CLS was acquired by Rexel, Inc. in May of 2006.   The company now operates under the name Rexel CLS, and is the New England division for the U.S. subsidiary of Rexel, Inc (Rexel USA).  Information on Rexel USA is available at www.rexelusa.com.  Information on Rexel, Inc. is available at www.rexel.com.

Prior to this acquisition: CLS was founded in 1920 by the late Morris B. Cartin, an electrical contractor who, due to the lack of a reliable source for electrical materials, had begun to distribute supplies to other contractors. Incorporated in 1926, CLS then served the needs of electrical contractors in the Greater Hartford area, and Mr. Cartin served as its President until his untimely death in 1937.

His wife Edith became President at that time, and led the company capably through the end of the Depression, World War II and into the 1950's when CLS was also a regional distributor for several major lines of television and electrical appliances.

Arnold S. Cartin, son of Edith and Morris, joined the company after serving in the Navy in World War II, and was elected President in 1962. His son Mickey joined the company after graduating from college in 1970, and he was elected President in 1984. Bob Compagna was elected President in 1994 and CEO in 2000, at which time Mickey Cartin assumed the role of Board Chairman.

CLS enjoys a reputation of leadership in its field in the eyes of its vendors, customers and the business community at large. This reputation is built upon a policy of honorable business policies, a high standard of service to its customers, and a concern for the welfare of its own people.