and were
sold at a discount resulting in a yield to maturity of 11.175% per annum,
payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The senior discount
notes are generally unsecured obligations of WESCO and are subordinated in right
of payment to all existing and future senior debt of WESCO.

OPTIONAL REDEMPTION. The senior discount notes are subject to redemption at
any time, at the option of WESCO, in whole or in part, on or after June 1, 2003
at redemption prices, plus accrued and unpaid interest, starting at 105.563% of
principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest, during the 12-month period
beginning June 1, 2003 and declining annually to 100% of principal, plus accrued
and unpaid interest, on June 1, 2006 and thereafter. At any time prior to June
1, 2001, WESCO may redeem, in whole but not in part, the senior discount notes
with the proceeds of an equity offering at a redemption price equal to 111.125%
of the accreted value at the date of redemption.

CHANGE OF CONTROL. Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each holder
of the senior discount notes has the option to sell its senior discount notes to
WESCO at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus
accrued and unpaid interest.

SUBORDINATION. The senior discount notes are general unsecured obligations
of WESCO and are subordinate to all existing and future senior debt of WESCO.
The senior discount notes will rank senior in right of payment to all
subordinated indebtedness of WESCO.

CERTAIN COVENANTS. The senior discount indenture contains a number of
covenants restricting the operations of WESCO, which, among other things, limit
the ability of WESCO to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make
distributions, sell assets, issue subsidiary stock, restrict distributions from
subsidiaries, create certain liens, enter into certain consolidations or mergers
and enter into certain transactions with affiliates.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, with certain
exceptions, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of
the then outstanding senior discount notes may accelerate the maturity of all
the senior discount notes as provided in the senior discount indenture.

CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTES

WESCO issued four promissory notes to certain sellers in connection with
four acquisitions, including Bruckner, which are convertible in whole or in part
into common stock. Three outstanding notes in the aggregate principal amount of
$32 million are automatically convertible into shares of common stock upon the
offering. One note is convertible as to $5 million of its principal amount, at
the election of the payee, into shares of common stock upon the offering. The
number of shares of common stock into which each note is convertible is
determined by dividing the unpaid principal amount, or the amount elected by the
payee to be received in the form of shares of common stock, as the case may be,
by the offering price.
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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

Upon the consummation of this offering, we will have 46,552,281 shares of
common stock issued and outstanding, including outstanding shares of Class B
common stock which are convertible into common stock. All of the 9,725,000
shares of common stock to be sold in the offering and any shares sold upon
exercise of the underwriters' over-allotment option will be freely tradable
without restrictions or further registration under the Securities Act, except
for any shares purchased by an "affiliate" of WESCO as that term is defined in
Rule 144 under the Securities Act, which will be subject to the resale
limitations of Rule 144. After the completion of the offering, we will have
36,827,281 shares of common stock outstanding which are "restricted securities"
as that term is defined in Rule 144 and are also subject to certain restrictions
on disposition. Restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if
registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144
or Rule 701 under the Securities Act. Sales of restricted securities in the
public market, or the availability of such shares for sale, could have an
adverse effect on the price of the common stock. See "Risk Factors -- The Price
of our Common Stock May Fluctuate Significantly" and "Risk Factors -- A Number
of Shares Are or Will be Available for Future Sale."

In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, a person (or persons
whose shares are required to be aggregated) who has beneficially owned shares of
common stock for at least one year, including a person who may be deemed an
"affiliate" of WESCO, is entitled to sell, within any three-month period, a
number of shares that does not exceed the greater of 1% of the total number of
shares of the class of stock sold or the average weekly reported trading volume
of the class of stock being sold during the four calendar weeks preceding such
sale. A person who is not deemed an "affiliate" of WESCO at any time during the
three months preceding a sale and who has beneficially owned shares for at least
two years is entitled to sell such shares under Rule 144 without regard to the
volume limitations as described above. As defined in Rule 144, an "affiliate" of
an issuer is a person that directly or indirectly through the use of one or more
intermediaries controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such
issuer. The foregoing summary of Rule 144 is not intended to be a complete
description thereof.

LOCK-UP AGREEMENTS

Existing stockholders, including directors and executive officers of WESCO,
who, after the offering, will hold in the aggregate 36,209,324 shares of common
stock, have agreed, pursuant to lock-up agreements, that they will not, for a
period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to certain limited
exceptions, without the prior written consent of Lehman Brothers Inc., offer,
sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock or
securities exercisable or exchangeable for common stock or enter into any
derivative transaction with similar effect as a sale of common stock. The
restrictions described in this paragraph do not apply to:

- the sale of common stock to the underwriters in this offering,

- the issuance by WESCO of shares of common stock upon the exercise of an
option or the conversion of a security outstanding on the date of this
prospectus,

- transactions by any person other than WESCO relating to shares of common
stock or

- the issuance by WESCO of shares of common stock pursuant to employee
benefit plans, qualified stock option plans or other employee
compensation existing on the date of this prospectus.

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

Pursuant to the registration and participation agreement, the investor
group and the management stockholders have the right, under certain
circumstances and subject to certain conditions, to request that we register
under the Securities Act shares of our common stock held by them. Subject to
certain conditions and exceptions, the investor group and the management
stockholders also have the right to require that shares of common stock held by
them be included in any registration under the

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Securities Act commenced by us. No such stockholder has requested to register
its shares of common stock in the offering. The registration and participation
agreement provides that we will pay all expenses in connection with the first
three registrations requested by the investor group and the management
stockholders. The registration and participation agreement also provides that we
will indemnify the investors and the management stockholders and their
affiliates for certain liabilities they may incur under the securities laws.

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UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

The following summary describes United States federal income and estate tax
consequences that may be relevant to the purchase, ownership and disposition of
common stock by a Non-U.S. Holder. For this purpose, a "Non-U.S. Holder" is any
person who is, for United States federal income tax purposes, a foreign
corporation, a non-resident alien individual, a foreign partnership or a foreign
estate or trust. This discussion does not address all aspects of United States
federal income and estate taxes and does not deal with foreign, state and local
consequences that may be relevant to such Non-U.S. Holders in light of their
personal circumstances. Furthermore, this discussion is based on provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, existing and proposed regulations promulgated
thereunder and administrative and judicial interpretations thereof, as of the
date hereof, all of which are subject to change. EACH PROSPECTIVE PURCHASER OF
COMMON STOCK IS ADVISED TO CONSULT A TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO CURRENT AND
POSSIBLE FUTURE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF ACQUIRING, HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF COMMON
STOCK AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES THAT MAY ARISE UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY U.S.
STATE, MUNICIPALITY OR OTHER TAXING JURISDICTION.

DIVIDENDS

We do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our capital stock in the
foreseeable future. See "Dividend Policy." In the event, however, that dividends
are paid on shares of common stock, dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder of
common stock generally will be subject to withholding of United States federal
income tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable
income tax treaty. However, dividends that are effectively connected with the
conduct of a trade or business by the Non-U.S. Holder within the United States
and, where a tax treaty applies, are attributable to a United States permanent
establishment of the Non-U.S. Holder, are not subject to the withholding tax,
but instead are subject to United States federal income tax on a net income
basis at applicable graduated individual or corporate rates. Certification and
disclosure requirements must be complied with in order for dividends to be
exempt from withholding under such effectively connected income exemption. Any
such effectively connected dividends received by a foreign corporation may be
subject to an additional "branch profits tax" at a 30% rate or such lower rate
as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

Until December 31, 1999, dividends paid to an address outside the United
States are presumed to be paid to a resident of such country, unless the payer
has knowledge to the contrary, for purposes of the withholding tax discussed
above and, under the current interpretation of United States Treasury
regulations, for purposes of determining the applicability of a tax treaty rate.
However, a Non-U.S. Holder of common stock who wishes to claim the benefit of an
applicable treaty rate, and avoid back-up withholding as discussed below for
dividends paid after December 31, 1999, will be required to satisfy applicable
certification and other requirements. Special rules apply to dividend payments
made after December 31, 1999 to foreign intermediaries, U.S. or foreign
wholly-owned entities that are disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes
and entities that are treated as fiscally transparent in the United States, the
applicable income tax treaty jurisdiction, or both. In addition, U.S. tax
legislation, effective August 4, 1997, denies income tax treaty benefits to
foreigners receiving income derived through a partnership, or otherwise fiscally
transparent entity, in certain circumstances.

A Non-U.S. Holder of common stock eligible for a reduced rate of United
States withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty may obtain a refund of
any excess amounts withheld by filing an appropriate claim for refund with the
Internal Revenue Service.

72
<PAGE> 75

GAIN ON DISPOSITION OF COMMON STOCK

A Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to United States federal
income tax with respect to gain recognized on a sale or other disposition of
common stock unless:

- the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business of the
Non-U.S. Holder in the United States and, where a tax treaty applies, is
attributable to a United States permanent establishment of the Non-U.S.
Holder,

- in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder who is an individual and holds the
common stock as a capital asset, such holder is present in the United
States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the sale or other
disposition and certain other conditions are met,

- the Non-U.S. Holder is subject to tax pursuant to the provisions of the
U.S. tax law applicable to certain U.S. expatriates,

- we are or have been a "U.S. real property holding corporation" for United
States federal income tax purposes, and the Non-U.S. Holder owned,
directly or pursuant to certain attribution rules, more than 5% of
WESCO's common stock at any time within the shorter of the five-year
period preceding such disposition or such Non-U.S. Holder's holding
period.

WESCO believes it is not, and does not anticipate becoming, a "U.S. real
property holding corporation" for United States federal income tax purposes.

An individual Non-U.S. Holder described in the first point above will be
subject to tax on the net gain derived from the sale under regular graduated
United States federal income tax rates. An individual Non-U.S. Holder described
in the second point above will be subject to a flat 30% tax on the gain derived
from the sale, which may be offset by United States source capital losses (even
though the individual is not considered a resident of the United States). If a
Non-U.S. Holder that is a foreign corporation falls under the first point above,
it will be subject to tax on its gain under regular graduated United States
federal income tax rates and, in addition, may be subject to the branch profits
tax equal to 30% of its effectively connected earnings and profits within the
meaning of the Code for the taxable year, as adjusted for certain items, unless
it qualifies for a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty.

FEDERAL ESTATE TAX

Common stock owned or treated as owned by an individual Non-U.S. Holder at
the time of death will be included in such holder's gross estate for United
States federal estate tax purposes, unless an applicable estate tax treaty
provides otherwise.

INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING

WESCO must report annually to the IRS and to each Non-U.S. Holder the
amount of dividends paid to such Non-U.S. Holder and the tax withheld with
respect to such dividends, regardless of whether withholding was required.
Copies of the information returns reporting such dividends and withholding may
also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the
Non-U.S. Holder resides under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty.

Until December 31, 1999, backup withholding generally will not apply to
dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder at an address outside the United States,
unless the payer has knowledge that the payee is a U.S. person. With respect to
dividends paid after December 31, 1999, however, a Non-U.S. Holder will be
subject to back-up withholding unless applicable certification requirements are
met.

Payment of the proceeds of a sale of common stock within the United States
or conducted through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries is subject
to:

- information reporting; and

73
<PAGE> 76

- backup withholding other than payments made before January 1, 2000, by or
through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries, unless the
beneficial owner certifies under penalties of perjury that it is a
Non-U.S. Holder, and the payor does not have actual knowledge that the
beneficial owner is a United States person, or the holder otherwise
establishes an exemption.

Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be allowed as a
refund or a credit against such holder's U.S. federal income tax liability
provided the required information is furnished to the IRS.

74
<PAGE> 77

UNDERWRITING

Under the terms of, and subject to the conditions contained in, the U.S.
underwriting agreement, the form of which is filed as an exhibit to the
registration statement, the U.S. underwriters named below, for whom Lehman
Brothers Inc., Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation, Goldman, Sachs & Co., Robert W. Baird & Co., Incorporated and ING
Baring Furman Selz LLC are acting as the U.S. representatives, have severally
agreed, subject to the terms and conditions of the U.S. underwriting agreement,
to purchase from WESCO, and WESCO has agreed to sell to each U.S. underwriter,
the aggregate number of shares of common stock set forth opposite the name of
each such U.S. underwriter below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
U.S. UNDERWRITERS SHARES
----------------- ----------
<S> <C>
Lehman Brothers Inc. .......................................
Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. ...................................
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation.........
Goldman, Sachs & Co. .......................................
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated..........................
ING Baring Furman Selz LLC..................................
----------
Total.................................................. 7,780,000
==========
</TABLE>

Under the terms of, and subject to the conditions contained in, the
international underwriting agreement, the form of which is filed as an exhibit
to the registration statement, the international managers named below of the
concurrent offering of the shares of common stock outside the U.S. and Canada,
for whom Lehman Brothers International (Europe), Bear, Stearns International
Limited, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette International, Goldman Sachs
International, Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated and Baring Brothers Limited,
as agent for ING Bank NV are acting as lead managers, have severally agreed,
subject to the terms and conditions of the international underwriting agreement,
to purchase from WESCO, and WESCO has agreed to sell to each international
manager, the aggregate number of shares of common stock set forth opposite the
name of each international manager below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
INTERNATIONAL MANAGERS SHARES
---------------------- ----------
<S> <C>
Lehman Brothers International (Europe)......................
Bear, Stearns International Limited.........................
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette International..................
Goldman Sachs International.................................
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated..........................
Baring Brothers Limited, as agent for ING Bank NV...........
----------
Total.................................................. 1,945,000
==========
</TABLE>

The international managers and the U.S. underwriters are collectively
referred to as the underwriters, and the lead managers and the U.S.
representatives are collectively referred to as the representatives. The U.S.
underwriting agreement and the international underwriting agreement provide that
the obligations of the U.S. underwriters and the international managers to
purchase shares of common stock are subject to certain conditions, and that if
any of the foregoing shares of

75
<PAGE> 78

common stock are purchased by the U.S. underwriters pursuant to the U.S.
underwriting agreement or by the international managers pursuant to the
international underwriting agreement then all the shares of common stock agreed
to be purchased by the U.S. underwriters and the international managers, as the
case may be, pursuant to their respective underwriting agreements, must be so
purchased. The offering price and underwriting discounts and commissions per
share for the U.S. offering and the international offering are identical. The
closing of the U.S. offering is a condition to the closing of the international
offering and the closing of the international offering is a condition to the
closing of the U.S. offering.

The initial public offering price will be determined by negotiations
between representatives of the underwriters and us and may not be indicative of
prices that will prevail in the trading market. The representatives have advised
us that the U.S. underwriters and the international managers propose to offer
the shares of common stock directly to the public at the public offering price
set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and to certain selected dealers,
who may include the U.S. underwriters and the international managers, at such
public offering price less a selling concession not in excess of $ per
share. The selected dealers may reallow a concession not in excess of $ per
share to certain brokers and dealers. After this offering, the public offering
price, the concession to selected dealers and the reallowance may be changed by
the U.S. underwriters and the international managers.

We have agreed to indemnify, under certain circumstances, the U.S.
underwriters and the international managers against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute, under certain
circumstances, to payments that the U.S. underwriters and the international
managers may be required to make in respect thereof.

We have granted to the U.S. underwriters an option to purchase up to an
aggregate 1,167,000 additional shares of common stock and have granted to the
international managers an option to purchase up to 291,750 additional shares of
common stock, in each case exercisable solely to cover over-allotments, at the
public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions shown on
the cover page of this prospectus. Such options may be exercised at any time
until 30 days after the date of the underwriting agreements. To the extent that
the over-allotment option is exercised, each U.S. underwriter or international
manager, as the case may be, will be committed, subject to certain conditions,
to purchase a number of additional shares of common stock proportionate to such
U.S. underwriter's or international manager's initial commitment as indicated in
the preceding tables.

The U.S. underwriters and the international managers have entered into an
agreement between U.S. underwriters and international managers pursuant to which
each U.S. underwriter has agreed that, as part of the distribution of the shares
of common stock offered in the U.S. offering:

- it is not purchasing any such shares for the account of anyone other than
a U.S. person, and

- it has not offered or sold, will not offer, sell, resell or deliver,
directly or indirectly, any such shares or distribute any prospectus
relating to the U.S. offering to anyone other than a U.S. person.

In addition, pursuant to such agreement, each international manager has
agreed that, as part of the distribution of the shares of common stock offered
in the international offering:

- it is not purchasing any such shares for the account of a U.S. person,
and

- it has not offered or sold, and will not offer, sell, resell or deliver,
directly or indirectly, any of such shares or distribute any prospectus
relating to the international offering to any U.S. person.

The foregoing limitations do not apply to stabilization transactions or to
certain other transactions specified in the underwriting agreements and the
agreement between U.S. underwriters and international managers, including:

76
<PAGE> 79

- certain purchases and sales between U.S. underwriters and the
international managers,

- certain offers, sales, resales, deliveries or distributions to or through
investment advisors or other persons exercising investment discretion,

- purchases, offers or sales by a U.S. underwriter who is also acting as an
international manager or by an international manager who is also acting
as a U.S. underwriter and

- other transactions specifically approved by the U.S. representatives and
the lead managers.

As used herein, the term "U.S. person" means any resident or national of
the United States or Canada, any corporation, partnership or other entity
created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or Canada, or any
estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States or Canadian
federal income taxation regardless of the source.

Pursuant to the agreement between the U.S. underwriters and the
international managers, sales may be made between the U.S. underwriters and the
international managers of such a number of shares of common stock as may be
mutually agreed. The price of any shares so sold shall be the public offering
price as then in effect for the shares of common stock being sold by the U.S.
underwriters and the international managers less an amount equal to the selling
concession allocable to such shares of common stock, unless otherwise determined
by mutual agreement. To the extent that there are sales between the U.S.
underwriters and the international managers pursuant to the agreement between
the U.S. underwriters and the international managers the number of shares of
common stock available for sale by the U.S. underwriters or by the international
managers may be more or less than the amount specified on the cover page of the
this prospectus.

Until the distribution of the common stock is completed, rules of the SEC
may limit the ability of the underwriters and certain selling group members to
bid for and purchase shares of common stock. As an exception to these rules, the
representatives are permitted to engage in certain transactions that stabilize
the price of the common stock. Such transactions may consist of bids or
purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the
common stock.

If the underwriters create a short position in the common stock in
connection with this offering (i.e., if they sell more shares of common stock
than are set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), the representatives
may reduce that short position by purchasing common stock in the open market.
The representatives also may elect to reduce any short position by exercising
all or part of the over-allotment options described herein.

The representatives may also impose a penalty bid on certain underwriters
and selling group members. This means that, if the representatives purchase
shares of common stock in the open market to reduce the underwriters' short
position or to stabilize the price of the common stock, they may reclaim the
amount of the selling concession from the underwriters and selling group members
who sold those shares as part of this offering.

In general, purchases of a security for the purpose of stabilization or to
reduce a syndicate short position could cause the price of the security to be
higher than it might otherwise be in the absence of such purchases. The
imposition of a penalty bid might have an effect on the price of a security to
the extent that it were to discourage resales of the security by purchasers in
this offering.

Neither WESCO nor any of the underwriters makes any representation or
prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions
described above may have on the price of the common stock. In addition, neither
WESCO nor any of the underwriters makes any representation that the
representatives will engage in such transactions or that such transactions, once
commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

77
<PAGE> 80

Each international manager has represented and agreed that:

- it has not offered or sold and, prior to the date six months after the
date of issue of the shares of common stock, will not offer or sell any
shares of common stock to persons in the United Kingdom except to persons
whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or
disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of
their businesses or otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted
and will not result in an offer to the public in the United Kingdom
within the meaning of the Public Offers of Securities Regulations 1995,

- it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of the
Financial Services Act 1986 with respect to anything done by it in
relation to the shares of common stock in, from or otherwise involving
the United Kingdom, and

- it has only issued or passed on, and will only issue or pass on to any
person in the United Kingdom any document received by it in connection
with the issue of the shares of common stock if that person is of a kind
described in Article 11(3) of the Financial Services Act 1986 (Investment
Advertisements) (Exemptions) Order 1996 or is a person to whom such
document may otherwise be issued or passed upon.

The common stock has been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to
notice of issuance, under the symbol WCC.

WESCO has agreed, and existing stockholders, including directors and
executive officers of WESCO, who, after this offering, will own in the aggregate
36,209,324 shares of common stock, have agreed that they will not, for a period
of 180 days from the date of this prospectus, subject to certain limited
exceptions, directly or indirectly, offer, sell or otherwise dispose of any
shares of common stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or
exercisable for any such shares of common stock or enter into any derivative
transaction with similar effect as a sale of common stock, without the prior
written consent of Lehman Brothers Inc. The restrictions described in this
paragraph do not apply to:

- the sale of common stock to the underwriters in this offering,

- the issuance by WESCO of shares of common stock upon the exercise of an
option or the conversion of a security outstanding as of the date of this
prospectus,

- transactions by any person other than WESCO relating to shares of common
stock or other securities acquired in open market transactions after the
completion of this offering, or

- the issuance by WESCO of shares of common stock pursuant to employee
benefit plans, qualified stock option plans or other employee
compensation existing on the date of this prospectus.

Any offer of the shares of common stock in Canada will be made only
pursuant to an exemption from the prospectus filing requirement and an exemption
from the dealer registration requirement (where such an exemption is not
available, offers shall be made only by a registered dealer) in the relevant
Canadian jurisdiction where such offer is made.

Purchasers of the shares of common stock offered hereby may be required to
pay stamp taxes and other charges in accordance with the laws and practices of
the country of purchase, in addition to the offering price set forth on the
cover hereof.

The U.S. underwriters and the international managers have informed WESCO
that they do not intend to sell to, and therefore will not confirm the sales of
shares of common stock offered hereby to any accounts over which they exercise
discretionary authority in excess of 5% of shares offered by them.

78
<PAGE> 81

Lehman Brothers Inc. has provided investment banking, financial advisory
and other services to us, for which services Lehman Brothers Inc. has received
customary fees.

DIRECTED SHARE PROGRAM

At the request of WESCO, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the
offering price, up to 7.5% of the shares of the common stock that will be
offered by this prospectus for directors, officers and employees of WESCO. Some
purchasers of the reserved shares may be required to agree in writing not to
sell, transfer, assign, pledge or hypothecate such shares for 180 days from
their date of purchase. The number of shares of common stock available for sale
to the general public will be reduced to the extent such persons purchase such
reserved shares. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered
by the underwriters to the general public on the same basis as the other shares
offered hereby.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus will
be passed upon for us by Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,
and for the underwriters by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

The consolidated balance sheets of WESCO as of December 31, 1997 and 1998
and the consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and
redeemable common stock and cash flows of WESCO for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1998 included in this prospectus have been
included herein in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
independent accountants, given on the authority of that firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.

The balance sheet of Bruckner as of December 31, 1997 and the statements of
income and retained earnings and cash flows of Bruckner for the year then ended
included in this prospectus have been included herein in reliance on the report
of Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority
of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with
the SEC. You may access and read our SEC filings, including the complete
registration statement and all of the exhibits to it, through the SEC's Internet
site at www.sec.gov. This site contains reports, proxy and information
statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with
the SEC. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC's public
reference room located at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please
call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference
room. Our filings will also be available after the offering at the offices of
the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, NY 10005.

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities
Act with respect to the shares of common stock offered hereby. This prospectus,
which constitutes part of the registration statement, does not contain all of
the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits and
schedules thereto. Our descriptions in this prospectus of the provisions of
documents filed as exhibits to the registration statement or otherwise filed
with the SEC are only summaries of the documents' material terms. If you want a
complete description of the content of the documents, you should obtain the
documents yourself by following the procedures described above.

79
<PAGE> 82

WESCO was founded as a Delaware corporation in 1994. Our executive offices
are located at Commerce Court, Suite 700, Four Station Square, Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania 15219, and its telephone number is (412) 454-2200.

80
<PAGE> 83

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
WESCO International, Inc.
Report of Independent Accountants......................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and
1998................................................... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998....................... F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and
Redeemable Common Stock for the years ended December
31, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998.......................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998....................... F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................ F-7
Bruckner Supply Company, Inc.
Independent Accountants' Report........................... F-27
Balance Sheet as of December 31, 1997..................... F-28
Statement of Income and Retained Earnings for the year
ended December 31, 1997................................ F-29
Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31,
1997................................................... F-30
Notes to the Financial Statements......................... F-31
Unaudited Condensed Balance Sheet as of June 30, 1998..... F-34
Unaudited Condensed Statement of Income for the six months
ended June 30, 1998 and 1997........................... F-35
Unaudited Condensed Statement of Cash Flow for the six
months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997.................... F-36
Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements............... F-37
</TABLE>

F-1
<PAGE> 84

When the stock split referred to in Note 22 of the consolidated financial
statements is effective, we will be in a position to render the following
report.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
of WESCO International, Inc.:

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the
related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and
redeemable common stock and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of WESCO International, Inc. and subsidiaries at December
31, 1997 and 1998, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the
responsibility of WESCO's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.

600 Grant Street

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
February 12, 1999, except for Note 22,

as to which the date is April , 1999.

F-2
<PAGE> 85

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
----------------------
1997 1998
-------- ----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS,
EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents............................... $ 7,620 $ 8,093
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
accounts of $10,814 and $8,082 in 1997 and 1998,
respectively (Note 4).................................. 351,170 181,511
Other accounts receivable............................... 17,261 22,265
Inventories............................................. 299,406 343,764
Income taxes receivable................................. 3,405 7,329
Prepaid expenses and other current assets............... 3,699 2,892
Deferred income taxes (Note 12)......................... 14,277 16,217
-------- ----------
Total current assets............................... 696,838 582,071
Property, buildings and equipment, net (Note 7)............. 95,082 107,596
Goodwill and other intangibles, net of accumulated
amortization of $5,108 and $10,163 in 1997 and 1998,
respectively (Note 5)..................................... 69,331 234,049
Other assets (Note 8)....................................... 9,609 26,806
-------- ----------
Total assets....................................... $870,860 $ 950,522
======== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable........................................ $311,796 $ 378,590
Accrued payroll and benefit costs....................... 27,694 19,614
Current portion of long-term debt....................... 891 16,592
Other current liabilities (Note 10)..................... 20,154 51,671
-------- ----------
Total current liabilities.......................... 360,535 466,467
Long-term debt (Note 9)..................................... 294,275 579,238
Other noncurrent liabilities................................ 5,875 7,040
Deferred income taxes (Note 12)............................. 16,662 18,832
-------- ----------
Total liabilities.................................. 677,347 1,071,577
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
Redeemable Class A common stock, $.01 par value; 5,161,887
and 4,901,902 shares issued and outstanding in 1997 and
1998, respectively (redemption value of redeemable common
stock and vested options of $68,597 and $130,267 in 1997
and 1998, respectively) (Note 11)......................... 8,978 21,506
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 11):
Class A common stock, $.01 par value; 120,000,000
authorized, 53,943,584 and 25,209,817 shares issued and
outstanding in 1997 and 1998, respectively............. 539 252
Class B nonvoting convertible common stock, $.01 par
value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, 4,653,131 issued
and outstanding in 1998................................ -- 46
Additional capital...................................... 92,789 326,783
Retained earnings (deficit)............................. 89,366 (468,220)
Common stock to be issued under option.................. 2,500 --
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)........... (659) (1,422)
-------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity......................... 184,535 (142,561)
-------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity......... $870,860 $ 950,522
======== ==========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of
the consolidated financial statements.

F-3
<PAGE> 86

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
--------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
---------- ---------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sales, net...................................... $2,274,622 $2,594,819 $3,025,439
Cost of goods sold.............................. 1,869,565 2,130,900 2,487,780
---------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit.................................. 405,057 463,919 537,659
Selling, general and administrative expenses.... 326,003 372,532 415,028
Depreciation and amortization................... 10,846 11,331 14,805
Recapitalization costs (Note 3)................. -- -- 51,800
---------- ---------- ----------
Income from operations........................ 68,208 80,056 56,026
Interest expense, net........................... 17,382 20,109 45,121
Other expenses (Note 4)......................... -- -- 10,122
---------- ---------- ----------
Income before income taxes.................... 50,826 59,947 783
Provision for income taxes (Note 12)............ 18,364 23,710 8,519
---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss)............................. $ 32,462 $ 36,237 $ (7,736)
========== ========== ==========
Earnings per common share (Note 13):
Basic......................................... $ 0.55 $ 0.61 $ (0.17)
========== ========== ==========
Diluted....................................... $ 0.51 $ 0.55 $ (0.17)
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of
the consolidated financial statements.

F-4
<PAGE> 87

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
AND REDEEMABLE COMMON STOCK

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON
STOCK ACCUMULATED
TO BE OTHER REDEEMABLE
COMMON STOCK RETAINED ISSUED COMPREHENSIVE CLASS A
COMPREHENSIVE ----------------- ADDITIONAL EARNINGS UNDER INCOME COMMON
INCOME CLASS A CLASS B CAPITAL (DEFICIT) OPTION (LOSS) STOCK
------------- ------- ------- ---------- --------- -------- ------------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1995... $ 539 $ -- $ 92,789 $ 20,667 $ 2,500 $ (126) $ 7,730
Exercise of common stock
options.................... 343
Issuance of common stock..... 857
Net income................... $32,462 32,462
Translation adjustment....... (85) (85)
-------
Comprehensive income......... $32,377
======= ----- ---- -------- --------- ------- ------- -------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1996... 539 -- 92,789 53,129 2,500 (211) 8,930
Exercise of common stock
options.................... 171
Issuance of common stock..... 201
Repurchase of common stock... (324)
Net income................... $36,237 36,237
Translation adjustment....... (448) (448)
-------
Comprehensive income......... $35,789
======= ----- ---- -------- --------- ------- ------- -------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1997... 539 -- 92,789 89,366 2,500 (659) 8,978
Recapitalization, net........ (287) 46 231,326 (549,143) (2,500) 1,271
Issuance of common stock..... 16,759
Repurchase of common stock... (707) (1,427)
Exercise of common stock
options.................... 888
Forfeiture and repurchase of
common stock options....... 1,780 (4,075)
Net income (loss)............ $(7,736) (7,736)
Translation adjustment....... (763) (763)
-------
Comprehensive income......... $(8,499)
======= ----- ---- -------- --------- ------- ------- -------
BALANCE, DECEMBER 31, 1998... $ 252 $ 46 $326,783 $(468,220) $ -- $(1,422) $21,506
===== ==== ======== ========= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of
the consolidated financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE> 88

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
---------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
--------- --------- ---------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)........................................... $ 32,462 $ 36,237 $ (7,736)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided (used) by operating activities:
Recapitalization costs.................................... -- -- 40,500
Depreciation and amortization............................. 10,846 11,331 14,805
Accretion of original issue and amortization of purchase
discounts............................................... 4,592 4,856 6,300
Amortization of debt issuance costs and interest rate
caps.................................................... 531 418 1,276
Gain on sale of property, buildings and equipment......... (81) (855) (1,404)
Deferred income taxes..................................... (78) 2,837 2,370
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding the effects
of acquisitions:
Sale of trade accounts receivable....................... -- -- 274,245
Trade and other receivables............................. (21,058) (32,641) (23,644)
Inventories............................................. (24,389) (31,671) (5,645)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets............... 5,930 (1,120) (2,151)
Other assets............................................ 700 (3,652) 191
Accounts payable........................................ 20,323 9,690 (8,445)
Accrued payroll and benefit costs....................... (1,942) 1,594 (8,380)
Other current and noncurrent liabilities................ (12,700) (9,001) (5,428)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided (used) by operating activities... 15,136 (11,977) 276,854
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures........................................ (9,330) (11,591) (10,694)
Proceeds from the sale of property, buildings and
equipment................................................. 2,338 3,996 2,039
Advances to affiliates...................................... -- -- (1,461)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 19)................ (103,918) (13,914) (173,976)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash used by investing activities.............. (110,910) (21,509) (184,092)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt.................... 546,396 430,843 1,064,288
Repayments of long-term debt................................ (459,730) (389,613) (797,555)
Debt issuance costs......................................... (682) (172) (10,693)
Recapitalization costs...................................... -- -- (28,974)
Repurchase of common stock.................................. -- (324) (657,956)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock...................... 1,200 372 332,795
Proceeds from contributed capital........................... -- -- 5,806
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities... 87,184 41,106 (92,289)
--------- --------- ---------
Net change in cash and cash equivalents..................... (8,590) 7,620 473
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period........ 8,590 -- 7,620
--------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period.............. $ -- $ 7,620 $ 8,093
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>

The accompanying notes are an integral part of
the consolidated financial statements.

F-6
<PAGE> 89

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ORGANIZATION

WESCO International, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, "WESCO"),
headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a full-line distributor of
electrical supplies and equipment and is a provider of integrated supply
procurement services. WESCO currently operates branch locations in the United
States, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

Subsequent to the completion in June 1998 of a leveraged recapitalization
(see Note 3), WESCO was substantially owned by an investor group led by
affiliates of The Cypress Group L.L.C. ("Cypress") with WESCO's management
retaining the remaining interest.

On February 28, 1994, Clayton & Dubilier Private Equity Fund IV Limited
Partnership, managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice ("CD&R"), formed WESCO
Distribution, Inc. for the purpose of acquiring substantially all of the assets
and certain liabilities of Westinghouse Electric Supply Company ("1994
Formation") from the former Westinghouse Electric Corporation ("Westinghouse").

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of WESCO
International, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make certain
estimates and assumptions. These may affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of the consolidated financial statements. They may also affect the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results
could differ from these estimates upon subsequent resolution of some matters.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are recognized at the time products are shipped or services are
rendered.

Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are defined as highly liquid investments with original
maturities of 90 days or less when purchased.

Asset Securitization

WESCO accounts for the securitization of accounts receivable in accordance
with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 125 "Accounting
for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of
Liabilities." At the time the receivables are sold the balances are removed from
the balance sheet. SFAS No. 125 also requires retained interests in the
transferred assets to be measured by allocating the previous carrying amount
between the assets sold and retained interests, if any, based on their relative
fair values at the date of transfer.

F-7
<PAGE> 90

Inventories

Inventories primarily consist of merchandise purchased for resale and are
stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined principally under the
average cost method.

Property, Buildings and Equipment

Property, buildings and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation
expense is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful
lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over either their
respective lease terms or their estimated lives, whichever is shorter.
Expenditures for new facilities and improvements that extend the useful life of
an asset are capitalized. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as
incurred. When property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and the
related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any related
gains or losses are recorded.

Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets arising from acquisitions are
amortized on a straight-line basis over periods not exceeding 35 years. The
carrying value of individual components of intangible assets are regularly
reviewed by evaluating the estimated future undiscounted cash flows to determine
recoverability of the assets. Any decrease in value is recognized on a current
basis.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the liability method. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial
reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the
enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are
expected to reverse. Valuation allowances, if any, are provided when a portion
or all of a deferred tax asset may not be realized.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the
weighted-average common shares outstanding during the respective periods.
Diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the
weighted-average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during
the period. The dilutive effect of common share equivalents is considered in the
diluted earnings per share computation using the treasury stock method.

Foreign Currency Translation

The local currency is the functional currency for substantially all of
WESCO's operations outside the United States. Assets and liabilities of these
operations are translated to U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at each
period end. Income statement accounts are translated at the average exchange
rate prevailing during the period. Translation adjustments arising from the use
of differing exchange rates from period to period are included as a component of
stockholders' equity. Gains and losses from foreign currency transactions are
included in net income for the period.

Financial Instruments

Periodically, WESCO enters into interest rate cap, floor and collar
agreements to mitigate the exposure changes in interest rates have on
variable-rate borrowings. If the requirements for hedge accounting are met,
amounts paid or received under these agreements are recognized over the life of
the agreements as adjustments to interest expense. Otherwise, the instruments
are marked to market and the gains and losses from changes in the market value
of the contracts are recorded in the

F-8
<PAGE> 91

current period. These financial instruments did not have a material impact on
WESCO's consolidated financial statements for the three years ended December 31,
1998.

Environmental Expenditures

WESCO has facilities and operations which distribute certain products that
must comply with environmental regulations and laws. Expenditures for current
operations are expensed or capitalized, as appropriate. Expenditures relating to
existing conditions caused by past operations, and which do not contribute to
future revenue, are expensed. Liabilities are recorded when remedial efforts are
probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in order to conform with
the current presentations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
issued Statement of Position 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up
Activities." This statement, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1998, requires costs incurred to open a new facility, introduce a
new product, commence a new operation or other similar activities to be expensed
as incurred. Management does not expect this statement will have a material
impact on the results of operations and financial position.

In June 1998, The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement
is effective in fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999, although early
adoption is permitted. This Statement requires the recognition of the fair value
of any derivative financial instrument on the balance sheet. Changes in fair
value of the derivative and, in certain instances, changes in the fair value of
an underlying hedged asset or liability, are recognized through either income or
as a component of other comprehensive income. Management does not expect this
Statement will have a material impact on the results of operation or financial
position of WESCO.

3. RECAPITALIZATION

On June 5, 1998, WESCO repurchased and retired all of the common stock of
WESCO held by CD&R (48,163,584 shares), Westinghouse (11,560,000 shares), and
certain other management and nonmanagement stockholders (2,138,484 shares). All
shares were issued and repurchased at $10.75 per share for net consideration of
approximately $653.5 million ("Equity Consideration"). In addition, WESCO repaid
approximately $379.1 million of then outstanding indebtedness, and sold
29,604,351 shares of common stock to an investor group led by affiliates of
Cypress at $10.75 per share representing approximately 88.7% of WESCO for an
aggregate cash consideration of $318.1 million ("Cash Equity Contribution")
(collectively, "Recapitalization"). Existing management retained approximately
11.3% interest in WESCO after the Recapitalization. WESCO funded the Equity
Consideration and the repayment of indebtedness from proceeds of the Cash Equity
Contribution, issuance of approximately $351 million of Senior Subordinated and
Senior Discount Notes, a new $170 million credit facility and the sale of
approximately $250 million of accounts receivable. Given the 11.3% retained
ownership, the transaction was treated as a recapitalization for financial
reporting purposes and, accordingly, the historical bases of WESCO's assets and
liabilities were not affected.

In connection with the Recapitalization, WESCO recorded a one-time charge
of $51.8 million related to investment banking fees of $13.8 million,
compensation charges of $11.3 million associated

F-9
<PAGE> 92

with one-time bonuses paid to certain members of management, transaction fees of
$9.5 million paid to Cypress, compensation charges of $6.2 million associated
with the cash settlement of certain stock options, compensation charges of $4.1
million associated with the acceleration of vesting of one former executive's
stock options issued at a discount and other non-capitalized transaction fees
and expenses amounting to $6.9 million.

4. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SECURITIZATION

WESCO and certain of its subsidiaries entered into an agreement with a
financial institution and a multi-seller asset-backed commercial paper issuer
("Receivables Facility") whereby it sells on a continuous basis an undivided
interest in all eligible accounts receivable while maintaining a subordinated
interest in a portion of the receivables. WESCO has agreed to continue servicing
the sold receivables for the financial institution at market rates; accordingly,
no servicing asset or liability has been recorded. Pursuant to the Receivables
Facility, WESCO formed WESCO Receivables Corporation, a wholly-owned, special
purpose, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary ("SPC"). SPC was formed to purchase, on a
revolving basis and not to exceed $300 million, trade accounts receivables
generated by certain subsidiaries of WESCO. WESCO may, under certain
circumstances, increase the size of the Receivables Facility when the amount of
eligible trade accounts receivables exceeds $300 million. The SPC will transfer
to a trust all the receivables and the commercial paper issuer will provide
financing to pay the purchase price of the receivables.

As of December 31, 1998, securitized accounts receivable totaled $360.1
million, of which the subordinated retained interest was $84.1 million.
Accordingly, $276 million of accounts receivable balances were removed from the
consolidated balance sheet. Net proceeds from the transactions totaled $274.2
million. Proceeds from securitized receivables were used primarily to complete
the Recapitalization discussed in Note 3 and for general working capital needs.
During 1998, WESCO incurred costs associated with the Receivables Facility of
$10.1 million, primarily related to the discount and loss on the sale of such
receivables, partially offset by related servicing revenue. This amount is
recorded as other expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.

5. ACQUISITIONS

On September 11, 1998, WESCO acquired substantially all the assets and
assumed substantially all liabilities and obligations relating to the operations
of Bruckner Supply Company, Inc. ("Bruckner"), a privately owned company
headquartered in Port Washington, New York. Bruckner is a provider of integrated
supply procurement and outsourcing activities for large industrial companies.
Net sales totaled approximately $222 million in 1997.

The Bruckner purchase price at closing was $99.1 million, consisting of
$72.5 million in cash and a noninterest bearing convertible note discounted to a
value of $26.6 million for financial reporting purposes, resulting in goodwill
of $88.0 million.

The Bruckner purchase agreement provided for certain post-closing
adjustments, which were paid in December 1998 and totaled $6.0 million. The
agreement also provides for additional contingent consideration, not to exceed
$130 million, of which $30 million was payable and recorded in other current
liabilities at December 31, 1998, to be paid based on a multiple of increases in
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of Bruckner with
respect to calendar years 1998 through 2004. Following an initial public
offering, up to 50% of the additional contingent consideration, if any, may be
converted at the election of the holder into Class A common stock at the then
market value.

In January 1998 WESCO acquired the electrical distribution businesses of
Avon Electric Supplies, Inc. and its affiliates ("Avon"). Net sales totaled
approximately $85 million in 1997.

F-10
<PAGE> 93

The following unaudited pro forma information assumes that the Bruckner and
Avon acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of each period presented.
Adjustments to arrive at the pro forma information include, among others, those
related to acquisition financing, amortization of goodwill and the related tax
effects of such adjustments at an assumed rate of 39%.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
----------------------------------
1997 1998
------------- -------------
(UNAUDITED)
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C>
Sales, net................................................. $2,901,725 $3,205,333
Net income (loss).......................................... 41,551 (3,102)
Basic earnings (loss) per share............................ 0.61 (0.69)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share.......................... 0.52 (0.69)
</TABLE>

The pro forma financial information does not purport to present what
WESCO's results of operations would have been if the Bruckner and Avon
acquisitions had actually occurred at the beginning of each period presented, or
to project WESCO's results of operations for any future period.

In addition to the Bruckner and Avon acquisitions, WESCO acquired four
other distributors in 1998, the largest of which were Brown Wholesale Electric
Company (acquired January 1998) and Reily Electric Supply, Inc. (acquired May
1998). In 1996 and 1997 combined, WESCO acquired nine distributors. A summary of
certain information with respect to all acquisitions follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
-------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
-------- ------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Aggregate purchase price................................ $110,597 $16,164 $250,218
Recorded goodwill....................................... 59,766 5,913 162,743
</TABLE>

All of the acquisitions were accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting for business combinations. The results of operations of these
companies are included in the consolidated financial statements prospectively
from the acquisition dates. Pro forma results of these acquisitions, excluding
Bruckner and Avon, assuming they had been made at the beginning of each year
presented, would not be materially different from the consolidated results
reported herein.

6. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK AND SIGNIFICANT SUPPLIERS

WESCO distributes its products and services and extends credit to a large
number of customers in the industrial, construction, utility and manufactured
structures markets. In addition, one supplier accounted for approximately 18%,
18% and 15% of WESCO's purchases for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1998, respectively.

F-11
<PAGE> 94

7. PROPERTY, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT

The following table sets forth property, buildings and equipment:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
-------------------
1997 1998
------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Land........................................................ $17,875 $ 17,613
Buildings and leasehold improvements........................ 61,629 59,619
Furniture, fixtures and equipment........................... 30,083 43,734
------- --------
109,587 120,966
Accumulated depreciation and amortization................... (20,721) (26,907)
88,866 94,059
Construction in progress.................................... 6,216 13,537
------- --------
$95,082 $107,596
======= ========
</TABLE>

8. OTHER ASSETS

The following table sets forth the components of other assets:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
------------------
1997 1998
------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Debt issuance costs......................................... $ 1,270 $10,654
Software costs.............................................. 6,846 7,866
Favorable lease commitments................................. 1,054 1,054
Other....................................................... 1,916 4,115
------- -------
11,086 23,689
Accumulated amortization.................................... (7,355) (8,481)
------- -------
3,731 15,208
Investment in and advances to affiliate..................... -- 11,598
Restricted cash............................................. 5,878 --
------- -------
$ 9,609 $26,806
======= =======
</TABLE>

Debt issuance costs are amortized on a straight-line basis, which does not
differ materially from the effective-interest rate method, over the term of the
related debt. Investment in and advances to affiliate represents WESCO's
investment in and amounts due from an unconsolidated equity-owned affiliate.
Restricted cash represented proceeds received from the sale of properties that
collateralized certain mortgage notes. Such mortgage notes were repaid in
connection with the Recapitalization.

F-12
<PAGE> 95

9. LONG TERM DEBT

The following table sets forth WESCO's outstanding indebtedness:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
--------------------
1997 1998
-------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Term loans.................................................. -- $169,500
Revolving facility.......................................... -- 42,450
Old revolving facility...................................... $226,145 --
Senior subordinated notes (1)............................... -- 289,194
Senior discount notes (2)................................... -- 52,071
Mortgage notes (3).......................................... 65,291 --
Other....................................................... 3,730 42,615
-------- --------
295,166 595,830
Less current portion........................................ (891) (16,592)
-------- --------
$294,275 $579,238
======== ========
</TABLE>

- -------------------------

(1) Net of original issue discount of $918 and purchase discount of $9,888
(2) Net of original issue discount of $33,266 and purchase discount of $1,664
(3) Net of original issue discount of $16,601

In connection with the Recapitalization, the old revolving facility and the
mortgage notes were repaid. The old revolving facility was pursuant to credit
agreements with various banks that provided for an aggregate $360 million of
revolving credit facilities maturing in February 2000. This facility provided
variable-rate borrowings tied to market indexes plus a fixed margin. The
mortgage notes consisted of a zero coupon First Mortgage Note due February 2001
and an 8.0% First Mortgage Note due February 2001, each held by Westinghouse.

The term loans and revolving facility borrowings were made pursuant to a
credit agreement ("Credit Agreement") entered into by and between WESCO
Distribution, Inc., ("WESCO Distribution") a wholly owned subsidiary of WESCO
and certain financial institutions. The Credit Agreement provides for three term
loan facilities in an aggregate principal amount of $270 million, consisting of
Tranche A Term Loan, Tranche B Term Loan and a Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility,
and a $100 million Revolving Credit Facility. Tranche A Term Loan provides for
aggregate borrowings of $80 million, Tranche B Term Loan provides for aggregate
borrowings of $90 million and the Delayed Draw Term Loan Facility provides for
up to $100 million aggregate principal. The term loan facilities mature in
various periods from 2004 through 2006. The Revolving Credit Facility provides
for up to $100 million of revolving credit denominated in U.S. dollars or
Canadian dollars. The maximum Canadian sublimit is approximately $46 million.
The Revolving Credit Facility matures in 2004.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by WESCO and are
collateralized by substantially all the assets of WESCO and bear rates of
interest equal to various indices, at WESCO's option, such as LIBOR, prime rate
or the Federal Funds rate, plus a borrowing margin based on WESCO's financial
performance. At December 31, 1998, the interest rate on Tranche A Term Loan,
Tranche B Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Facility was 7.6%, 7.8% and 8.3%,
respectively. In addition, WESCO has a 0.5% commitment fee on the unused
commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility and the Delayed Draw Term Loan
Facility.

F-13
<PAGE> 96

At December 31, 1998, WESCO has four interest rate cap and two interest
rate collar agreements with aggregate notional amounts of $205 million that
expire at various times between August 1999 and February 2000. The aggregate
cost of these agreements of $0.2 million is being amortized to interest expense
on a straight-line basis over the period of the agreements. The agreements
effectively provide a ceiling for LIBOR at 7.0% and, with respect to $50 million
notional value of interest rate collars, a floor of 4.5%. The market value of
the interest rate caps and collars approximates the carrying value at December
31, 1998.

The Senior Subordinated Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $300
million were issued by WESCO Distribution. The notes are unsecured obligations
and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by WESCO. The Senior Subordinated
Notes bear interest at 9 1/8%, payable semiannually on June 1 and December 1
beginning December 1, 1998. The notes are due June 1, 2008. The Senior
Subordinated Notes are redeemable by WESCO Distribution at any time prior to
June 1, 2001, up to a maximum of 35% of the original aggregate principal amount
of the Senior Subordinated Notes, with proceeds of an equity offering at a
redemption price equal to 109.125% of the principal amount provided plus accrued
and unpaid interest.

In addition, the Senior Subordinated Notes are redeemable at the option of
WESCO Distribution, in whole or in part, at any time after June 1, 2003 at the
following prices:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION PRICE
----------------
<S> <C>
2003.................................................. 104.563%
2004.................................................. 103.042
2005.................................................. 101.521
2006 and thereafter................................... 100.000
</TABLE>

At any time prior to June 1, 2003, the Senior Subordinated Notes may be
redeemed, in whole but not in part, at the option of WESCO at any time within
180 days after a change of control, at a redemption price equal to the principal
amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest and the then applicable premium.
In addition, the noteholders have the right to require WESCO, upon a change of
control, to repurchase all or any part of the Senior Subordinated Notes at a
redemption price equal to 101% of the principal amount provided plus accrued and
unpaid interest.

The Senior Discount Notes, issued by WESCO, have an aggregate principal
amount of $87 million. The notes were issued with an original issue discount of
$36.5 million that is being accreted over the period ending June 1, 2003.
Beginning June 1, 2003, interest accrues at 11 1/8% payable semiannually on June
1 and December 1. At any time prior to June 1, 2001, WESCO may redeem, in whole
but not in part, the Senior Discount Notes with the proceeds of an equity
offering at a redemption price equal to 111.125% of the accreted value at the
date of redemption.

Approximately 35% of the then outstanding Senior Discount Notes ($30.9
million at December 31, 1998) must be redeemed on June 1, 2003. The remaining
notes are due June 1, 2008 and are redeemable at the option of WESCO, in whole
or in part, at any time after June 1, 2003 at the following prices:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEMPTION PRICE
----------------
<S> <C>
2003.................................................. 105.563%
2004.................................................. 103.708
2005.................................................. 101.854
2006 and thereafter................................... 100.000
</TABLE>

F-14
<PAGE> 97

At any time prior to June 1, 2003, the Senior Discount Notes may be
redeemed, in whole but not in part, at the option of WESCO at any time within
180 days after a change of control, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the
accreted value to the redemption date plus the then applicable premium. In
addition, the noteholders have the right to require WESCO, upon a change of
control, to repurchase all or any part of the Senior Discount Notes at a
redemption price equal to 101% of the accreted value prior to June 1, 2003 or
101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest if after June 1,
2003.

At December 31, 1997 and 1998, other borrowings primarily consist of notes
issued to sellers in connection with acquisitions, of which $2 million and $37
million, respectively, are convertible into common stock at an initial public
equity offering price.

The following table sets forth the aggregate principal repayment
requirements for all indebtedness for the next five years:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
1999.................................................... $16,871
2000.................................................... 40,736
2001.................................................... 13,071
2002.................................................... 16,530
2003.................................................... 51,412
</TABLE>

The credit agreements contain various restrictive covenants that, among
other things, impose limitations on (i) dividend payments or certain other
restricted payments or investments; (ii) the incurrence of additional
indebtedness and guarantees or issuance of additional stock; (iii) creation of
liens; (iv) mergers, consolidation or sales of substantially all of WESCO's
assets (v) certain transactions among affiliates; (vi) payments by certain
subsidiaries to WESCO; and (vii) capital expenditures. In addition, the
agreements require WESCO to meet certain leverage, working capital and interest
coverage ratios.

WESCO is permitted to pay dividends under certain limited circumstances. At
December 31, 1997 and 1998, no retained earnings were available for dividend
payments.

Based on current market interest rates and discounted cash flow analyses,
the fair value of WESCO's long-term debt approximates its carrying value at
December 31, 1997 and 1998.

WESCO had $3.3 million and $4.5 million of outstanding letters of credit at
December 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively. These letters of credit are used as
collateral for performance and bid bonds. The value of the letters of credit
approximates the contract value.

10. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

The following table sets forth the components of other current liabilities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
------------------
1997 1998
------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Accrued taxes other than income..................... $10,696 $12,466
Accrued interest.................................... 1,508 4,986
Deferred acquisition payable........................ -- 30,000
Other............................................... 7,950 4,219
------- -------
$20,154 $51,671
======= =======
</TABLE>

F-15
<PAGE> 98

11. CAPITAL STOCK

Common Stock

There are 120,000,000 shares of Class A and 10,000,000 shares of Class B
common stock authorized at a par value of $.01 per share. The Class B common
stock is identical to the Class A common stock, except for voting and conversion
rights. The holders of Class B common stock have no voting rights. With certain
exceptions, Class B common stock may be converted, at the option of the holder,
into the same number of shares of Class A common stock. No Class B common stock
was outstanding at December 31, 1997.

Redeemable Class A Common Stock

Certain employees and key management of WESCO who hold Class A common stock
and options may require WESCO to repurchase, under certain conditions, death,
disability or termination without cause during the term of employment, all of
the shares and the exercisable portion of the options held. This repurchase
right terminates upon the consummation of an initial equity public offering of
WESCO's Class A common stock. In connection with the redemption features
described above, WESCO has classified outside of permanent equity an amount
representing the initial fair value of the redeemable shares. These shares and
exercisable options have not been marked to market since the events of
redemption are considered remote.

The following table sets forth capital stock share activity:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REDEEMABLE
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS A
----------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
December 31, 1995................................ 53,943,584 -- 4,618,451
Options exercised................................ -- -- 198,139
Shares issued.................................... -- -- 274,550
----------- --------- ----------
December 31, 1996................................ 53,943,584 5,091,140
Options exercised................................ -- -- 99,069
Shares issued.................................... -- -- 46,240
Shares repurchased............................... -- -- (74,562)
----------- --------- ----------
December 31, 1997................................ 53,943,584 5,161,887
Recapitalization, net............................ (28,816,421) 4,653,131 (1,621,059)
Shares issued.................................... -- -- 1,559,675
Shares repurchased............................... -- -- (556,961)
Options exercised................................ 82,654 -- 358,360
----------- --------- ----------
December 31, 1998................................ 25,209,817 4,653,131 4,901,902
=========== ========= ==========
</TABLE>

F-16
<PAGE> 99

12. INCOME TAXES

The following table sets forth the components of the provision for income
taxes:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
----------------------------
1996 1997 1998
------- ------- ------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current taxes
Federal.................................................. $15,360 $16,689 $5,037
State.................................................... 2,872 3,067 1,229
Foreign.................................................. 210 1,117 (117)
------- ------- ------
Total current......................................... 18,442 20,873 6,149
Deferred taxes
Federal.................................................. (1,588) 2,727 1,926
State.................................................... (267) (183) 431
Foreign.................................................. 523 293 13
Charge in lieu of taxes.................................. 1,254 -- --
------- ------- ------
Total deferred........................................ (78) 2,837 2,370
------- ------- ------
$18,364 $23,710 $8,519
======= ======= ======
</TABLE>

At the time of the 1994 Formation, WESCO had approximately $45 million of
future tax deductions ($18 million of future tax benefits) that resulted in the
creation of certain deferred tax assets. At that time, WESCO recorded a
valuation allowance for the full amount of the deferred tax assets reflected on
the opening balance sheet since the realization of the future tax benefits was
not considered likely. However, at December 31, 1996, all of these deductions
had been recognized as a reduction in noncurrent intangible assets.

The charge in lieu of taxes recognized in 1996 represents the amount of tax
expense that would have been recognized had the benefits described above been
recorded at the time of the 1994 Formation.

The following table sets forth the components of income before income taxes
by jurisdiction:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
----------------------------
1996 1997 1998
------- ------- ------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
United States.............................................. $49,072 $57,083 $1,743
Canada..................................................... 1,754 2,864 (960)
------- ------- ------
$50,826 $59,947 $ 783
======= ======= ======
</TABLE>

F-17
<PAGE> 100

The following table sets forth the reconciliation between the federal
statutory income tax rate and the effective rate:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
-----------------------
1996 1997 1998
---- ---- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal statutory rate...................................... 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit..................... 4.2 3.3 137.8
Nondeductible expenses...................................... 2.5 2.6 206.2
Recapitalization costs...................................... -- -- 657.8
Foreign taxes............................................... (0.1) 0.3 (51.1)
Net adjustment to valuation allowance....................... (5.8) -- --
Other(1).................................................... 0.3 (1.6) 102.3
---- ---- -------
36.1% 39.6% 1,088.0%
==== ==== =======
</TABLE>

- -------------------------

(1) Includes the impact of adjustments for certain tax liabilities and the
effect of differences between the recorded provision and the final filed tax
return for the prior year.

In 1996, WESCO determined that it was more likely than not that it would
realize the benefits of certain deferred tax assets originating subsequent to
the 1994 Formation. As a result, WESCO recognized benefits of approximately $2.9
million associated with the realization of post formation deferred tax assets
through the reversal of the associated valuation allowance.

The following table sets forth deferred tax assets and liabilities:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31
--------------------
1997 1998
-------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
Accounts receivable......................................... $ 4,236 $ 6,330
Inventory................................................... 4,819 5,325
Other....................................................... 5,222 4,562
-------- --------
Deferred tax assets.................................... 14,277 16,217
-------- --------
Intangibles................................................. (3,766) (4,792)
Property, buildings and equipment........................... (4,079) (4,173)
Other....................................................... (8,817) (9,867)
-------- --------
Deferred tax liabilities............................... (16,662) (18,832)
-------- --------
$ (2,385) $ (2,615)
======== ========
</TABLE>

F-18
<PAGE> 101

13. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the details of basic and diluted earnings
per share:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
-----------------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
----------- ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (loss).............................. $ 32,462 $ 36,237 $ (7,736)
Interest on convertible debt................... -- 125 --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) used in diluted earnings per
share........................................ $ 32,462 $ 36,362 $ (7,736)
Weighted average common shares outstanding used
in computing basic earnings (loss) per
share........................................ 58,680,756 59,030,100 45,051,632
Common shares issuable upon exercise of
dilutive stock options....................... 4,990,163 7,267,136 --
Assumed conversion of convertible debt......... -- 381,827 --
----------- ----------- -----------
Weighted average common shares outstanding and
common share equivalents used in computing
diluted earnings (loss) per share............ 63,670,919 66,679,063 45,051,632
=========== =========== ===========
Basic earnings (loss) per share................ $ 0.55 $ 0.61 $ (0.17)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share.............. $ 0.51 0.55 (0.17)
</TABLE>

Interest on convertible debt of $1.3 million and common share equivalents
outstanding in 1998 of 6,630,180 were anti-dilutive and, accordingly, were not
considered in the computation of diluted loss per share for the year ended
December 31, 1998.

14. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

A majority of WESCO's employees are covered by defined contribution
retirement savings plans for their service rendered subsequent to the 1994
Formation. Westinghouse retained certain retiree pension and health benefits for
service rendered prior to the 1994 Formation. U.S. employee contributions of not
more than 6% of eligible compensation are matched 50% by WESCO. WESCO's
contributions for Canadian employees range from 1% to 6% of eligible
compensation based on years of service.

In addition, employer contributions may be made at the discretion of the
Board of Directors and can be based on WESCO's current year performance.
Employees are credited for service with Westinghouse in determining the vesting
of WESCO's contributions. For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998,
WESCO contributed $9.3 million, $12.5 million and $14.1 million, respectively,
which was charged to expense.

15. STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS

Stock Purchase Plan

In connection with the Recapitalization, WESCO established a stock purchase
plan ("1998 Stock Purchase Plan") under which certain employees may be granted
an opportunity to purchase WESCO's Class A common stock. The maximum number of
shares available for purchase may not exceed 427,720. The purchase price per
share is determined by the Board of Directors of WESCO to represent fair market
value, as defined by the Stock Subscription Agreement. Should the purchase price
of the stock be less than the fair market value of the stock at the grant date,
such excess will be

F-19
<PAGE> 102

recorded as compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
During 1998, 291,890 shares were issued at a weighted-average share price of
$10.75.

At the time of the 1994 Formation, WESCO established a stock purchase plan
("1994 Stock Purchase Plan") under which certain employees were granted an
opportunity to purchase WESCO's Class A common stock. Future purchases of shares
under the 1994 Stock Purchase Plan were terminated in conjunction with the
establishment of the 1998 Stock Purchase Plan. Shares purchased under the 1994
Stock Purchase Plan in the periods indicated were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
-------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
-------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shares purchased........................................ 150,858 46,240 132,478
Weighted-average share price............................ $ 2.92 $ 4.34 $ 10.75
</TABLE>

Other Stock Purchases

In addition, certain key management employees of WESCO, nonemployee
directors and other investors may be granted an opportunity to purchase WESCO's
Class A common stock. The purchase price per share is determined by the Board of
Directors to represent the fair market value, as defined by the Stock
Subscription Agreement. At December 31, 1997 and 1998, 3,129,870 shares and
4,265,178 shares, respectively, had been purchased.

Other stock purchases in the periods indicated were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
-------- ---- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shares purchased.......................................... 123,692 -- 1,135,308
Weighted-average share price.............................. $ 3.38 -- $ 10.75
</TABLE>

Stock Option Plans

WESCO has sponsored three stock options plans, the 1998 Stock Option Plan,
the Stock Option Plan for Branch Employees (collectively "Stock Option Plans")
and the 1994 Stock Option Plan. Participation is limited to executive and senior
officers, certain other key employees and branch employees. The Stock Option
Plans and the 1994 Stock Option Plan cover a maximum of 6,502,500 and 10,461,800
shares of WESCO's Class A common stock, respectively. The exercise price per
share is determined by the Board of Directors to represent the fair market
value, as defined by these plans, at the grant date.

Options granted will vest and will become exercisable over periods ranging
from four to five years or earlier based on WESCO achieving certain financial
performance criteria, except in the event of a change in control. Each option
terminates on the tenth anniversary of its grant date unless terminated sooner
under certain conditions.

The plans require WESCO to repurchase the exercisable portion of the
options held by an employee if the employee dies, is disabled or terminated
without cause during the term of employment. This repurchase right terminates
upon consummation of an initial public equity offering of WESCO's Class A common
stock. Since the triggering event requiring the repurchase is considered remote,
WESCO accounts for the plans as fixed plans and, accordingly, no compensation
expense has been recorded.

In connection with the Recapitalization, future issuances of options under
the 1994 Stock Option Plan were terminated and all options granted under the
1994 Stock Option Plan became fully vested.

F-20
<PAGE> 103

The following table sets forth shares of common stock reserved for future
issuance at December 31, 1998:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Stock Purchase Plan......................................... 135,830
Stock Option Plans.......................................... 1,641,925
</TABLE>

The following table sets forth a summary of stock option activity and
related information for the years indicated:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997 1998
-------------------------- --------------------------- ----------------------------
WEIGHTED WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
AVERAGE AVERAGE AVERAGE
OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE OPTIONS EXERCISE PRICE
--------- -------------- ---------- -------------- ----------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Beginning of year...... 5,547,066 $1.76 5,713,067 $1.85 6,926,983 $2.20
Granted (1)............ 364,140 3.13 1,510,892 3.42 4,121,140 9.76
Exercised.............. (198,139) 1.73 (99,069) 1.73 (1,134,383) 2.68
Canceled............... -- -- (197,907) 1.77 (386,450) 3.83
--------- ---------- -----------
End of year............ 5,713,067 1.85 6,926,983 2.20 9,527,290 5.34
========= ========== ===========
Exercisable at end of
year................. 1,086,409 $1.75 1,956,414 $1.78 5,133,912 $2.05
</TABLE>

- -------------------------

(1) Options granted in 1998 include 635,800 options that were issued at a
discount, resulting in approximately $4.1 million of compensation expense.
Of these options, 358,360 were subsequently exercised. The remaining 277,440
were forfeited and the associated costs were classified as additional
capital.

The Westinghouse option discussed in Note 16 is not included in the
information set forth above.

The following table sets forth exercise prices for options outstanding as
of December 31, 1998:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXERCISE PRICE WEIGHTED AVERAGE
PER OPTION OPTIONS REMAINING CONTRACTUAL LIFE
- -------------- --------- --------------------------
<C> <C> <S>
1.73$...... 3,649,955 5.6 years
1.98...... 718,512 7.0
3.38...... 1,613,371 8.0
4.34...... 60,112 8.9
10.75..... 3,485,340 9.6
</TABLE>

In connection with the implementation of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation," WESCO has elected to continue to account for
stock-based compensation arrangements under the provisions of Accounting
Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25.

F-21
<PAGE> 104

If compensation costs had been determined based on the fair value at the
grant dates according to SFAS No. 123, WESCO's net income and earnings per
share, would have been as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
-----------------------------
1996 1997 1998
------- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE
DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (loss)
As reported............................................. $32,462 $36,237 $(7,736)
Pro forma............................................... 32,441 36,144 (8,629)
Basic earnings (loss) per share
As reported............................................. $ 0.55 $ 0.61 $ (0.17)
Pro forma............................................... 0.55 0.61 (0.19)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
As reported............................................. $ 0.51 $ 0.55 $ (0.17)
Pro forma............................................... 0.51 0.54 (0.19)
</TABLE>

The weighted-average fair value per option granted was $0.29, $0.58 and
$3.86, for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.

For purposes of presenting pro forma results, the fair value of each option
grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing
model and the following assumptions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
------------------------
1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Risk-free interest rate..................................... 6.5% 6.5% 5.0%
Expected life (years)....................................... 7 7 7
</TABLE>

16. RELATED PARTIES

Prior to the Recapitalization, Westinghouse was considered a related party.
A summary of purchases from and sales to Westinghouse follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
----------------------------
1996 1997 1998
------- ------- ------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Purchases from Westinghouse................................ $19,115 $15,498 $2,765
Sales to Westinghouse...................................... 21,192 21,666 7,271
</TABLE>

The amount due from Westinghouse at December 31, 1997, net of amounts owed
was approximately $2.6 million.

In connection with the 1994 Formation, WESCO granted Westinghouse an option
to purchase 5,780,000 shares of Class A common stock at $1.73 per share. The
fair value of this option, or $2.5 million, was included in the consolidated
balance sheets as common stock to be issued under option. This option was
exercised and the associated shares were repurchased in connection with the
Recapitalization.

In connection with the Recapitalization, WESCO paid Cypress $9.5 million
related to transaction fees and WESCO received from CD&R $5.8 million as
contributed capital. Prior to the

F-22
<PAGE> 105

Recapitalization, WESCO paid CD&R an annual financial advisory and management
consulting fee of $0.4 million.

17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases, primarily
for real property that have noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as
of December 31, 1998, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
1999........................................................ $17,827
2000........................................................ 15,677
2001........................................................ 13,399
2002........................................................ 9,083
2003........................................................ 5,034
Thereafter.................................................. 9,787
</TABLE>

Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, was
$22.0 million, $26.4 million and $29.1 million, respectively.

WESCO has litigation arising from time to time in the normal course of
business. In management's opinion, any present litigation WESCO is aware of will
not materially affect WESCO's consolidated financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.

Westinghouse agreed to indemnify WESCO for certain environmental
liabilities that existed at the time of the 1994 Formation. WESCO has made a
claim under this indemnity amounting to $1.5 million. The ultimate resolution of
this environmental compliance issue is not expected to materially impact WESCO's
consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

At December 31, 1998, WESCO has guaranteed $8.9 million in loans to certain
stockholders.

18. SEGMENTS AND RELATED INFORMATION

In 1998, WESCO adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 established standards for
disclosure of operating segments under the management approach. For purposes of
this standard, WESCO is engaged principally in one line of business -- the sale
of electrical products and maintenance repair and operating supplies -- which
represents more than 95% of the consolidated sales, income from operations and
assets, for the year ended December 31, 1998. The following table presents
information about WESCO by geographic area. There were no material amounts of
sales or transfers among geographic areas and no material amounts of United
States export sales:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
----------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES, NET LONG-LIVED ASSETS
------------------------------------ ------------------------------
1996 1997 1998 1996 1997 1998
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
United States.............. $1,993,995 $2,292,121 $2,713,213 $151,835 $161,250 $344,481
Canada..................... 258,739 280,812 272,463 12,733 11,962 10,483
Other...................... 21,888 21,886 39,763 147 810 1,889
---------- ---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
$2,274,622 $2,594,819 $3,025,439 $164,715 $174,022 $356,853
========== ========== ========== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>

F-23
<PAGE> 106

19. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

The following table sets forth supplemental cash flow information:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31
-------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
-------- ------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Details of acquisitions
Fair value of assets acquired......................... $170,583 $21,498 $307,056
Liabilities assumed................................... (54,884) (5,334) (56,838)
Restructuring reserve................................. (5,102) -- --
Notes issued to seller................................ (2,950) (2,250) (46,242)
Deferred acquisition payable.......................... -- -- (30,000)
-------- ------- --------
Cash paid for acquisitions............................ 107,647 13,914 173,976
Less cash acquired.................................... 3,729 -- --
-------- ------- --------
$103,918 $13,914 $173,976
======== ======= ========
Cash paid for interest.................................. $ 11,600 $15,377 $ 35,093
Cash paid for income taxes.............................. 13,756 27,523 9,470
</TABLE>

Noncash investing and financing activities not reflected in the
consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1998,
consisted of $5.8 million use of restricted cash to reduce long-term debt, $5.2
million of capital expenditures included in accounts payable, the conversion of
$1.6 million of notes payable to redeemable Class A common stock and the
immaterial effects of the sale for a note of an equity interest in an operating
division at book value.

20. OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

In June 1998, WESCO Distribution issued $300 million of 9 1/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes. The Senior Subordinated Notes are fully and unconditionally
guaranteed by WESCO on a subordinated basis to all existing and future senior
indebtedness of WESCO. Summarized financial information for WESCO Distribution
is as follows:

BALANCE SHEET DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
1998
---------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
Current assets.............................................. $582,071
Noncurrent assets........................................... 368,451
Current liabilities......................................... 466,467
Long-term debt.............................................. 527,167
Other noncurrent liabilities................................ 25,872
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity.................. 950,522
</TABLE>

F-24
<PAGE> 107

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1998
-----------------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C>
Sales, net.................................................. $3,025,439
Gross profit................................................ 537,659
Income from operations...................................... 56,026
Net income (loss)........................................... (4,377)
</TABLE>

Prior to the June 5, 1998 issuance of the Senior Discount Notes, WESCO
Distribution financial information was identical to that of WESCO's presented
herein.

21. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

The following table sets forth selected quarterly financial data for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH
QUARTER QUARTER(1) QUARTER QUARTER
-------- ---------- -------- --------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997
Sales, net...................................... $576,776 $659,377 $679,991 $678,675
Gross profit.................................... 104,340 114,698 120,913 123,968
Income from operations.......................... 14,890 20,744 23,443 20,979
Income before income taxes...................... 10,092 15,833 18,207 15,815
Net income...................................... 6,085 9,533 10,989 9,630
Basic earnings per share........................ 0.10 0.16 0.19 0.16
Diluted earnings per share...................... 0.09 0.14 0.17 0.14
1998
Sales, net...................................... $693,448 $748,307 $777,701 $805,983
Gross profit.................................... 126,694 133,292 137,854 139,819
Income (loss) from operations................... 20,174 (23,423) 28,306 30,969
Income (loss) before income taxes............... 13,972 (36,271) 11,513 11,569
Net income (loss)............................... 8,523 (18,129) 26,438 (24,568)
Basic earnings (loss) per share................. 0.14 (0.35) 0.77 (0.71)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share............... 0.13 (0.35) 0.65 (0.71)
</TABLE>

- -------------------------

(1) Includes a one-time charge of $51.8 million related to the Recapitalization
in 1998 (see Note 3).

22. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Initial Public Offering

On March 3, 1999, WESCO filed a registration statement with the Securities
and Exchange Commission to register approximately $200 million of common stock,
including shares subject to an underwriters' over-allotment option ("Offering").
In connection with the Offering, certain employee rights to require WESCO to
repurchase outstanding redeemable common stock will terminate, and

F-25
<PAGE> 108

WESCO also plans to reclassify its Class A common stock, par value $.01 per
share, into common stock, par value $.01 per share. WESCO intends to use net
proceeds from the Offering to retire all of the outstanding 11 1/8% Senior
Discount Notes due 2008, to repay all of the existing indebtedness under the
Revolving Credit Facility, and the remaining balance to repay a portion of the
Tranche B Term Loan. If such indebtedness is repaid, WESCO would incur an
extraordinary charge relating to the write-off of existing unamortized debt
issue costs and payment of a premium associated with the retirement of the
Senior Discount Notes. There can be no assurance as to the timing or completion
of the Offering or as to the amount of net proceeds to be received by WESCO and
applied to debt reduction as intended.

Stock Split (unaudited)

On April 11, 1999, the Board of Directors approved a 57.8 to one stock
split effected in the form of a stock dividend of WESCO's common stock. The
Board of Directors also reclassified the Class A common shares into common
shares, increased the authorized common shares to 120,000,000 and the authorized
Class B common shares to 10,000,000 and authorized 20,000,000 shares of $.01 par
preferred stock to be effective prior to the consummation of the Offering. In
this report, all per share amounts and number of shares have been restated to
reflect the stock split.

F-26
<PAGE> 109

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT

To the stockholders and directors of

BRUCKNER SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Bruckner Supply Company, Inc.
as of December 31, 1997, and the related statements of income and retained
earnings and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Bruckner Supply Company, Inc.
at December 31, 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for
the year then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ ANCHIN, BLOCK & ANCHIN LLP

New York, New York
February 23, 1998

F-27
<PAGE> 110

BRUCKNER SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.
BALANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash..................................................... $ 175,760
Debt Securities-Notes 1 and 2............................ 8,428,780
Accounts receivable...................................... 22,044,715
Inventories -- Note 1.................................... 2,195,277
Prepaid expenses and other current assets................ 126,624
-----------
Total Current Assets.................................. $32,971,156
Property and Equipment, Net-Notes 1 and 3.................. 357,705
Due From Affiliates -- Note 4.............................. 4,586
-----------
Total Assets.......................................... $33,333,447
===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable......................................... $18,539,018
Bank overdraft........................................... 3,536,448
Other current liabilities................................ 618,476
-----------
Total Current Liabilities............................. $22,693,942
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, stated value:
Authorized -- 200 shares
Issued and outstanding -- 25 shares................... $ 7,500
Additional paid-in capital............................... 2,022,843
Retained earnings........................................ 8,536,014
-----------
10,566,357
Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale
securities -- Notes 1 and 2........................... 73,148
-----------
Total Stockholders' Equity............................ 10,639,505
-----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY................. $33,333,447
===========
</TABLE>

See the accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-28
<PAGE> 111

BRUCKNER SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Net Sales -- Note 7......................................... $222,406,503
Cost of Sales............................................... 203,417,417
------------
Gross Profit................................................ 18,989,086
% to Net Sales............................................ 8.5%
Operating Expenses.......................................... 8,852,762
------------
Operating Income............................................ 10,136,324
Investment and Other Income:
Investment income, net -- Note 2.......................... $647,067
Other income.............................................. 170,863
--------
817,930
------------
Income before Income Taxes.................................. 10,954,254
Provision for Income Taxes -- Note 1........................ 215,000
------------
Net Income.................................................. 10,739,254
Retained Earnings:
Balance, beginning of year................................ 9,220,700
Distributions to stockholders............................. (11,423,940)
------------
Balance, end of year...................................... $ 8,536,014
============
Pro forma Information (unaudited):
Income before Income Taxes................................ $ 10,954,254
Provision for Income Taxes -- Note 1...................... 4,491,244
------------
Net Income................................................ $ 6,463,010
============
</TABLE>

See the accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-29
<PAGE> 112

BRUCKNER SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income.................................................. $10,739,254
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization............................. $ 111,429
Amortization of bond interest............................. 2,733
Net realized gain on sale of debt and marketable equity
securities.............................................. (96,088)
Gain on sale of property and equipment.................... (750)
Increase in:
Accounts receivable..................................... (10,718,009)
Inventories............................................. (1,540,402)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets............... (29,538)
Increase in:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................... 7,009,628
------------
Total adjustments.................................. (5,260,997)
-----------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities............... 5,478,257
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment....................... (82,980)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment.............. 750
Purchases of debt and marketable equity securities........ (22,997,355)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of debt and marketable
equity securities....................................... 23,446,815
Decrease in due from affiliate............................ 1,992,732
------------
Net Cash Provided by Investing Activities............... 2,359,962
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Distributions to stockholders............................. (11,423,940)
Increase in bank overdraft................................ 3,536,448
------------
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities................... (7,887,492)
-----------
NET DECREASE IN CASH........................................ (49,273)
CASH:
Beginning of year......................................... 225,033
-----------
End of year............................................... $ 175,760
===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Income taxes -- paid...................................... $ 165,780
-- refunded.................................. 9,134
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale
securities.............................................. $ (41,824)
</TABLE>

See the accompanying Notes to the Financial Statements.
F-30
<PAGE> 113

BRUCKNER SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 -- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS:

Bruckner Supply Company, Inc. (the "Company") is an integrated supply
company whose customers are major corporations located throughout the United
States. The Company's revenues include total amounts billed to customers for
products sold and all other aspects of handling customers' purchasing
operations.

REVENUE RECOGNITION:

The Company generally sells merchandise which is shipped directly by its
vendors to customers. Revenue is recognized upon shipment.

DEBT SECURITIES:

Debt securities available for sale are measured at fair value, with net
unrealized gains and losses reported in equity. The Company uses the specific
identification method to determine the cost of securities sold.

USE OF ESTIMATES:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

INVENTORIES:

Inventories, which consist of finished goods, are valued at the lower of
cost, first-in, first-out method, or market.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and
amortization. Depreciation is computed by straight-line and accelerated methods
over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Leasehold improvements are amortized by the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets.

INCOME TAXES:

The Company is taxed as an S corporation for Federal and New York States
tax purposes, whereby the company's income is reported by the stockholders.
Accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes. The Company
continues to be liable for certain states' corporate taxes. For unaudited pro
forma purposes, the Company has provided for income taxes using the Company's
statutory rate of 41%.

F-31
<PAGE> 114

NOTE 2 -- DEBT SECURITIES:

The following table is a summary of investments at December 31, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROSS UNREALIZED
-----------------
AMORTIZED COST GAINS LOSSES FAIR VALUE
-------------- ------- ------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities........ $8,355,632 $73,148 -- $8,428,780
</TABLE>

The following table summarizes the maturities of all debt securities at
fair value held at December 31, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MORE THAN MORE THAN
WITHIN 1 YEAR 1 TO 5 YEARS 5 TO 10 YEARS TOTAL
------------- ------------ ------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Available-For-Sale Debt Securities........... $2,656,195 $4,016,570 $1,756,015 $8,428,780
</TABLE>

Proceeds from sales and maturities of securities classified as
available-for-sale were $23,446,815. Gains of $133,493 and losses of $37,405
were realized on these sales. The net unrealized holding gains on
available-for-sale securities decreased by $41,824 in 1997.

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Investment income for 1997 is comprised of:
Interest income........................................... $583,861
Net realized gains on sales of securities................. 96,088
--------
679,949
Less: Investment expenses................................. 32,882
--------
$647,067
========
</TABLE>

NOTE 3 -- PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Property and equipment consist of the following:
Leasehold improvements.................................... $ 91,139
Machinery and equipment................................... 476,238
Furniture and fixtures.................................... 244,586
Transportation and delivery equipment..................... 233,799
----------
1,045,762
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization........... 688,057
----------
$ 357,705
==========
</TABLE>

NOTE 4 -- DUE FROM AFFILIATES:

The amounts due from affiliates are non-interest bearing and have no
specified repayment terms.

NOTE 5 -- RETIREMENT PLAN:

The Company maintains a defined-contribution 401(k) savings plan covering
substantially all employees. Company contributions to the plan are at the
discretion of the Board of Directors. During 1997 no company contribution was
made to the plan.

F-32
<PAGE> 115

NOTE 6 -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

LEASES:

The Company leases office space from an affiliate under an operating lease,
which expires December 31, 2002, at an annual rent of $150,000. The lease
requires the Company to pay real estate taxes.

In February, 1998, the Company entered into an operating lease for
additional office space, which expires February 6, 1999, at an annual rent of
$80,000.

The Company also leases certain computer equipment under an operating
lease, which expires August 31, 1999, at an annual rate of $155,820.

Rent expense was $305,909 for 1997.

Future minimum rental commitments are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDING DECEMBER 31,
- --------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
1998................................... $ 379,153
1999................................... 260,547
2000................................... 150,000
2001................................... 150,000
2002................................... 150,000
----------
Total.................................. $1,089,700
==========
</TABLE>

STOCKHOLDERS' AGREEMENT:

Under the terms of a stockholders' agreement, upon their death, Bruckner
Supply Company, Inc. is required to purchase the shares owned by its
stockholders at a value determined annually by the stockholders, and may be paid
out over a period of ten years.

NOTE 7 -- MAJOR CUSTOMER:

For the year ended December 31, 1997, one customer, through multiple
operating divisions located throughout the United States, accounted for
approximately 68% of net sales and approximately 37% of the December 31, 1997
accounts receivable balance.

NOTE 8 -- SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED):

September 11, 1998, the Company sold to WESCO Distribution, Inc.,
substantially all of its assets and liabilities, other than cash, debt
securities, amounts due from affiliates, certain equipment and prepaid expenses
and bank overdraft.

F-33
<PAGE> 116

BRUCKNER SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30
1998
-----------
<S> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash........................................................ $ 539,327
Debt securities............................................. 753,554
Accounts receivable......................................... 33,441,794
Inventories................................................. 3,335,230
Prepaid expenses and other current assets................... 826,587
-----------
Total current assets................................... 38,896,492
Property and equipment, net................................. 358,994
Due from affiliates......................................... 4,911
-----------
Total assets........................................... $39,260,397
===========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable............................................ $23,400,522
Bank overdraft.............................................. 3,476,490
Other current liabilities................................... 923,587
-----------
Total current liabilities.............................. 27,800,599
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock................................................ 7,500
Additional paid-in capital.................................. 2,022,843
Retained earnings........................................... 9,417,697
Net unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale
securities................................................ 11,758
-----------
Total stockholders' equity............................. 11,459,798
-----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity............. $39,260,397
===========
</TABLE>

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
F-34
<PAGE> 117

BRUCKNER SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30
----------------------------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net sales.................................................. $132,014,762 $113,140,125
Cost of sales.............................................. 118,414,945 104,822,756
------------ ------------
Gross profit............................................. 13,599,817 8,317,369
Operating expenses......................................... 6,045,525 4,125,700
------------ ------------
Operating income......................................... 7,554,292 4,191,669
Investment and other income
Investment income, net................................... 214,000 390,000
Other income............................................. 18,456 10,101
------------ ------------
232,456 400,101
Income before income taxes............................... 7,786,748 4,591,770
Provision for income taxes............................... 6,766 197
------------ ------------
Net income............................................... $ 7,779,982 $ 4,591,573
============ ============
Pro forma Information:
Income before income taxes............................... $ 7,786,748 $ 4,591,770
Provision for income taxes............................... 3,192,567 1,882,626
------------ ------------
Net income............................................... $ 4,594,181 $ 2,709,144
============ ============
</TABLE>

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
F-35
<PAGE> 118

BRUCKNER SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30
----------------------------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income................................................. $ 7,779,982 $ 4,591,573
Adjustment to reconcile net income to cash from operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization......................... 50,913 57,733
Net realized gain on sale of debt securities.......... (81,665) (86,165)
Increase in:
Accounts receivable................................. (11,397,079) (10,832,178)
Inventories......................................... (1,139,953) (760,604)
Prepaid and other current assets.................... (699,963) 2,749
Increase in:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses............... 5,166,615 6,575,233
------------ ------------
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities............ (321,150) (451,659)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment........................ (56,289) (82,980)
Purchases of debt securities............................... (3,298,652) (11,427,935)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of debt securities...... 10,998,240 16,699,995
Increase in due from affiliate............................. (325) --
------------ ------------
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities........ 7,642,974 5,189,080
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts..................... (59,958) 4,579,429
Distributions to stockholders.............................. (6,898,299) (9,430,000)
------------ ------------
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities............ (6,958,257) (4,850,571)
------------ ------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash.................. 363,567 (113,150)
CASH:
Beginning of year........................................ 175,760 225,033
End of year.............................................. $ 539,327 $ 111,883
============ ============
</TABLE>

See the accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
F-36
<PAGE> 119

BRUCKNER SUPPLY COMPANY, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The notes included
herein should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements of
Bruckner (included as Exhibit 99.1 to WESCO International, Inc.'s Current Report
on Form 8-K/A dated September 11, 1998).

The unaudited condensed balance sheet as of June 30, 1998, and the
unaudited condensed statement of income and the unaudited condensed statement of
cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, in the opinion of
management, have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial
statements and include all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of
the results of the interim periods. All adjustments reflected in the condensed
financial statements are of a normal recurring nature. Results for the interim
periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected
for the full year.

INCOME TAXES

The Company is taxed as an S corporation for Federal and New York States
tax purposes, whereby the company's income is reported by the stockholders.
Accordingly, no provision has been made for Federal income taxes. The Company
continues to be liable for certain states' corporate taxes. For pro forma
purposes, the Company has provided for income taxes using the Company's
statutory rate of 41%.

SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On September 11, 1998, the Company sold to WESCO Distribution, Inc.,
substantially all of its assets and liabilities, other than cash, debt
securities, amounts due from affiliates, certain equipment and prepaid expenses
and bank overdraft.

F-37
<PAGE> 120

9,725,000 SHARES

WESCO INTL. LOGO

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.

COMMON STOCK

---------------------------
PROSPECTUS
, 1999
---------------------------

LEHMAN BROTHERS
BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO.
INCORPORATED

ING BARING FURMAN SELZ LLC

LEHMAN WATERMARK
<PAGE> 121

[Alternate page for International Prospectus]

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 19, 1999

PROSPECTUS

9,725,000 SHARES
[WESCO INTL. LOGO]

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.

COMMON STOCK
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is our initial public offering of shares of our common stock. We are
offering 9,725,000 shares. 7,780,000 shares are initially being offered in the
United States and Canada and 1,945,000 shares are initially being offered
outside the United States and Canada. No public market currently exists for our
shares.

The common stock has been approved for listing on the New York Stock
Exchange, subject to notice of issuance, under the symbol "WCC." Anticipated
Price Range $17.00 to $19.00 per share.

INVESTING IN THE SHARES INVOLVES RISKS. RISK FACTORS BEGIN ON PAGE 8.

Lehman Brothers expects to deliver the shares on or about , 1999.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LEHMAN BROTHERS
BEAR, STEARNS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE

GOLDMAN SACHS INTERNATIONAL

ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO. BARING BROTHERS LIMITED,
INCORPORATED AS AGENT FOR ING BANK NV

, 1999
<PAGE> 122

9,725,000 SHARES

WESCO INTL. LOGO

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.

COMMON STOCK

---------------------------
PROSPECTUS
, 1999
---------------------------

LEHMAN BROTHERS
BEAR, STEARNS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

DONALDSON, LUFKIN & JENRETTE

GOLDMAN SACHS INTERNATIONAL

ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO.
INCORPORATED

BARING BROTHERS LIMITED,
AS AGENT FOR ING BANK NV

LEHMAN WATERMARK
<PAGE> 123

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

The following table sets forth estimated expenses expected to be incurred
in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being
registered.

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee......... $ 55,948
NYSE Listing Fee............................................ 250,000
NASD Filing Fee............................................. 22,000
Printing and Engraving Expenses............................. 135,000
Accounting Fees and Expenses................................ 300,000
Legal Fees and Expenses..................................... 400,000
Blue Sky Qualification Fees and Expenses.................... 5,000
Transfer Agent Fees and Expenses............................ 3,500
Miscellaneous............................................... 78,552
----------
Total.................................................. $1,250,000
==========
</TABLE>

ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

Under Section 145 of the DGCL, a corporation has the power to indemnify
directors and officers under certain prescribed circumstances and subject to
certain limitations against certain costs and expenses, including attorneys'
fees actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, to which
any of them is a party by reason of his being a director or officer of the
corporation if it is determined that he acted in accordance with the applicable
standard of conduct set forth in such statutory provision. Article VI of our
By-Laws provides that we will indemnify any person who was or is a party or is
threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action,
suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer,
employee or agent of WESCO, or is or was serving at the our request as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another entity, against certain
liabilities, costs and expenses. Article VI further permits us to maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or
agent of WESCO, or is or was serving at our request as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another entity against any liability asserted against such
person and incurred by such person in any such capacity or arising out of his
status as such, whether or not we would have the power to indemnify such person
against such liability under the DGCL. We maintain directors' and officers'
liability insurance.

Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law permits a
corporation, in its certificate of incorporation, to limit or eliminate, subject
to certain statutory limitations, the liability of directors to the corporation
or its stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of fiduciary duty, except
for liability (a) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the
corporation or its stockholders, (b) for acts or omissions not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (c) under
Section 174 of the DGCL, or (d) for any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit. Article SIXTH of our Certificate of
Incorporation contains the following provision regarding limitation of liability
of our directors and officers:

"(e) No director of the Corporation shall be liable to the Corporation or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of his or her fiduciary duty as a
director, provided that nothing

II-1
<PAGE> 124

contained in this Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall eliminate or limit
the liability of a director (a) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty
to the Corporation or its stockholders, (b) for acts or omissions not in good
faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (c)
under Section 174 of the DGCL, or (d) for any transaction from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit."

The Underwriting Agreement filed as an exhibit hereto contains provisions
pursuant to which each Underwriter severally agrees to indemnify us, any person
controlling WESCO within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of
1933, or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 each director of
WESCO, and each officer of WESCO who signs this registration statement with
respect to information relating to such Underwriter furnished in writing by or
on behalf of such Underwriter expressly for use in this registration statement.

ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.

Within the past three years, WESCO sold shares of its capital stock in the
following transactions, each of which was intended to be exempt from the
registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933.

On April 9, 1996, WESCO sold to one key member of management of WESCO
49,708 shares of common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $98,298 and
granted to such person 65,892 options to purchase shares of its common stock
with an exercise price of $1.98 per share. For the foregoing transactions, WESCO
relied upon exemption from registration under Rule 701 under the Securities Act.

On December 20, 1996, WESCO sold to two senior executives of WESCO and
three other key members of management of WESCO 224,842 shares of its common
stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $760,106, and granted to such persons
298,248 options to purchase shares of its common stock with an exercise price of
$3.38 per share. For the foregoing transactions, WESCO relied upon exemption
from registration under Rule 701 under the Securities Act.

On January 1, 1997, WESCO granted key branch employees 1,459,450 options to
purchase shares of its common stock with an exercise price of $3.38 per share.
For the foregoing transactions, WESCO relied upon exemption from registration
under Rule 701 under the Securities Act.

On November 26, 1997, WESCO sold to one senior executive of WESCO 46,240
shares of its common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $200,776, and
granted to such senior executive 60,112 options to purchase shares of its common
stock with an exercise price of $4.34 per share. For the foregoing transactions,
WESCO relied upon exemption from registration under Rule 701 under the
Securities Act.

On January 31, 1998, WESCO sold to each of two accredited investors in a
private placement 57,569 shares of its common stock, for an aggregate purchase
price of $499,932. For the foregoing transactions, WESCO relied upon exemption
from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.

On March 26, 1998, WESCO sold to one senior executive officer of WESCO
111,670 shares of its common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of
$1,199,927, and granted to such senior executive 635,800 options to purchase
shares of its common stock with an exercise price of $4.34 per share. For the
foregoing transactions, WESCO relied upon the exemption from registration under
Rule 701 under the Securities Act.

On April 24, 1998, WESCO sold to one key member of management of WESCO
17,340 shares of its common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $186,324
and granted to such key member of management 22,542 options to purchase shares
of its common stock with an exercise price of $10.75

II-2
<PAGE> 125

per share. For the foregoing transactions, WESCO relied upon the exemption from
registration Rule 701 under the Securities Act.

On June 5, 1998, in connection with the recapitalization of WESCO, WESCO
sold to (i) Cypress Merchant Banking Partners L.P., 18,405,023 shares of its
common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $197,768,020, (ii) Cypress
Offshore Partners L.P., 962,370 shares of its common stock, for an aggregate
purchase price of $10,340,982, (iii) The Travelers Insurance Company, 418,819
shares of its common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $4,500,346, (iv)
The Travelers Life and Annuity Company, 46,529 shares of its common stock, for
an aggregate purchase price of $499,969, (v) The Travelers Indemnity Company,
409,455 shares of its common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of
$4,399,731, (vi) The Phoenix Insurance Company, 55,835 shares of its common
stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $599,963, (vii) Co-Investment
Partners, L.P., 4,653,189 shares of its common stock, for an aggregate purchase
price of $50,000,045 and (viii) Chase Equity Associates, L.P., 4,653,131 shares
of its Class B common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $49,999,424. For
the foregoing transactions, WESCO relied upon exemption from registration under
Regulation D under the Securities Act.

On August 5, 1998, WESCO sold to senior executives 803,998 shares of its
common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $8,639,223. For the foregoing
transactions, WESCO relied upon exemption from registration under Regulation D
under the Securities Act.

On August 5, 1998, WESCO sold to key members of management 291,890 shares
of its common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $3,136,454. For the
foregoing transactions, WESCO relied upon the exemption from registration under
Rule 701 under the Securities Act.

On August 6, 1998, as contemplated by the recapitalization, WESCO granted
to key members of management 3,462,798 options to purchase shares of its common
stock with an aggregate exercise price of $37,208,903. For the foregoing
transactions, WESCO relied upon the exemption from registration under Rule 701
under the Securities Act.

On November 20, 1998, WESCO sold to senior executives 150,280 shares of its
common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $1,614,808. For the foregoing
transactions, WESCO relied upon exemption from registration under Regulation D
under the Securities Act.

On December 31, 1998, WESCO sold to three directors of WESCO 69,360 shares
of its common stock, for an aggregate purchase price of $745,296. For the
foregoing transactions, WESCO relied upon exemption from registration under
Regulation D under the Securities Act.

II-3
<PAGE> 126

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

(a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this registration
statement:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRIOR FILING OR
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT SEQUENTIAL PAGE NUMBER
- ----------- ---------------------- ----------------------
<C> <S> <C>
1.1 Forms of Underwriting Agreement*
2.1 Recapitalization Agreement dated as of March 27, Incorporated by reference
1998 among Thor Acquisitions L.L.C., WESCO to WESCO's Exhibit 2.1 to
International, Inc. (formerly known as CDW Holding Registration Statement in
Corporation, "WESCO") and certain securityholders Form S-4 (No. 333-43225)
of WESCO. (the "Form S-4")
2.2 Purchase Agreement dated May 29, 1998 among WESCO, Incorporated by reference
WESCO Distribution, Inc. ("WESCO Distribution"), to Exhibit 2.2 to the
Chase Securities Inc. and Lehman Brothers Inc. Form S-4
2.3 Asset Purchase Agreement among Bruckner Supply Incorporated by reference
Company, Inc. and WESCO Distribution dated to Exhibit 2.01 to the
September 11, 1998, previously filed. Omitted Current Report on Form
schedules and exhibits will be provided 8-K dated September 11,
supplementally to the Commission upon request. 1998
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of WESCO Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Form S-4
3.2 Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation of WESCO*
3.3 By-Laws of WESCO Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.2 to the
Form S-4
3.4 Form of Restated By-Laws of WESCO*
4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate*
4.2 Form of Class B Common Stock Certificate Filed herewith
4.3 Indenture dated as of June 5, 1998 among WESCO, Incorporated by reference
WESCO Distribution and Bank One, N.A. to Exhibit 4.1 to the
Form S-4
4.4 Form of 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Note Due 2008, Incorporated by reference
Series A (included in Exhibit 4.3). to Exhibit 4.2 to the
Form S-4
4.5 Form of 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Note Due 2008, Incorporated by reference
Series B (included in Exhibit 4.3). to Exhibit 4.3 to the
Form S-4
4.6 Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated Incorporated by reference
as of June 5, 1998 among the Company, WESCO and to Exhibit 4.4 to the
the Initial Purchasers Form S-4
4.7 Indenture dated as of June 5, 1998 between WESCO Incorporated by reference
and Bank One, N.A. to Exhibit 4.5 to the
Form S-4
4.8 Form of 11 1/8% Senior Discount Note Due 2008, Incorporated by reference
Series A (included in Exhibit 4.7) to Exhibit 4.6 to the
Form S-4
4.9 Form of 11 1/8% Senior Discount Note Due 2008, Incorporated by reference
Series B (included in Exhibit 4.7) to Exhibit 4.7 to the
Form S-4
4.10 Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated Incorporated by reference
as of June 5, 1998 among WESCO and the Initial to Exhibit 4.8 to the
Purchasers Form S-4
</TABLE>

II-4
<PAGE> 127

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRIOR FILING OR
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT SEQUENTIAL PAGE NUMBER
- ----------- ---------------------- ----------------------
<C> <S> <C>
5.1 Opinion of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP as to the Filed herewith
legality of the Common Stock
10.1 CDW Holding Corporation Stock Purchase Plan Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Form S-4
10.2 Form of Stock Subscription Agreement Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Form S-4
10.3 CDW Holding Corporation Stock Option Plan Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.3 to the
Form S-4
10.4 Form of Stock Option Agreement Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.4 to the
Form S-4
10.5 CDW Holding Corporation Stock Option Plan for Incorporated by reference
Branch Employees to Exhibit 10.5 to the
Form S-4
10.6 Form of Branch Stock Option Agreement Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.6 to the
Form S-4
10.7 Non-Competition Agreement, dated as of February Incorporated by reference
28, 1996, between Westinghouse, WESCO and WESCO to Exhibit 10.8 to the
Distribution Form S-4
10.8 Employment Agreement between WESCO Distribution Incorporated by reference
and Stanley C. Weiss to Exhibit 10.9 to the
Form S-4
10.9 Lease dated May 24, 1995 as amended by Amendment Incorporated by reference
One dated June, 1995 and by Amendment Two dated to Exhibit 10.10 to the
December 24, 1995 by and between WESCO Form S-4
Distribution as Tenant and Opal Investors, L.P.
and Mural GEM Investors as Landlord
10.10 Lease dated April 1, 1992 as renewed by Letter of Incorporated by reference
Notice of Intent to Renew dated December 13, 1996 to Exhibit 10.11 to the
by and between the Company successor in interest Form S-4
to Westinghouse Electric Corporation as Tenant and
Utah State Retirement Fund as Landlord
10.11 Lease dated September 4, 1997 and between WESCO Incorporated by reference
Distribution as Tenant and The Buncher Company as to Exhibit 10.12 to the
Landlord Form S-4
10.12 Lease dated March, 1995 by and between WESCO Incorporated by reference
Distribution-Canada, Inc. ("WESCO Canada") as to Exhibit 10.13 to the
Tenant and Atlantic Construction, Inc. as Landlord Form S-4
</TABLE>

II-5
<PAGE> 128

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRIOR FILING OR
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT SEQUENTIAL PAGE NUMBER
- ----------- ---------------------- ----------------------
<C> <S> <C>
10.13 Credit Agreement dated as of June 5, 1998 among Incorporated by reference
WESCO, the Company, WESCO Canada, The Chase to Exhibit 10.14 to the
Manhattan Bank, The Chase Manhattan Bank of Canada Form S-4
and Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc.
10.14 U.S. Receivables Sales Agreement dated June 5, Incorporated by reference
1998 among the Company, WESCO Receivables Corp. to Exhibit 10.15 to the
(the "SPC"), The Chase Manhattan Bank and other Form S-4
sellers named therein.
10.15 Canadian Receivables Sales Agreement dated June 5, Incorporated by reference
1998 among WESCO Distribution, WESCO Canada, the to Exhibit 10.16 to the
SPC, The Chase Manhattan Bank of Canada and other Form S-4
sellers named therein.
10.16 WESCO Receivables Master Trust Pooling Agreement Incorporated by reference
dated June 5, 1998 among the Company, WESCO to Exhibit 10.17 to the
Canada, the SPC, and The Chase Manhattan Bank Form S-4
10.17 WESCO Receivables Master Trust Pooling Agreement Incorporated by reference
Series 1998-1 Supplement dated June 5, 1998 to Exhibit 10.18 to the
Form S-4
10.18 Amended and Restated Registration and Incorporated by reference
Participation Agreement dated June 5, 1998 among to Exhibit 10.19 to the
WESCO and certain securityholders of WESCO named Form S-4
therein.
10.19 Employment Agreement between WESCO Distribution Incorporated by reference
and Roy W. Haley to Exhibit 10.20 to the
Form S-4
10.20 WESCO International, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan Incorporated by reference
to WESCO's Exhibit 10.1
to Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 1998
10.21 Form of Management Stock Option Agreement Incorporated by reference
to WESCO's Exhibit 10.1
to Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 1998
21.1 Subsidiaries of WESCO Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 21.1 to
WESCO's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1998.
</TABLE>

II-6
<PAGE> 129

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRIOR FILING OR
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT SEQUENTIAL PAGE NUMBER
- ----------- ---------------------- ----------------------
<C> <S> <C>
23.1 Consent of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP (included in Filed herewith
its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 hereto)
23.2 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Filed herewith
Accountants
23.3 Consent of Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP, Independent Filed herewith
Accountants
23.4 Consent of Electrical Wholesaling Magazine Previously filed
24.1 Powers of Attorney (included on signature page) Previously filed
27.1 Financial Data Schedule Filed herewith
</TABLE>

- -------------------------

* To be filed by amendment.

** The registrant hereby agrees to furnish supplementally to the Commission,
upon request, a copy of any omitted schedule to any of the agreements
contained herein.

(b) The following financial statement schedule is filed herewith,
accompanied by the report of the independent accountants on such schedule:

For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998.

Schedule II -- Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

Financial statement schedules not listed above have been omitted because
they are inapplicable, are not required under applicable provisions of
Regulation S-X, or the information that would otherwise be included in such
schedules is contained in the registrant's financial statements or accompanying
notes.

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

(1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part
of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in
a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
(4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

II-7
<PAGE> 130

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this amendment no. 2 to the registration statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of
Pittsburgh, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on April 19, 1999.

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.

By: /s/ ROY W. HALEY
------------------------------------
Name: Roy W. Haley
Title: Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief
Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed on April 19, 1999 by the following
persons in the capacities indicated, with respect to WESCO International, Inc.:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
--------- -----
<C> <S>

/s/ ROY W. HALEY Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal
- --------------------------------------------------- Executive Officer)
Roy W. Haley

/s/ STEVEN A. BURLESON Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate
- --------------------------------------------------- Controller (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Steven A. Burleson

* Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
James L. Singleton

* Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
James A. Stern

* Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
Anthony D. Tutrone

* Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
Michael J. Cheshire

* Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
Robert J. Tarr, Jr.

* Director
- ---------------------------------------------------
Kenneth L. Way

* /s/ STEVEN A. BURLESON
- ---------------------------------------------------
Steven A. Burleson
as Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 131

When the stock split referred to in Note 22 of the consolidated financial
statements is effective, we will be in a position to render the following
report.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
ON FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
of WESCO International, Inc.:

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements referred to in our report
dated February 12, 1999, except for Note 22, as to which the date is April ,
1999 appearing on page F-2 of this prospectus also included an audit of the
financial statement schedule listed in Item 16 of this Form S-1. In our opinion,
this financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related
consolidated financial statements.

600 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
February 12, 1999, except for Note 22,

as to which the date is April , 1999

<PAGE> 132

SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COL. A COL. B COL. C COL. D COL. E COL. F
- ---------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -----------
ADDITIONS
-------------------------
BALANCE AT CHARGED TO BALANCE AT
BEGINNING CHARGED TO OTHER END OF
OF PERIOD EXPENSE ACCOUNTS DEDUCTIONS PERIOD
----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>

Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year ended December 31, 1996................ 8,589 3,017 2,961(a) (4,492) 10,075
Year ended December 31, 1997................ 10,075 3,274 594 (3,129) 10,814
Year ended December 31, 1998................ 10,814 2,325 3,423(a) (8,480)(c) 8,082
Allowance for deferred tax assets:
Year ended December 31, 1996................ 4,182 -- (1,254)(b) (2,928) --
Year ended December 31, 1997................ -- -- -- -- --
Year ended December 31, 1998................ -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>

- ---------------------------

(a) Represents allowance for doubtful accounts acquired in connection with
certain acquisitions.

(b) Represents reversal of valuation allowances as a result of realizing the
benefits of the deferred tax assets acquired at the date of Formation.

(c) Includes $3,464 which represents a reduction in the allowance for doubtful
accounts related to the sale of receivables at fair market value in
connection with the Receivables Facility.

<PAGE> 133

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

The registrant hereby agrees to furnish supplementally to the Commission,
upon request, a copy of any omitted schedule to any of the agreements contained
herein.

<PAGE> 134

<PAGE> 135

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRIOR FILING OR
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT SEQUENTIAL PAGE NUMBER
- ----------- ---------------------- ----------------------
<C> <S> <C>
10.14 U.S. Receivables Sales Agreement dated June 5, Incorporated by reference
1998 among the Company, WESCO Receivables Corp. to Exhibit 10.15 to the
(the "SPC"), The Chase Manhattan Bank and other Form S-4
sellers named therein.
10.15 Canadian Receivables Sales Agreement dated June 5, Incorporated by reference
1998 among WESCO Distribution, WESCO Canada, the to Exhibit 10.16 to the
SPC, The Chase Manhattan Bank of Canada and other Form S-4
sellers named therein.
10.16 WESCO Receivables Master Trust Pooling Agreement Incorporated by reference
dated June 5, 1998 among the Company, WESCO to Exhibit 10.17 to the
Canada, the SPC, and The Chase Manhattan Bank Form S-4
10.17 WESCO Receivables Master Trust Pooling Agreement Incorporated by reference
Series 1998-1 Supplement dated June 5, 1998 to Exhibit 10.18 to the
Form S-4
10.18 Amended and Restated Registration and Incorporated by reference
Participation Agreement dated June 5, 1998 among to Exhibit 10.19 to the
WESCO and certain securityholders of WESCO named Form S-4
therein.
10.19 Employment Agreement between WESCO Distribution Incorporated by reference
and Roy W. Haley to Exhibit 10.20 to the
Form S-4
10.20 WESCO International, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan Incorporated by reference
to WESCO's Exhibit 10.1
to Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 1998
10.21 Form of Management Stock Option Agreement Incorporated by reference
to WESCO's Exhibit 10.1
to Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 1998
21.1 Subsidiaries of WESCO Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 21.1 to
WESCO's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1998
23.1 Consent of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP (included in Filed herewith
its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 hereto)
23.2 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Independent Filed herewith
Accountants
23.3 Consent of Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP, Independent Filed herewith
Accountants
23.4 Consent from Electrical Wholesaling Magazine Previously filed
24.1 Powers of Attorney (included on signature page) Previously filed
27.1 Financial Data Schedule Filed herewith
</TABLE>

- -------------------------

* To be filed by amendment.

<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 4.2

Form of Class B Common Stock Certificate

INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE

NUMBER SHARES

WESCO International, Inc.

CLASS B COMMON STOCK SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR
PAR VALUE $.01 EACH CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

THE CORPORATION WILL FURNISH WITHOUT CHARGE TO ANY SHAREHOLDER WHO SO REQUESTS
THE POWERS, DESIGNATIONS, PREFERENCES AND RELATIVE, PARTICIPATING, OPTIONAL OR
OTHER SPECIAL RIGHTS OF EACH CLASS OF STOCK OR SERIES THEREOF AND THE
QUALIFICATIONS, LIMITATIONS OR RESTRICTIONS OF SUCH PREFERENCES AND/OR RIGHTS

This is to Certify that ________________________________________ is the owner of

_______________________________________________________________________________

FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF THE CLASS A COMMON STOCK OF

WESCO International, Inc.

transferable on the books of the Corporation by the holder hereof in person or
by duly authorized Attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate, properly
endorsed.

Witness, the seal of the Corporation and the signatures of its duly authorized
officers.

Dated: June 5, 1998

Jeffery B. Kramp Roy W. Haley
- ------------------------------ ------------------------
SECRETARY/TREASURER PRESIDENT
<PAGE> 2

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
TEN COM --as tenants in common UNIF GIFT MIN ACT --...........Custodian...........
TEN ENT --as tenants by the entireties (Cust) (Minor)
JT TEN --as joint tenants with right of under Uniform Gifts to Minors
survivorship and not as tenants Act...........................
in common (State)

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
</TABLE>

FOR VALUE RECEIVED ___ HEREBY SELL, ASSIGN AND TRANSFER UNTO

PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER
IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

______________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING
POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE)

_____________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________SHARES
REPRESENTED BY THE WITHIN CERTIFICATE, AND DO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSTITUTE AND
APPOINT

______________________________________________________________________ATTORNEY
TO TRANSFER THE SAID SHARES ON THE BOOKS OF THE WITHIN NAMED CORPORATION WITH
FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION IN THE PREMISES.

DATED_______________ 19_________

IN PRESENCE OF
________________________________

__________________________________

NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME
AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR WITHOUT
ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE ENTITLED TO THE BENEFITS OF AND
ARE BOUND BY THE OBLIGATIONS SET FORTH IN THE AMENDED AND RESTATED REGISTRATION
AND PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT, DATED AS OF JUNE 5, 1998, AMONG THE COMPANY AND
CERTAIN STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY, A COPY OF WHICH IS ON FILE WITH THE
SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.

THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED PURSUANT TO
AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
AMENDED, OR QUALIFIED UNDER ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND MAY NOT BE
TRANSFERRED, SOLD, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF UNLESS (i)(A)
SUCH DISPOSITION IS PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, (B) THE HOLDER HEREOF SHALL HAVE DELIVERED
TO THE COMPANY AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, WHICH OPINION AND COUNSEL SHALL BE
REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO THE COMPANY, TO THE EFFECT THAT SUCH DISPOSITION IS
EXEMPT FROM THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 5 OF SUCH ACT OR (C) A NO-ACTION LETTER
FROM THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO COUNSEL
FOR THE COMPANY, SHALL HAVE BEEN OBTAINED WITH RESPECT TO SUCH DISPOSITION AND
(ii) SUCH DISPOSITION IS PURSUANT TO REGISTRATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE STATE
SECURITIES LAWS OR AN EXEMPTION THEREFROM.

<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 5.1

April 19, 1999

WESCO International, Inc.
Commerce Court, Suite 700
Four Station Square
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

RE: REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-1
(FILE NO. 333-73299)
----------------------------------

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:

We are acting as counsel to WESCO International, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-73299) filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by
the Company on March 3, 1999 and amended on April 9, 1999 and April 19,
1999 (the "Registration Statement"). The Registration Statement relates to
the public offering (the "Offering") of up to 9,725,000 shares (the
"Shares") of the Company's Common Stock, $.01 par value (the "Common
Stock"), including up to 1,458,750 Shares that the underwriters for whom
Lehman Brothers Inc. is acting as the representative (the "Underwriters")
will have an option to purchase from the Company solely for the purpose of
covering over-allotments.

We are familiar with the Registration Statement. We have
examined and are familiar with (i) the Company's Certificate of Incorporation;
(ii) the Company's By-laws; (iii) the Company's proposed Restated Certificate
of Incorporation (the "New Certificate") in the form in which it is to be filed
with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware prior to the consummation
of the Offering; (iv) the Company's proposed Restated By-laws (the "New
By-laws") in the form in which they are proposed to become effective prior to
the consummation of the Offering; and (v) the proceedings of the Board of
Directors of the Company with respect to the approval and adoption of the New
Certificate and the New By-laws. We have also examined such other documents,
corporate records, certificates of public officials, instruments, statutes and
questions of law as we deemed necessary or appropriate to enable us to express
an informed opinion on the matters hereinafter set forth. In making such
examinations and rendering the opinions on the matters set forth below, we have
assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents
submitted to us as originals, the conformity to original documents

<PAGE> 2

WESCO International, Inc.
April 19, 1999
Page 2

of all documents submitted to us as certified, conformed, telecopied,
photostatic or other reproduced copies and the authenticity of the originals of
such documents, the due execution and delivery of all such documents, and the
accuracy and completeness of the records of the Company.

We are opining herein only as to the applicable laws of the
state of Delaware, including the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, and as to any federal securities laws of the United States of America.
With respect to the matters concerning the laws of the State of Delaware, we
call your attention to the fact that we are not admitted to the Bar in the State
of Delaware, and our opinions are based on our reasonable familiarity with
Delaware law with respect to the limited matters set forth herein, which we
believe is sufficient to enable us to render an informed opinion on the matters
set forth herein.

Based upon and subject to the foregoing and subject to the
filing of the New Certificate with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware, and the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, we are of
the opinion that:

(a) The Company has been duly organized and is validly
existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

(b) The Shares, when issued and sold in accordance with the
plan of distribution set forth in the Registration Statement, will be validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

We consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to
the Registration Statement and to the reference to the undersigned in the
prospectus forming a part thereof under the caption "Legal Matters."

Yours truly,

Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP

<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the inclusion in this amendment no. 2 to the registration
statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-73299) of our report dated February 12,
1999, except for Note 22, as to which the date is April __, 1999, on our audits
of the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of
WESCO International, Inc. and subsidiaries. We also consent to the references
to our firm under the captions "Experts" and "Selected Historical Consolidated
Financial Data."

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

600 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
April 19, 1999

<PAGE> 1

Exhibit 23.3

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the inclusion in this amendment no. 2 to the registration
statement on Form S-1

(to register Common Stock) of our report dated February 23, 1998, on our audits
of the financial statements of Bruckner Supply Company, Inc. We also consent to
the references to our firm under the caption "Experts".

/s/ Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP

New York, New York

April 19, 1999

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM WESCO
INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES' CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<CASH> 8,093
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 189,593
<ALLOWANCES> 8,082
<INVENTORY> 343,764
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 582,071
<PP&E> 107,596
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 950,522
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 466,467
<BONDS> 579,238
0
0
<COMMON> 5
<OTHER-SE> (142,566)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 950,522
<SALES> 3,025,439
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 3,025,439
<CGS> 2,487,780
<TOTAL-COSTS> 2,969,413
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 10,122
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 45,121
<INCOME-PRETAX> 783
<INCOME-TAX> 8,519
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (7,736)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (7,736)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (0.17)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.17)

</TABLE>