SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended April 2, 2004

OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______ to _____

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 1-5989

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            DELAWARE                                     94-1658138
(State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 incorporation or organization)


2301 PATRIOT BLVD.
Glenview, Illinois 60025
(224) 521-8000
(Address and telephone number of principal executive offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).

Yes [X] No [ ]

At May 4, 2004, 36,732,514 shares of the registrant's Common Stock, $1.00 par value, were outstanding.



ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                                           PAGE
                                                                                                           ----

                                        PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements........................................................................         1

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.......        11

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk..................................        *

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.....................................................................        17

                                         PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings ..........................................................................        *

Item 2. Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities............        *

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.............................................................        *

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.........................................        *

Item 5. Other Information...........................................................................        *

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K............................................................        18

*No reportable information under this item.

This report may contain various "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "expects", "prospects", "estimated", "should", "may" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology indicating the Company's expectations or beliefs concerning future events. The company cautions that such statements are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements, a number of which are identified in this report. Other factors could also cause actual results to differ materially from expected results included in these statements. These factors include general economic conditions, technology changes, changes in supplier or customer relationships, exchange rate fluctuations and new or changed competitors.

i

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)

                                                             13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                           -------------------
                                                           APRIL 2,   APRIL 4,
        (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)                  2004       2003
                                                           --------   --------
NET SALES .............................................    $ 764.2    $ 662.2
Cost of operations:
   Cost of goods sold .................................      581.5      501.4
   Operating expenses .................................      153.1      137.8
   Amortization of intangibles ........................        0.6        0.4
                                                           -------    -------
        Total costs and expenses ......................      735.2      639.6
                                                           -------    -------
OPERATING INCOME ......................................       29.0       22.6
Other expense:
   Interest expense ...................................       (3.0)      (3.4)
   Extinguishment of debt .............................         --       (0.4)
   Other, net .........................................       (3.1)      (1.3)
                                                           -------    -------
Income before income taxes and extraordinary gain......       22.9       17.5
Income tax expense ....................................        8.9        7.3
                                                           -------    -------
Income before extraordinary gain ......................       14.0       10.2
Extraordinary gain, net of tax of $0.6 ................        4.1         --
                                                           -------    -------
NET INCOME ............................................    $  18.1    $  10.2
                                                           =======    =======
BASIC INCOME PER SHARE:
   Income before extraordinary gain ...................    $  0.38    $  0.28
   Extraordinary gain .................................    $  0.11    $    --
   Net income .........................................    $  0.50    $  0.28
DILUTED INCOME PER SHARE:
   Income before extraordinary gain ...................    $  0.37    $  0.27
   Extraordinary gain .................................    $  0.11    $    --
   Net income .........................................    $  0.48    $  0.27
DIVIDEND PER COMMON SHARE .............................    $  1.50    $    --

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

1

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                                                              APRIL 2,         JANUARY 2,
                                                                                2004              2004
                                                                              --------         ----------
                   (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)                       (UNAUDITED)
                                     ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS
  Cash and cash equivalents ..............................................    $   38.4          $  101.4
  Accounts receivable (less allowances of $16.4 and $17.3
     in 2004 and 2003, respectively) .....................................       327.9             255.5
  Note receivable-- unconsolidated subsidiary ............................        39.0              56.5
  Inventories ............................................................       500.6             499.1
  Deferred income taxes ..................................................        16.5              16.5
  Other current assets ...................................................        12.6              18.9
                                                                              --------          --------
            Total current assets .........................................       935.0             947.9
Property and equipment, at cost ..........................................       178.8             180.7
Accumulated depreciation .................................................      (136.8)           (137.6)
                                                                              --------          --------
            Net property and equipment ...................................        42.0              43.1
Goodwill .................................................................       279.1             278.5
Other assets .............................................................       107.2             101.9
                                                                              --------          --------
                                                                              $1,363.3          $1,371.4
                                                                              ========          ========

                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES
  Accounts payable .......................................................    $  335.5          $  304.4
  Accrued expenses .......................................................        71.0              80.8
                                                                              --------          --------
            Total current liabilities ....................................       406.5             385.2
Long-term debt ...........................................................       241.4             239.2
Other liabilities ........................................................        56.5              56.2
                                                                              --------          --------
            Total liabilities ............................................       704.4             680.6

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Common stock -- $1.00 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized,
     36,646,294 and 36,376,411 shares issued and outstanding in 2004
     and 2003, respectively ..............................................        36.6              36.4
  Capital surplus ........................................................        28.5              21.8
  Retained earnings ......................................................       600.5             638.2
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
     Foreign currency translation ........................................        (5.8)             (4.8)
     Minimum pension liability ...........................................        (0.5)             (0.5)
     Unrealized loss on foreign exchange contracts .......................        (0.4)             (0.3)
                                                                              --------          --------
       Total accumulated other comprehensive loss ........................        (6.7)             (5.6)
                                                                              --------          --------
            Total stockholders' equity ...................................       658.9             690.8
                                                                              --------          --------
                                                                              $1,363.3          $1,371.4
                                                                              ========          ========

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)

                                                                                      13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                                                  -----------------------
                                                                                  APRIL 2,       APRIL 4,
                                (IN MILLIONS)                                       2004           2003
                                                                                   ------         ------
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income .................................................................     $ 18.1         $ 10.2
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in)
     provided by continuing operating activities:
       Extraordinary gain ....................................................       (4.1)            --
       Loss on extinguishment of debt ........................................         --            0.4
       Loss on sale or disposal of fixed assets and securities ...............         --            0.1
       Depreciation ..........................................................        4.1            4.5
       Amortization of restricted stock ......................................        1.3            0.9
       Amortization of intangible assets and deferred financing costs ........        0.8            0.5
       Accretion of zero coupon convertible notes ............................        2.3            2.2
       Deferred income taxes .................................................       (0.1)          (0.1)
       Changes in current assets and liabilities, net ........................      (29.9)          12.1
       Restructuring and other charges .......................................       (0.5)          (1.1)
       Other, net ............................................................       (2.7)           2.6
                                                                                   ------         ------
            Net cash (used in) provided by continuing operating activities....      (10.7)          32.3

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Capital expenditures .......................................................       (2.9)         (12.6)
                                                                                   ------         ------
            Net cash used in continuing investing activities .................       (2.9)         (12.6)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds from long-term borrowings .........................................       20.8          121.4
  Repayment of long-term borrowings ..........................................      (20.8)        (116.7)
  Payment of cash dividend ...................................................      (55.1)            --
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock .....................................        6.1            0.5
  Deferred financing costs ...................................................       (0.2)          (0.4)
  Purchases of common stock for treasury .....................................         --          (17.3)
  Retirement of notes payable ................................................         --           (2.0)
                                                                                   ------         ------
            Net cash used in continuing financing activities .................      (49.2)         (14.5)
                                                                                   ------         ------
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS FROM
     CONTINUING OPERATIONS ...................................................      (62.8)           5.2
Cash used in discontinued operations .........................................       (0.2)          (0.3)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period .............................      101.4           19.1
                                                                                   ------         ------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ...................................     $ 38.4         $ 24.0
                                                                                   ======         ======

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PRESENTATION: The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included in Anixter International Inc.'s ("the Company") Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 2004. The condensed consolidated financial information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods shown. The results of operations of any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full fiscal year. Certain amounts for the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation.

STOCK BASED COMPENSATION: Beginning in 2003, the Company granted restricted employee stock units in lieu of employee stock options. The fair value of the restricted stock units is amortized over the four-year vesting period from the date of grant. In the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, $0.9 million and $0.2 million was recognized as expense, respectively. Total expense for fiscal 2004 is expected to be approximately $4.4 million as compared to $1.6 million in 2003.

Under the provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," and SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure," an amendment of SFAS No. 123, the Company has elected to continue to apply the intrinsic value method of Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and its related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation plans. In accordance with the APB Opinion No. 25, compensation cost of stock options issued were measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the company's stock at the date of the grant over the option exercise price and is charged to operations over the vesting period. The Company applied the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the stock option plans.

The Black-Scholes option-pricing model was developed for estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company's stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the Company's stock options. Had compensation costs for the plans been determined based on the fair value at the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and amortized over the respective vesting period, the Company's net income would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

                                                                                  13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                                              -----------------------
                                                                              APRIL 2,       APRIL 4,
                                                                                2004           2003
            (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)                              --------       --------
Net income as reported ...............................................         $ 18.1         $ 10.2
Add: Stock-based employee compensation included in net income, net....            0.8            0.6
Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation expense, net ...............           (2.3)          (2.6)
                                                                               ------         ------
Pro forma net income .................................................         $ 16.6         $  8.2
                                                                               ======         ======

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:
  As reported ........................................................         $ 0.50         $ 0.28
  Pro forma ..........................................................         $ 0.45         $ 0.22

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
  As reported ........................................................         $ 0.48         $ 0.27
  Pro forma ..........................................................         $ 0.44         $ 0.22

4

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- CONTINUED

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS: In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") revised Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits." This statement revises employers' disclosure about pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans. It does not change the measurement or recognition of those plans required by SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions," SFAS No. 88, "Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits" and SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions." It requires additional disclosures to those in the original SFAS No.
132. This statement is effective for financial statements with fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003. The interim-period disclosures required by this Statement are effective of the first quarter ending April 2, 2004. The provisions of this statement have been disclosed in Note 9, "Pension Plans, Post-Retirement Benefits and Other Benefits."

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. ("FIN") 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities", an Interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin ("ARB") 51, which subsequently has been revised by FIN 46-R. The primary objectives of FIN 46-R are to provide guidance on the identification of entities for which control is achieved through means other than through voting rights (variable interest entities or VIEs) and how to determine when and which business enterprise should consolidate the VIE (the primary beneficiary). This new model for consolidation applies to an entity in which either (1) the equity investors (if any) do not have a controlling financial interest or (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support from other parties. In addition, FIN 46-R requires that both the primary beneficiary and all other enterprises with a significant variable interest in a VIE make additional disclosures. FIN 46-R is effective for VIEs created after January 31, 2003 and is effective for all VIEs created before February 1, 2003 that are Special Purpose Entities ("SPEs") in the first reporting period ending after December 15, 2003 and for all other VIEs created before February 1, 2003 in the first reporting period ending after March 15, 2004. The adoption of FIN 46-R has not had any effect on the Company's financial position, cash flows or results of operations.

NOTE 2. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income, net of tax, consisted of the following:

                                                     13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                   --------------------
                                                   APRIL 2,    APRIL 4,
               (IN MILLIONS)                        2004        2003
                                                   -------     -------
Net income ...................................      $18.1       $10.2
Change in cumulative translation adjustment...       (1.0)        6.9
Change in fair market value of derivatives....       (0.1)       (0.2)
                                                    -----       -----
Comprehensive income .........................      $17.0       $16.9
                                                    =====       =====

NOTE 3. EXTRAORDINARY GAIN

In December 2003, the Company received $4.7 million from an escrow account established in connection with the 1983 bankruptcy of Itel Corporation, the predecessor of the Company. As of January 2, 2004, the Company was unable to determine the appropriate beneficiary of this receipt and was in the process of an investigation to determine its proper disposition. As of January 2, 2004, the Company had not recorded income associated with this receipt because of the uncertainty of the beneficiary. During the first quarter of 2004, the Company completed the investigation and concluded that the funds are the property of the Company. Accordingly, in the first quarter of 2004 the Company recorded a $4.1 million extraordinary after-tax gain as a result of the receipt.

5

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- CONTINUED

NOTE 4. INCOME PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income per share:

                                                             13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                        -------------------------
                                                        APRIL 2,         APRIL 4,
       (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)               2004             2003
                                                        --------         --------
BASIC INCOME PER SHARE:
  Income before extraordinary gain .............        $ 14.0            $ 10.2
  Extraordinary gain, net ......................           4.1                --
                                                        ------            ------
  Net income ...................................        $ 18.1            $ 10.2
                                                        ======            ======

  Weighted-average common shares outstanding....          36.5              36.9

  Income per share before extraordinary gain....        $ 0.38            $ 0.28
  Extraordinary gain per share .................        $ 0.11            $   --
  Net income per share .........................        $ 0.50            $ 0.28

DILUTED INCOME PER SHARE:
  Income before extraordinary gain .............        $ 14.0            $ 10.2
  Extraordinary gain ...........................           4.1                --
                                                        ------            ------
  Net income ...................................        $ 18.1            $ 10.2
                                                        ======            ======

  Weighted-average common shares outstanding              36.5              36.9
  Effect of dilutive securities:
     Stock options and units ...................           1.1               0.9
                                                        ------            ------
  Weighted-average common shares outstanding              37.6              37.8
                                                        ======            ======

  Income per share before extraordinary gain            $ 0.37            $ 0.27
  Extraordinary gain per share .................        $ 0.11            $   --
  Net income per share .........................        $ 0.48            $ 0.27

The Company excluded 6.6 million and 3.1 million, respectively, of common stock equivalents, primarily relating to the 3.25% and 7% zero coupon convertible notes ("Convertible Notes"), from its calculation of diluted income per share because the effect would have been antidilutive. Because the Convertible Notes were antidilutive, the related $1.4 million and $1.3 million for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively, of net interest expense was not excluded from the determination of income in the calculation of diluted income per share.

NOTE 5. INCOME TAXES

The 2004 effective tax rate is 39.0% compared to 42.0% in 2003. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to a change in the mix of foreign income and losses by country as compared to country level net operating loss positions. The change in tax rate increased income before extraordinary gain and net income by $0.7 million or $0.02 per diluted share.

NOTE 6. SHARE REPURCHASE

In the first quarter of 2003, the Company repurchased 832,200 shares at an average cost of $22.12. Purchases were made in the open market and were financed from cash generated by operations. No shares were repurchased in 2004. The Company has the authorization to purchase additional shares with the volume and timing to depend on market conditions.

6

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- CONTINUED

NOTE 7. SPECIAL DIVIDEND

On February 11, 2004, the Company's Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $1.50 per common share, or $55.8 million, as a return of excess capital to shareholders. On March 31, 2004, the Company paid $55.1 million of the dividend to shareholders of record as of March 16, 2004. In addition, as required by the plan documents, the remaining dividend of $0.7 million was accrued at April 2, 2004 for payments on the vesting date to holders of employee stock units and restricted stock.

In accordance with the provisions of the stock option plan, the exercise price and number of options outstanding were adjusted to reflect the special dividend. The average exercise price of outstanding options decreased from $21.48 to $20.40 and the number of outstanding options increased from 4,331,975 to 4,561,424. These changes resulted in no additional compensation expense.

In accordance with the provisions of the enhanced incentive plan, stock units granted in 2001 were adjusted to reflect the special dividend. The number of outstanding stock units associated with the 2001 grant increased from 53,680 to 56,531. This change resulted in no additional compensation expense.

The conversion rate of the 3.25% zero coupon convertible notes due 2033 ("Convertible Notes due 2033") was adjusted in March 2004 to reflect the special dividend. Holders of the Convertible Notes due 2033 may convert each of them into 13.5584 shares of the Company's common stock, of which the Company has reserved 5.1 million shares based on the number of outstanding bonds, in any calendar quarter if:

- the sales price of our common stock reaches specified thresholds;

- during any period in which the credit rating assigned to the Convertible Notes is below a specified level;

- the Convertible Notes due 2033 are called for redemption; or

- specified corporate transactions have occurred.

Upon conversion, the Company has the right to deliver, in lieu of its common stock, cash or a combination of cash and stock. The Convertible Notes due 2033 were not convertible at April 2, 2004, as none of the above conditions were met.

NOTE 8. ACQUISITION OF BUSINESS

In the third quarter of 2003, the Company purchased 100% of the stock of Walters Hexagon Group Limited ("Walters Hexagon"). Headquartered in Worcester, England, Walters Hexagon is a leading distributor of fasteners and other small parts to original equipment manufacturers and provides inventory management services to a range of markets and industries. Walters Hexagon operates a network of ten service centers in the United Kingdom and France and employs approximately 300 people. The Company believes Walters Hexagon's business model and position as a value-added distributor complements its current business. The Company purchased Walters Hexagon for $42.7 million, inclusive of legal and financial advisory fees, acquiring tangible assets with a fair value of approximately $16.2 million. The tangible net assets primarily consist of accounts receivable, inventory, office and warehouse equipment and furnishings, accounts payable and select operating liabilities. Based upon a third party valuation, assets and liabilities have been recorded at estimated fair value based on a preliminary allocation of the purchase price. Intangible assets are recorded at an estimated fair value as follows:

- $8.3 million of intangible assets with a finite life of 10 years (customer relationships); and

- $18.2 million of goodwill.

The stock purchase agreement provides for additional consideration of up to a maximum of $5.8 million based on the future operating performance of Walters Hexagon. The purchase was funded with on-hand excess cash balances along with the assumption of $0.7 million of Walters Hexagon's debt. Included in the results of the Company for the first quarter of 2004 are $23.7 million of sales and $0.5 million of operating income related to Walters Hexagon.

This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the results of operations of the acquired business are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Had this acquisition occurred at the beginning of the year of acquisition, the impact on the Company's operating results would not have been significant.

7

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- CONTINUED

NOTE 9. SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF ANIXTER INC.

The Company guarantees, fully and unconditionally, substantially all of the debt of its subsidiaries, which include Anixter Inc. Certain debt agreements entered into by Anixter Inc. contain various restrictions including restrictions on payments to the Company. Such restrictions have not had nor are expected to have an adverse impact on the Company's ability to meet its cash obligations. The following summarizes the financial information for Anixter Inc.:

ANIXTER INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                                 APRIL 2,       JANUARY 2,
              (IN MILLIONS)                        2004           2004
                                                ----------      ----------
                                               (UNAUDITED)
ASSETS:
     Current assets ........................     $  919.3        $  875.4
     Property, net .........................         41.5            43.1
     Goodwill and other intangibles ........        301.3           301.1
     Other assets ..........................        115.4           109.6
                                                 --------        --------
                                                 $1,377.5        $1,329.2
                                                 ========        ========

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
     Current liabilities ...................     $  412.0        $  384.9
     Subordinated notes payable to parent...        156.1           147.8
     Long-term debt ........................         30.0            30.0
     Other liabilities .....................         78.6            79.1
     Stockholders' equity ..................        700.8           687.4
                                                 --------        --------
                                                 $1,377.5        $1,329.2
                                                 ========        ========

ANIXTER INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                                    13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                 -------------------
                                                 APRIL 2,   APRIL 4,
              (IN MILLIONS)                        2004       2003
                                                 --------   --------
Net sales ..................................      $764.2     $662.2
Operating income ...........................      $ 30.1     $ 22.7
Income before income taxes..................      $ 23.3     $ 17.6
Net income .................................      $ 14.5     $ 10.2

NOTE 10. PENSION PLANS, POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND OTHER BENEFITS

The Company has various defined benefit and defined contributory pension plans. The plans of the Company are the Anixter Inc. Pension Plan and Anixter Inc. Excess Benefit Plan ("Domestic Plans") and various pension plans covering employees of foreign subsidiaries ("Foreign Plans"). The majority of the Company's pension plans are non-contributory and cover substantially all full-time domestic employees and certain employees in other countries. Retirement benefits are provided based on compensation as defined in both the Domestic and Foreign Plans. The Company's policy is to fund all plans as required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"), the Internal Revenue Service and applicable foreign laws. Anixter Inc. Pension Plan assets consisted primarily of equity securities and fixed income fund investments.

8

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS-- CONTINUED

The expected long-term rate of return on our Anixter Inc. Pension Plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the invested assets and future assets to be invested to provide for the projected benefit obligation. We have historically used a 9.0% rate of return since the average 10 year historical return on our plan assets is approximately 10.4%. We reduced the expected rate of return for 2004 to 8.5% due to the significant decline in the equity market in 2001 and 2002. Components of net periodic pension cost is as follows:

                                                                     PENSION BENEFITS
                                            ---------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  DOMESTIC              FOREIGN               TOTAL
                                            -------------------   -------------------   -------------------
                                            APRIL 2,   APRIL 4,   APRIL 2,   APRIL 4,   APRIL 2,   APRIL 4,
                                              2004       2003       2004       2003       2004       2003
                                            --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
                                                                     (IN MILLIONS)
Service cost .....................          $    1.5   $    1.4   $    1.1   $    1.0   $    2.6   $    2.4
Interest cost ....................               1.8        1.8        0.8        0.7        2.6        2.5
Expected return on plan assets....              (1.6)      (1.5)      (0.7)      (0.7)      (2.3)      (2.2)
Net amortization .................               0.2        0.2        0.1        0.1        0.3        0.3
                                            --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   --------
Net periodic cost ................          $    1.9   $    1.9   $    1.3   $    1.1   $    3.2   $    3.0
                                            ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   ========

The Company estimates that it will make contributions in 2004 of approximately $4.5 million to $6.0 million to the Anixter Inc. Pension Plan and approximately $4.0 million to $5.0 million to its Foreign Plans.

NOTE 11. BUSINESS SEGMENTS

The Company is engaged in the distribution of communications and specialty wire and cable products and "C" class inventory components from top suppliers to contractors and installers, and also to end users including manufacturers, natural resources companies, utilities and original equipment manufacturers. The Company is organized by geographic regions, and accordingly, has identified North America (United States and Canada), Europe and Emerging Markets (Asia Pacific and Latin America) as reportable segments. The Company obtains and coordinates financing, tax, information technology, legal and other related services, certain of which are rebilled to subsidiaries. Interest expense and other non-operating items are not allocated to the segments or reviewed on a segment basis.

Segment information for the 13 weeks ended April 2, 2004 and April 4, 2003 was as follows:

                                                                 13 WEEKS ENDED
                                                           ---------------------------
                                                           APRIL 2,           APRIL 4,
                   (IN MILLIONS)                             2004               2003
                                                           --------           --------
NET SALES:
    United States .................................        $  495.1           $  457.2
    Canada ........................................            76.0               60.9
                                                           --------           --------
          North America ...........................           571.1              518.1
    Europe ........................................           140.2               97.9
    Emerging Markets ..............................            52.9               46.2
                                                           --------           --------
                                                           $  764.2           $  662.2
                                                           ========           ========

OPERATING INCOME:
    United States .................................        $   19.1           $   16.4
    Canada ........................................             3.9                2.7
                                                           --------           --------
          North America ...........................            23.0               19.1
    Europe ........................................             4.5                3.0
    Emerging Markets ..............................             1.5                0.5
                                                           --------           --------
                                                           $   29.0           $   22.6
                                                           ========           ========

                                                           APRIL 2,          JANUARY 2,
                                                             2004               2004
                                                           --------          ----------
TOTAL ASSETS:
    United States .................................        $  884.5           $  906.1
    Canada ........................................           118.8              120.2
                                                           --------           --------
          North America ...........................         1,003.3            1,026.3
    Europe ........................................           246.0              228.0
    Emerging Markets ..............................           114.0              117.1
                                                           --------           --------
                                                           $1,363.3           $1,371.4
                                                           ========           ========

9

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- CONTINUED

NOTE 12. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On April 26, 2004, the Company announced plans to acquire substantially all of the assets and operations of Distribution Dynamics, Inc., ("DDI") for $25 million in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment. DDI is a privately held value-added distributor of fasteners, hardware and related products specializing in inventory logistics management programs directed at supporting the production lines of original equipment manufacturers across a broad spectrum of industries. Headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, DDI employs two hundred seventy-seven associates located in twenty locations in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which the Company plans to make offers of employment. In its fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 DDI had sales of $76 million.

The proposed sale is subject to approval by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota where DDI filed a petition for relief under Chapter 11 on April 26, 2004. In connection with this proposed purchase, the Company plans to assume certain obligations of DDI under facility and operating leases that are used in conjunction with the operations that the Company is proposing to purchase. The Company may offer to purchase certain valid, unsecured pre-petition claims to the extent those claims apply to product sales to the operations that will be acquired by the Company.

10

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following is a discussion of the historical results of operations and financial condition of Anixter International Inc. (the "Company") and factors affecting the Company's financial resources. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, set forth herein under "Financial Statements" and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 2, 2004.

ACQUISITION OF WALTERS HEXAGON

In the third quarter of 2003, the Company purchased 100% of the stock of Walters Hexagon Group Limited ("Walters Hexagon"). Headquartered in Worcester, England, Walters Hexagon is a leading distributor of fasteners and other small parts to original equipment manufacturers and provides inventory management services to a range of markets and industries. Walters Hexagon operates a network of ten service centers in the United Kingdom and France and employs approximately 300 people. The Company believes Walters Hexagon's business model and position as a value-added distributor complements its current business. The Company purchased Walters Hexagon for $42.7 million, inclusive of legal and financial advisory fees, acquiring tangible assets with a fair value of approximately $16.2 million. The tangible net assets primarily consist of accounts receivable, inventory, office and warehouse equipment and furnishings, accounts payable and select operating liabilities. Based upon a third party valuation, assets and liabilities have been recorded at estimated fair value based on a preliminary allocation of the purchase price. Intangible assets are recorded at an estimated fair value as follows:

- $8.3 million of intangible assets with a finite life of 10 years (customer relationships); and

- $18.2 million of goodwill.

The stock purchase agreement provides for additional consideration of up to a maximum of $5.8 million based on the future operating performance of Walters Hexagon. The purchase was funded with on-hand excess cash balances along with the assumption of $0.7 million of Walters Hexagon's debt. Included in the results of the Company for the first quarter of 2004 are $23.7 million of sales and $0.5 million of operating income related to Walters Hexagon.

This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the results of operations of the acquired business are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. Had this acquisition occurred at the beginning of the year of acquisition, the impact on the Company's operating results would not have been significant.

FINANCIAL LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Overview

As a distributor, the Company's use of capital is largely for working capital to support its revenue base. Capital commitments for property, plant and equipment are limited to information technology assets, warehouse equipment and office furniture and fixtures, since the Company operates from leased facilities. Therefore, in any given reporting period, the amount of cash consumed or generated by operations will primarily be a factor of the rate of sales increase or decline, due to the corresponding change in working capital.

In periods when sales are increasing, the expanded working capital needs will be funded first by cash from operations, secondly from additional borrowings and lastly from additional equity offerings. Also, the Company will, from time to time, issue or retire borrowings or equity in an effort to maintain a cost-effective capital structure consistent with its anticipated capital requirements.

11

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

Cash Flow

Consolidated net cash used for operating activities was $10.7 million in the first quarter of 2004, compared to cash provided by operating activities of $32.3 million for the same period in 2003. The decrease in cash flow from operations in 2004 is due to an increase in working capital of $29.9 million to support the 15% growth in sales from the fourth quarter of 2003. Sales were flat between the fourth quarter of 2002 and the first quarter of 2003, resulting in a decline in working capital.

Consolidated net cash used in investing activities was $2.9 million in the first quarter of 2004 versus $12.6 million for the same period in 2003. The decrease is primarily the result of the Company spending $11.2 million in the first quarter of 2003 to complete the construction of a new corporate headquarters building. Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $15.0 million in 2004.

Consolidated net cash used in financing activities was $49.2 million in the first quarter of 2004 compared to $14.5 million in the first quarter of 2003. During the 13 weeks ended April 2, 2004, the Company used $55.1 million to fund the special dividend of $1.50 per common share that was paid on March 31, 2004 to shareholders of record on March 16, 2004. Proceeds from the issuance of common stock relating to the exercise of stock options and stock units were $6.1 million in the first quarter of 2004 compared to $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2003. In 2003, the Company had net proceeds from borrowings of $4.7 million. As a result of significant cash holdings at the end of 2003, the Company did not need to increase its borrowings to fund its operations.

Financing

Certain debt agreements entered into by the Company's subsidiaries contain various restrictions including restrictions on payments to the Company. Such restrictions have not nor are expected to have an adverse impact on the Company's ability to meet its cash obligations. At April 2, 2004, $245.0 million was available under the bank revolving lines of credit at Anixter Inc., of which $21.0 million was available to pay the Company for intercompany liabilities. Due to the leverage ratio restriction, borrowings of only $159.6 million, of which $45.1 million may be used to pay dividends to the Company, of the $245.0 million available under bank revolving lines of credit at Anixter would be permitted as of April 2, 2004.

At April 2, 2004, certain foreign subsidiaries had approximately $20.5 million available under bank revolving lines of credit, none of which was outstanding.

During the first quarter of 2003, the Company retired $2.0 million of the 8% senior notes and cancelled $115.0 million of its available revolving credit facility in order to reduce costs associated with the excess availability. As a result, the Company recorded a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.4 million. Although no debt was repurchased during the first quarter of 2004, the Company may continue to pursue opportunities to repurchase outstanding debt securities, with the volume and timing to depend on market conditions.

Consolidated interest expense was $3.0 million and $3.4 million for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively. The decrease is due to a lower average cost of borrowings. The average outstanding long-term debt balance for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003 was $241.1 million and $212.9 million, respectively. The effective interest rate for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003 was 5.0% and 6.3%, respectively.

Off Balance Sheet Financing

On October 6, 2000, the Company entered into an account receivable securitization program. The program is conducted through Anixter Receivables Corporation ("ARC"), which is a wholly-owned unconsolidated subsidiary of the Company. The investment is accounted for using the equity method. The program allows the Company to sell, on an ongoing basis without recourse, a majority of the accounts receivable originating in the United States to ARC at a discount of 2.12% and consists of a series of 364-day facilities. At April 2, 2004 and January 2, 2004, the outstanding balance of accounts receivable sold to ARC totaled $228.9 million and $245.7 million, respectively. Accordingly, these accounts receivable were removed from the balance sheet.

12

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

Included in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations "Other, net" classification, are net expenses/income incurred by ARC of $0.2 million of income and $1.1 million of expense, for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively. Included in the ARC net expense/income amount was interest expense incurred by ARC of $0.6 million and $0.7 million for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively. Generally accepted accounting principles require that the interest expense be classified as other expense as it is recorded as part of the Company's investment adjustment related to its 100% ownership of ARC. However, it is considered to be part of the Company's financing strategy and therefore is viewed as interest expense by the Company. The average outstanding debt incurred by ARC for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003 was $131.5 million and $121.3 million, respectively. The effective interest rate on the ARC debt was 1.7% and 2.3% for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Share Repurchases

In the first quarter of 2003, the Company repurchased 832,200 shares at an average cost of $22.12. Purchases were made in the open market and were financed from cash generated by operations. Although no shares were repurchased in the first quarter of 2004, the Company has the authorization to purchase additional shares, with the volume and timing to depend on market conditions.

Liquidity Considerations and Other

In 2004, the Company estimates that it will have positive cash flow from operating activities and after capital expenditures. The Company may continue to pursue opportunities to acquire businesses and issue or retire borrowings or equity in an effort to maintain a cost-effective capital structure consistent with its anticipated capital requirements.

On February 11, 2004, the Company's Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $1.50 per common share, or $55.8 million, as a return of excess capital to shareholders. On March 31, 2004, the Company paid $55.1 million of the dividend to shareholders of record as of March 16, 2004. In addition, as required by the plan documents, the remaining dividend of $0.7 million was accrued at April 2, 2004, for payments on the vesting date to holders of the employee stock units and restricted stock.

On April 26, 2004, the Company announced plans to acquire substantially all of the assets and operations of Distribution Dynamics, Inc., ("DDI") for $25 million in cash, subject to a working capital adjustment. The proposed sale is subject to approval by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota where DDI filed a petition for relief under Chapter 11 on April 26, 2004. In connection with this proposed purchase, the Company plans to assume certain obligations of DDI under facility and operating leases that are used in conjunction with the operations that the Company is proposing to purchase. The Company may offer to purchase certain valid, unsecured pre-petition claims to the extent those claims apply to product sales to the operations that will be acquired by the Company. In its fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 DDI had sales of $76 million.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Company competes with distributors and manufacturers who sell products directly or through existing distribution channels to end users or other resellers. The Company's relationship with the manufacturers for which it distributes products could be affected by decisions made by these manufacturers as the result of changes in management or ownership as well as other factors. Although relationships with its suppliers are good, the loss of a major supplier could have a temporary adverse effect on the Company's business, but would not have a lasting impact since comparable products are available from alternate sources. In addition to competitive factors, future performance could be subject to economic downturns and possible rapid changes in applicable technologies.

13

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

OVERVIEW

In the first quarter of 2004, the Company saw net income, inclusive of an extraordinary gain of $4.1 million, increase by $7.9 million, or 78.3%, on a 15.4% increase in sales from the first quarter of the prior year. Sales, gross profits, operating expense and operating profits, all showed year-on-year increases from a combination of the acquisition of Walters Hexagon in September of 2003, exchange rate differences related to the weaker US dollar and combined unit growth and commodity price driven price increases. Other expenses increased in the current year due to larger foreign exchange losses, which in large part were the result of the February 2004 devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolivar. Foreign exchange losses totaled $3.1 million in the first quarter of this year. In the prior year, other expenses included a loss of $0.4 million related to the early retirement of debt and the write-off of debt issuance costs associated with the cancellation of $115.0 million of the available revolving credit facility. The Company's effective tax rate dropped to 39.0% from 42.0% in the year ago quarter as a result of a change in the mix of income and losses by country as compared to country level net operating loss positions. The extraordinary gain was the result of monies received from an escrow account in connection with the 1983 bankruptcy of Itel Corporation, the predecessor to the Company.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                                                     13 WEEKS ENDED
                                             -----------------------------
                                             APRIL 2,   APRIL 4,   PERCENT
                                               2004       2003      CHANGE
                                             --------   --------   -------
                                                     (IN MILLIONS)
Net sales ..........................          $764.2     $662.2     15.4%
Gross profit .......................          $182.7     $160.8     13.6%
Operating expenses .................          $153.7     $138.2     11.2%
Operating income ...................          $ 29.0     $ 22.6     28.2%

Net Sales: The Company's net sales during the first quarter of 2004 increased 15.4% to $764.2 million from $662.2 million in the same period in 2003. The acquisition of Walters Hexagon in September 2003, along with favorable effects from changes in exchange rates, accounted for $49.3 million of the increase. Excluding the acquisition of Hexagon and the effects from changes in exchange rates, the Company's net sales increased 8.0% during the 13 weeks ended April 2, 2004 from the same period in 2003. The increase in net sales was due to improved economic conditions, commodity driven price increases and an increase in project business.

Gross Margins: Gross margins decreased to 23.9% in the first quarter of 2004 from 24.3% in the corresponding period in 2003. The decrease was a result of an increase in larger capital projects during the first quarter of 2004, as compared to the first quarter of 2003. Due to excess capacity in the industry, pricing on these projects were extremely competitive, which reduced gross margins.

Operating Income: As a result of higher sales, operating margins were 3.8% for the first quarter of 2004 as compared to 3.4% in the first quarter of 2003. Operating expenses increased $15.5 million in the first quarter 2004 from the corresponding period in 2003. The Walters Hexagon acquisition increased operating expenses by $6.1 million, while changes in exchange rates increased operating expenses by $4.8 million. Excluding the above, operating expenses increased $4.6 million, or 3.3%, primarily due to variable costs associated with higher sales volumes and increases in healthcare costs, pension costs and costs associated with additional restricted stock grants.

Interest Expense: Consolidated interest expense decreased to $3.0 million in the first quarter of 2004 from $3.4 million in 2003. Interest expense decreased due to a reduction in the average cost of borrowings. The average long-term debt balance was $241.1 million and $212.9 million for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, respectively. The average interest rate for the first quarter of 2004 and 2003, was 5.0% and 6.3%, respectively.

14

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

Other, net income (expense):

                                              13 WEEKS ENDED
                                          ----------------------
                                          APRIL 2,      APRIL 4,
                                            2004          2003
                                          -------       --------
                                               (MILLIONS)
Accounts receivable securitization ...    $  0.2        $  (1.1)
Foreign exchange .....................      (3.1)           --
Other ................................      (0.2)          (0.2)
                                          ------        -------
                                          $ (3.1)       $  (1.3)
                                          ======        =======

The accounts receivable securitization program had income of $0.2 million for the 13 weeks ended April 2, 2004, compared to $1.1 million of net expenses in 2003. The reduction in net expenses was primarily a result of reduced sales of net accounts receivable to ARC which are sold at a 2.12% discount.

Foreign exchange had a net loss of $3.1 million in the 13 weeks ended April 2, 2004. A significant portion of the net loss resulted from the February 2004 devaluation of the Venezuelan Bolivar.

Income Taxes: The consolidated tax provision increased to $8.9 million in first quarter of 2004 from $7.3 million in the first quarter of 2003, primarily due to an increase in income before taxes and extraordinary gain. The 2004 effective tax rate is 39.0% compared to 42.0% in 2003. The decrease in the effective tax rate is primarily due to a change in the mix of foreign income and losses by country as compared to country level net operating loss positions. The change in tax rate increased income before extraordinary gain and net income by $0.7 million or $0.02 per diluted share.

NORTH AMERICA RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                                                       13 WEEKS ENDED
                                             ---------------------------------
                                             APRIL 2,     APRIL 4,     PERCENT
                                               2004         2003       CHANGE
                                             --------     --------     -------
                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
Net sales ..........................          $571.1       $518.1       10.2%
Gross profit .......................          $134.3       $125.6        6.9%
Operating expenses .................          $111.3       $106.5        4.4%
Operating income ...................          $ 23.0       $ 19.1       20.4%

Net Sales: When compared to the corresponding period in 2003, North America net sales for the 13 weeks ended April 2, 2004 increased 10.2% to $571.1 million. The combined Industrial Wire and Cable and North America Enterprise Cabling sales increased $42.4 million in the first quarter of 2004 as compared to the first quarter of 2003, due to improved economic conditions and price increases driven by higher copper and data cabling prices. In the OEM supply market, the Pentacon operations reported a 8.7% increase in sales on a combination of improved customer demand and new contract additions. Sales to telecom original equipment manufacturers showed their first year-on-year increase in over two years.

Gross Margins: Gross margins decreased to 23.5% in the first quarter of 2004 from 24.3% for the same period in 2003. The decrease is primarily due to a higher percentage of capital projects, which had lower gross margins due to excess capacity in the industry.

Operating Income: Operating expenses increased $4.8 million in the first quarter of 2004 from the corresponding period in 2003. The increase is primarily due to variable costs associated with the increase in sales volume and higher pension, healthcare and costs related to additional restricted stock grants. Primarily as a result of higher daily sales and continued tight expense controls, North America operating margins increased to 4.0% in the first quarter of 2004 from 3.7% in the same period in 2003.

15

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

EUROPE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                                                      13 WEEKS ENDED
                                           -----------------------------------
                                           APRIL 2,      APRIL 4,      PERCENT
                                             2004          2003        CHANGE
                                           --------      --------      -------
                                                      (IN MILLIONS)
Net sales ..........................        $140.2        $ 97.9        43.2%
Gross profit .......................        $ 36.6        $ 25.8        42.1%
Operating expenses .................        $ 32.1        $ 22.8        40.9%
Operating income ...................        $  4.5        $  3.0        50.8%

Net Sales: Europe net sales increased 43.2% in the first quarter of 2004 to $140.2 million from $97.9 million in the first quarter of 2003, including a $14.6 million favorable effect from changes in exchange rates and an increase of $23.7 million as a result of the acquisition of Walters Hexagon. The increase in local currency sales of 4.0% reflects an increase in economic activity in Europe.

Gross Margins: Europe's gross margins decreased to 26.1% in the first quarter of 2004 from 26.3% in the same period in 2003. The slight decrease is primarily due to a large project at reduced margins. Walters Hexagon added 30 basis points to Europe's gross margins in the first quarter of 2004.

Operating Income: Compared to the first quarter of 2003, Europe operating expenses increased 40.9%, or $9.3 million, to $32.1 million in the first quarter of 2004. Included in the increase are $6.1 million of expenses related to Walters Hexagon and $3.0 million for changes in exchange rates. Excluding Waters Hexagon and the exchange rate impact, operating expenses were $0.2 million or 1.1% higher than 2003. Tight expense controls resulted in the operating margin increasing from 3.0% in 2003 to 3.2% in 2004. Exchange rate changes had a $0.6 million favorable impact on operating income.

EMERGING MARKETS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                                                       13 WEEKS ENDED
                                             --------------------------------
                                             APRIL 2,     APRIL 4,    PERCENT
                                               2004         2003      CHANGE
                                             --------     --------    -------
                                                        (IN MILLIONS)
Net sales ..........................         $  52.9      $  46.2       14.7%
Gross profit .......................         $  11.8      $   9.4       25.0%
Operating expenses .................         $  10.3      $   8.9       15.5%
Operating income ...................         $   1.5      $   0.5      182.4%

Net Sales: Emerging Markets (Asia Pacific and Latin America) net sales were up 14.7%, to $52.9 million in the first quarter of 2004, from $46.2 million in the first quarter of 2003, including a $1.6 million favorable impact from changes in exchange rates. The increase reflects an overall improvement in the economic environment and stronger market penetration.

Gross Margins: During the first quarter of 2004, Emerging Markets gross margins increased to 22.2% from 20.4% in the corresponding period in 2003. The improvement is primarily due to price increases in Venezuela.

Operating Income: Emerging Markets operating income increased $1.0 million from $0.5 million in the first quarter of 2003 to $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2004. The improvement reflects the higher sales levels and improved gross margins. Exchange rate changes had a minimal impact on operating income.

16

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures. The Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of April 2, 2004, pursuant to paragraph (b) of Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that material information required to be filed in this quarterly report has been made known to them in a timely fashion. There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 13 weeks ended April 2, 2004 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

17

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

a) Exhibits

(10) Material Contracts.

10.1 Purchase Agreement between Mesirow Realty Sale-Leaseback, Inc. ("Buyer") and Anixter-Real Estate, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company ("Seller").

(31) Rule 13a - 14(a) / 15d - 14(a) Certifications.

31.1 Robert W. Grubbs, President and Chief Executive Officer, Certification Pursuant to Section 302, of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 Dennis J. Letham, Senior Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Certification Pursuant to
Section 302, of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(32) Section 1350 Certifications.

32.1 Robert W. Grubbs, President and Chief Executive Officer, Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2 Dennis J. Letham, Senior Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

b) Reports on Form 8-K.

On February 6, 2004, the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K under Item 7 "Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits" and Item 12 "Results of Operation and Financial Condition" reporting its results for the fiscal quarter ended January 2, 2004.

18

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.

May 11, 2004

                                     By:     /s/ Robert W. Grubbs
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                                 Robert W. Grubbs
                                        President and Chief Executive Officer

May 11, 2004

                                     By:     /s/ Dennis J. Letham
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                                 Dennis J. Letham
                                          Senior Vice President - Finance
                                             and Chief Financial Officer

19

EXHIBIT 10.1

PURCHASE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN

MESIROW REALTY SALE-LEASEBACK, INC.,
AN ILLINOIS CORPORATION ("BUYER")

AND

ANIXTER-REAL ESTATE, INC.,
AN ILLINOIS CORPORATION ("SELLER")

APRIL 17, 2003

2301 PATRIOT BOULEVARD
GLENVIEW, IL


TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                                  PAGE
1.    Definitions...........................................................        1
2.    Sale..................................................................        5
3.    Purchase Price and Earnest Money Deposit..............................        5
4.    Intentionally Deleted.................................................        6
5.    Conditions Precedent..................................................        6
6.    Closing, Closing Costs and Closing Date...............................        7
7.    Title and Survey Matters..............................................        9
8.    Delivery of Documents: Inspection/Glenview............................       10
9.    Taxes and Prorations..................................................       12
10.   Representations, Warranties and Covenants of Seller...................       12
11.   Representations and Warranties of Buyer...............................       15
12.   Eminent Domain; Casualty..............................................       16
13.   Possession of the Project.............................................       16
14.   Pre-Closing Deliveries................................................       16
15.   Documents to be Delivered and Action to be Taken at Closing...........       16
16.   Defaults; Remedies....................................................       19
17.   Miscellaneous.........................................................       20

LIST OF EXHIBITS (EXCLUDED FROM FILING)

Exhibit 1(c)      Certificate of Substantial Completion
Exhibit 1(q)      Guaranty
Exhibit 1(u)      Legal
Exhibit 1(v)      Lease
Exhibit 3(a)      Escrow Agreement
Exhibit 7         Surveyor's Certificate
Exhibit 15(a)(x)  Estoppel Certificate (Guarantor)


PURCHASE AGREEMENT
(GLENVIEW, IL OFFICE BUILDING)

THIS PURCHASE AGREEMENT (the "AGREEMENT") is made as of April [17], 2003, by and between MESIROW REALTY SALE-LEASEBACK, INC., an Illinois corporation ("BUYER"), and ANIXTER-REAL ESTATE, INC., an Illinois corporation ("SELLER").

RECITALS

A. Seller is the owner of the Project (as hereinafter defined), which is to be developed with an approximately 167,000 square foot office building which is located at 2301 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, Illinois.

B. Seller desires to sell the Project, and Buyer desires to purchase the same upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

AGREEMENTS

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and in consideration of the foregoing Recitals, the mutual promises of the parties hereto and the mutual benefits to be gained by the performance hereof, Seller and Buyer hereby agree as follows:

1. DEFINITIONS.

For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) "ACTUAL CLOSING DATE" shall mean the actual date that Buyer and Seller consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and fulfill their respective obligations hereunder.

(b) "APPRAISAL" shall mean an M.A.I. Appraisal (FIRREA Standards) of the Project obtained by Buyer at Buyer's sole cost and expense.

(c) "CERTIFICATE OF SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION" shall mean a Certificate of Substantial Completion executed by Seller's project architect in the form of EXHIBIT 1(c) attached hereto. The Certificate of Substantial Completion shall list all work shown on the Construction Documents which has not been completed and the estimated cost of completion.

(d) "CLOSING DATE" shall mean November 18, 2003, or such other date to which the Closing Date is accelerated pursuant to Section 6 of this Agreement.

(e) "COMMITMENT" shall mean a commitment for the issuance of an ALTA owner's extended policy of title insurance to Buyer concerning the Land, issued by Title


Company in full amount of the Purchase Price, certified to date, together with the Title Company's commitment to issue full extended coverage over all standard title exceptions and insuring Buyer against any liens arising from construction of the Improvements through completion of the Incomplete Work, and the following special endorsements in form and substance satisfactory to Buyer: comprehensive, access, contiguity, zoning 3.1 with parking and loading, survey, subdivision, creditor's rights, encroachment (if applicable), insurance over easement parcels benefiting the Land (if applicable), and restrictions endorsements, if applicable (the "ENDORSEMENTS") to the extent the same are generally available in the state in which the Project is located.

(f) "COMPLETION AND OCCUPANCY DOCUMENTS" shall mean, collectively, the Certificate of Substantial Completion, and the Conditional Certificate of Occupancy.

(g) "CONDITIONAL CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY" shall mean the temporary Certificate of Occupancy dated April 3, 2003 issued by the Village of Glenview pertaining to occupancy of the Premises by Seller.

(h) "CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS" shall mean (i) the following contracts: direct contract between Seller and Catellus Construction Company pertaining to construction of base building, direct contract between Seller and Wright Architects, Ltd. pertaining to architectural services for interior construction and the direct contract between Seller and Executive Construction, Inc. pertaining to interior construction, (ii) the site plan for the Project,
(iii) Permits, (iv) the construction schedules, (v) the Plans, and (vi) any as-built Plans that have been completed relating to the Project.

(i) "CONTRACT DATE" shall mean the date when Seller, Purchaser and Anixter International Inc. have exchanged (which may be by fax) fully executed counterparts of this Agreement. Promptly following such exchange, the parties shall exchange a writing (which may be by fax or email) acknowledging the Contract Date.

(j) "DELIVERIES" shall mean the documents heretofore delivered by Seller pursuant to Section 8(a).

(k) "DUE DILIGENCE MATERIALS" shall mean the collective reference to the Title Evidence and the Deliveries.

(l) "DUE DILIGENCE PERIOD" shall mean the period of time commencing on the date hereof and ending on the date which is twenty-one (21) Days after the Contract Date, but in no event shall the Due Diligence Period expire earlier than three (3) Business Days following the date upon which the Initial Survey is delivered to Buyer.

(m) "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS" means any statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation of any local, county, state or federal authority having jurisdiction over the Premises or any portion thereof or its use, which pertains to environmental, health or safety matters and/or the regulation of any hazardous or toxic materials, substance or waste, including but not limited to:
(a) the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. section 1317

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et seq.) as amended; (b) the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. section 6901 et seq.) as amended; (c) the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C. section 9601 et seq.) as amended ("CERCLA"); (d) the Toxic Substance Control Act (15 U.S.C. section 2601 et seq.), as amended; and (e) the Clean Air Act (42, U.S. section 7401 et seq.), as amended.

(n) "ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT" shall mean a phase I environmental report or any update to any phase I environmental report obtained by Buyer at its sole cost and expense.

(o) "FINAL CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY" shall mean a final Certificate of Occupancy issued by the Village of Glenview allowing Tenant to lawfully occupy the Anixter Building and operate its business therein.

(p) "GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY" shall mean any government or any agency, bureau, board, commission, court, department, official, political subdivision, tribunal or other instrumentality of any government, whether Federal, state, local, domestic or foreign.

(q) "GUARANTY" shall mean that certain Guaranty in the form of EXHIBIT 1(Q) attached hereto to be executed on the Closing Date by Lease Guarantors in favor of Buyer.

(r) "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS" shall mean any hazardous or toxic material, substance or waste which is defined by those or similar terms or is regulated as such under any Environmental Laws.

(s) "IMPROVEMENTS" shall mean the two-story office building (the "ANIXTER BUILDING") and all other buildings, parking lots, driveways, and other improvements of every kind and description on, over and under the Land; all building fixtures, facilities, conduits, ducts, hot water heaters, domestic water systems and installations to provide fire protection, heat, exhaust, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical power, light, plumbing, sewer and water thereto, which are used solely for the operation of buildings; but excluding all of the following whether or not located at or affixed in any way to the Land, the buildings or Improvements: all furniture, trade fixtures, equipment, telephone systems, security systems, computer systems, satellite systems, signage (excluding any structural components of such signage) and all items of tangible personal property, and specifically excluding the personal property and trade fixtures listed on Exhibit 1.2 of the Lease (the "EXCLUDED PROPERTY").

(t) "INCOMPLETE WORK" shall mean the work on the Project that is not completed at the time of Closing which shall be limited to the Punch List and any remaining site improvement work that is outstanding at such time.

(u) "LAND" shall mean the real property located at 2301 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview, Illinois, and legally described on EXHIBIT 1(u) attached hereto, together with all of

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Seller's right, title and interest, if any, in and to all easements, rights-of-way, appurtenances, and other rights and benefits thereunto belonging, and to all public or private streets, roads, avenues, alleys, or passways open or proposed, on or abutting said parcels of land, and to any award made to or to be made in lieu thereof, and in and to any award for damage to said parcel of land or any part thereof by reason of a change of grade in any street, alley, road or avenue, as aforesaid.

(v) "LEASE" shall mean the lease to be entered into on the Closing Date between Buyer, as landlord, and Seller, as tenant, in the form of EXHIBIT 1(V) attached hereto.

(w) "LEASE GUARANTORS" shall mean Anixter International Inc., a Delaware corporation ("PARENT GUARANTOR"), and Anixter Inc., a Delaware corporation ("SECOND GUARANTOR").

(x) "LEGAL REQUIREMENTS" shall mean all laws, ordinances, codes, regulations or orders of all applicable Federal, state, city and other Governmental Authorities (including, without limitation, Environmental Laws) and all requirements and all obligations imposed by such laws, such ordinances, codes, regulations or orders applicable to the Project or to Seller in respect of the Project and all documents of record affecting the Project on the date hereof.

(y) "LENDER" shall mean Buyer's first mortgage lender.

(z) "PERMITTED EXCEPTIONS" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Paragraph 7 hereof.

(aa) "PERMITS" shall mean all permits, licenses, conditional use permits or other agreements between Seller and Governmental Authorities relating to the Project, but specifically excluding the Economic Incentive Agreement (as defined in the Lease).

(bb) "PERMITTED USE" shall mean the uses of the Project permitted under the Lease.

(cc) "PLANS" shall mean the Plans and Specifications prepared by the Project Architect for the construction of the Improvements.

(dd) "PROJECT" shall mean the Land; the Improvements; the Permits; the Construction Documents; all leases, contracts and other agreements of any kind relating to the Land and Improvements; and any and all rights, guarantees, warranties, of any person or entity, whether by contract or otherwise, arising out of or relating in any way to the Land and Improvements or any portion thereof, but specifically excluding any construction audits, rebates, credits, offsets and claims relating to completion of construction of the Improvements and the Economic Incentive Agreement.

(ee) "PROJECT ARCHITECT" shall mean Wright Architects, Ltd. or other architect selected by Seller who is reasonably acceptable to Buyer and Lender.

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(ff) "PUNCH LIST" shall mean minor items of incomplete work at the Project that do not interfere with the use or occupancy of the Project and which, together with incomplete site improvement work, do not in the aggregate exceed $500,000, as certified by the Project Architect.

(gg) "PURCHASE PRICE" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Paragraph 3 hereof.

(hh) "SEARCHES" shall mean uniform commercial code searches of the appropriate county and state public records for Seller and the Project.

(ii) "STATE" shall mean the State of Illinois.

(jj) "TENANT" shall mean Anixter-Real Estate, Inc., an Illinois corporation.

(kk) "TITLE COMPANY" shall mean Chicago Title Insurance Company.

(ll) "TITLE DOCUMENTS" shall mean legible copies of all documents shown on the Commitment.

(mm) "TITLE EVIDENCE" shall mean the collective reference to the Commitment and Title Documents and the most recent real estate tax bills for the Project.

(nn) "TITLE POLICY" shall mean an ALTA Owner's Extended Coverage Title Insurance Policy Form 1992 for the Land and Improvements in the form of the Commitment in the amount of the Purchase Price, which policy shall show good and marketable title in Buyer subject only to the Permitted Exceptions and shall have the Endorsements attached thereto and shall insure Buyer against any liens arising from construction of the Improvements through completion of the Incomplete Work.

2. SALE.

Seller hereby agrees to sell to Buyer, and Buyer hereby agrees to purchase from Seller, subject to and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the Project.

3. PURCHASE PRICE AND EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT.

Subject to the performance by the parties of all of their material obligations hereunder and satisfaction or waiver by Buyer or Seller, as the case may be, of all conditions precedent set forth in Paragraph 5 hereof, Buyer shall pay Seller the sum of TWENTY-SEVEN MILLION AND NO/100THS DOLLARS ($27,000,000.00) as and for the Purchase Price of the Project, payable as follows:

(a) Two Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100ths Dollars ($250,000.00) (the "EARNEST MONEY"), payment of which shall be made within three (3) Business Days of the Contract Date by wire transfer of immediately available funds or by a cashier's or certified check delivered and payable to the order of the Title Company, to be held in escrow

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by the Title Company and deposited into an interest bearing account, in accordance with provisions of an escrow agreement in the form of EXHIBIT 3(a) attached hereto (the "ESCROW AGREEMENT"). Unless refunded to Buyer as provided below or previously disbursed to Seller pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Earnest Money shall be delivered to Seller at Closing. All accrued interest thereon shall be for the benefit of Buyer, whether or not a closing occurs hereunder.

(b) Two Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100ths Dollars ($250,000.00) (the "ADDITIONAL EARNEST MONEY," which, to the extent deposited, shall be included within the definition of "EARNEST MONEY"), payment of which shall be made within three (3) Business Days after the expiration of the Due Diligence Period, provided Buyer has not terminated this Agreement pursuant to Section 7 or 8. The Additional Earnest Money shall be payable by a wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Title Company.

(c) The balance of the Purchase Price, after deduction of the amounts paid under subparagraphs (a) and (b) above, shall be payable in cash, by wire transfer of immediately available funds on the Actual Closing Date.

4. INTENTIONALLY DELETED.

5. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.

(a) It is a condition precedent to the performance by Buyer of its obligations hereunder that, on or before the Closing Date, the following conditions precedent be satisfied:

(i) All Improvements shall have been substantially completed, except for the Incomplete Work, as evidenced by the Certificate of Substantial Completion; and Seller shall (1) be in lawful possession of all such completed Improvements and (2) be operating its business from the Project;

(ii) Seller shall have performed all of its obligations hereunder which are to have been performed before or on the Closing Date, including, without limitation, the delivery of the documents specified in Sections 14 and 15 hereof, to be delivered by Seller and the performance of all material affirmative obligations undertaken in writing by Seller to Buyer with regard to Section 7 hereof;

(iii) All material representations and warranties of Seller hereunder shall be true and correct when made and as if made as of the Closing Date and all representations and warranties of Seller as Tenant under the Lease and Lease Guarantors under the Guaranty shall be true and correct as of the Closing Date;

(iv) No material adverse change shall have occurred with respect to Parent Guarantor since the date of its audited financial statements most recently delivered to Buyer prior to the date hereof. For purposes of this
Section 5(a)(iv) only, "material adverse change" shall mean any one or more of: (i) a reduction of more than $50 million dollars in Parent Guarantor's Tangible Net Worth (as defined in the Lease),

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(ii) a downgrading of the rating of any of Parent Guarantor's publicly traded debt by Standard and Poor's or (iii) Parent Guarantor being placed on "credit watch" by Standard and Poor's; and

(v) Seller shall have delivered to Buyer the Completion and Occupancy Documents;

(vi) There shall exist no event which constitutes, or which, if not cured within any allowable grace period, would constitute an Event of Default under, and as defined in the Lease or the Guaranty, as if the Lease and Guaranty were in full force and effect at such time;

(vii) There shall exist no event which constitutes a material default under any of the Construction Documents;

(viii) If Buyer or Seller, as applicable, has elected to accelerate the Closing Date pursuant to Section 6(b) or 6(c), Seller shall have delivered the Waiver Letter to Buyer; and

(ix) There shall exist no known material structural or mechanical defects in the Anixter Building, including without limitation, the plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems located in the Anixter Building, and all such items shall be well maintained and in good working order and repair. For purposes of this clause (ix), the term "material" shall mean any defect which would cost Seller more than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) to correct.

Seller shall diligently pursue the satisfaction of each of the foregoing conditions. Upon written request timely given, Seller shall promptly deliver to Buyer evidence of the satisfaction of any of the foregoing conditions.

(b) In the event that any of the conditions precedent set forth in
Section 5(a) hereof are not satisfied in all material respects by and as of the Closing Date, Buyer may elect to terminate this Agreement by giving a written notice to Seller (the "TERMINATION NOTICE") on or before the occurrence of the Closing. In the event Buyer delivers a valid Termination Notice in accordance with this Section 5(b), the Earnest Money shall immediately be refunded to Buyer, with all interest thereon, Seller shall be responsible for all of Buyer's Transaction Costs, and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, both parties shall be relieved of all of their respective obligations hereunder; provided that, if the failure of condition is due to a material default by Seller, Buyer shall be entitled to exercise its remedies under Section 16 hereof. If Buyer does not give the Termination Notice prior to the actual Closing, then the applicable condition precedent set forth in Section 5(a) shall be deemed to be satisfied.

6. CLOSING, CLOSING COSTS AND CLOSING DATE.

(a) Buyer and Seller shall arrange a mutually agreeable date and time for closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the "CLOSING"), which Closing

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shall be held no later than the Closing Date. The Closing of the purchase and sale of the Project shall take place at the Title Company offices located at 171 North Clark, Chicago, Illinois 60601. Whether or not the Closing occurs, except as otherwise provided in Section 16, (i) Seller shall pay the following costs of this transaction: all costs of the Commitment, the Initial Survey, the Final Survey, the title insurance premium for the Title Policy (other than the cost of the Endorsements), state, county and any municipal transfer taxes, recording fees, and other customary closing costs, (ii) Buyer shall pay the following costs of this transaction: the costs of the Environmental Report and any additional environmental reports, the Appraisal, property condition reports and soil reports (collectively, the "ADDITIONAL REPORTS") obtained by Buyer, all costs incident to any financing obtained by Buyer in connection with the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, including all of its Lender's counsel and all other fees and costs of its Lender, any mortgage recording taxes, the cost of the Endorsements and (iii) each party shall pay its own costs incurred in negotiating, executing, delivering and performing this Agreement. Each party shall pay fifty percent (50%) of the escrow fees.

(b) If Buyer elects to cause title to the Project to be vested in a third party unrelated to Buyer or any affiliate thereof, the identity of which shall be subject to Seller's reasonable approval in writing (the "ALTERNATE BUYER"), and to close prior to the then scheduled Closing Date, Buyer may give notice thereof to Seller (the "THIRD PARTY PURCHASER NOTICE"). Upon receipt of the Third Party Purchaser Notice, Seller shall use reasonable efforts to obtain and deliver to Buyer (without the obligation to incur any material cost or any material obligation by Seller) an unconditional waiver in respect of such third party purchaser (in a written form acceptable to Buyer) (the "WAIVER LETTER") from Catellus Prairie Glen, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and the Village of Glenview, with respect to the resale restriction set forth in Exhibit B of that certain Special Warranty Deed dated May 9, 2002, recorded May 16, 2002, as Document No. 0020561604, in the land records of Cook County. If Seller obtains the Waiver Letter, Seller shall provide written notice thereof to Buyer. Upon receipt of such notice by Buyer, either Seller or Buyer, upon written notice to the other (the "ACCELERATION NOTICE"), may accelerate the Closing Date to a date not less than forty (40) days from the date of receipt of such Acceleration Notice. If Seller is not able to obtain the Waiver Letter pursuant to the terms of this Section 6(b), the Closing Date shall remain November 18, 2003, subject to all terms and conditions contained herein.

(c) If Seller obtains the Waiver Letter in respect of Buyer (without having any obligation to do so), Seller may elect to accelerate the Closing Date (by giving written notice thereof to Buyer delivered at any time after the expiration of the Due Diligence Period) to a date not less than forty
(40) days from the date of receipt of such written notice by Buyer.

(d) If the Closing Date is accelerated in accordance with this
Section 6, this Agreement and all terms and conditions contained herein shall continue unmodified and in full force and effect. The obligations of Buyer and Seller under this Section 6 shall survive any termination of this Agreement and the Closing.

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7. TITLE AND SURVEY MATTERS.

Seller has delivered to Buyer, for Buyer's approval, the Title Evidence. Within seven (7) Business Days after the Contract Date, Buyer shall provide Seller with a notice specifying all objections (the "UNPERMITTED EXCEPTIONS") it has to the Title Evidence and the Survey included in the Deliveries (the "FOUNDATION SURVEY"). If Buyer does not object in writing to the status of the Title Evidence or Foundation Survey within such seven (7) Business Day period, then Buyer shall be deemed to have accepted and to be in agreement with the status of the Title Evidence or Foundation Survey. If Buyer does timely provide written objections to the Title Evidence or Foundation Survey, then, within five (5) Business Days after Seller's receipt of Buyer's objections, Seller shall notify Buyer in writing of which of the Unpermitted Exceptions, if any, it intends to cure ("SELLER'S NOTICE"). If Seller does not give Seller's Notice within such five (5) Business Days, or if the responses to Seller's Notice are unsatisfactory to Buyer in Buyer's sole discretion, then Buyer may, by written notice given to Seller within five (5) Business Days after the date of Seller's Notice or, if Seller's Notice is not given, the due date thereof (such date is referred to herein as the "TITLE TERMINATION DATE"), elect to waive those Unpermitted Exceptions which Seller was unwilling to cure (or those for which Seller's cure was unsatisfactory to Buyer) in which event the parties shall proceed towards Closing. It is understood and agreed that if Buyer does not waive such Unpermitted Exceptions in accordance with this paragraph, then this Agreement shall be deemed terminated, in which case Buyer shall be entitled to a refund of the Earnest Money, together with interest thereon and the parties shall have no further obligations to one another. At Closing, Seller shall be obligated to deliver title free of indebtedness for borrowed money, delinquent real estate taxes, any mechanic's or materialmen's liens for work on the Project performed by Seller, its agents, employees or contractors (including any mechanic's or materialmen's liens arising from completion of the Improvements through competition of the Incomplete Work, those Unpermitted Exceptions which Seller has elected to cure pursuant to this Section, all exceptions to title arising after the date of the Title Commitment and all Survey Defects arising after the date of the Foundation Survey (other than those caused by the actions of Buyer or not objected to within three (3) Business Days following receipt by Buyer of a subsequent title commitment or subsequent survey) . All other exceptions to title set forth in the Title Evidence and all other matters set forth on the Initial Survey shall hereinafter be referred to as "PERMITTED EXCEPTIONS." On the Actual Closing Date, Buyer and Seller shall attach to the Lease as Exhibit 1.1 and Exhibit 9, respectively, both the legal description of the Land, as determined by the Title Evidence, and a list of the Permitted Exceptions.

No later than eighteen (18) Business Days after the Contract Date, Seller shall deliver to Buyer, at Seller's sole cost and expense, six (6) prints of a certified ALTA/ACSM Class A Urban "current site" survey of the Land, dated on or after April 1, 2003, prepared by SPACECO, Inc. (the "SURVEYOR"), certified in the form of the surveyor's certification attached hereto as EXHIBIT 7, showing the foundation of the building and dimensions thereof, all "set back" or building restriction lines imposed by zoning ordinances or private restriction, all parking areas (including the number of parking spaces therein), all loading docks (including the number thereof), any and all existing utility and other easements

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burdening or benefiting the Land, the federal flood designation affecting the Project, all areas designated as wetlands on the National Wetlands Inventory of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service ("WETLANDS INVENTORY") and all documents and instruments of record affecting the Land and Improvements, including all such documents and instruments referred to in the Title Commitment (the "INITIAL SURVEY"). If the site improvements are substantially completed prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver to Buyer and Lender, no less than seven (7) days prior to the Closing Date, an updated Initial Survey (the "FINAL SURVEY") showing no Survey Defects. Any matter disclosed in the Initial Survey and not shown on the Foundation Survey or shown on the Final Survey and not shown in the Initial Survey that, in the sole discretion of Buyer or Lender, does or could in the future materially interfere with the use, operation or financing of the Project or affect the marketability of title to the Land and Improvements and the Title Company is not willing to insure over (at no cost to Buyer) in the Title Policy is referred to herein as a "SURVEY DEFECT." In the event the Initial Survey discloses a Survey Defect not shown on the Foundation Survey, Buyer shall notify Seller of the same within three (3) Business Days of receipt of the Initial Survey. Seller shall then have three (3) Business Days to notify Buyer in writing of which of such Survey Defects Seller undertakes to cure prior to Closing. If Seller does not so undertake to cure all such Survey Defects prior to Closing, Buyer may terminate this Agreement by written notice to Seller given within a further three (3) Business Day period following the due date of Seller's notice. If Buyer so terminates this Agreement, the Earnest Money shall be returned to Buyer and the parties shall have no further obligations under this Agreement. If Buyer does not so terminate this Agreement, Buyer shall be deemed to have accepted all Survey Defects shown on the Initial Survey.

8. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS: INSPECTION/GLENVIEW.

(a) In addition to the Title Evidence, Seller has delivered to Buyer, and Buyer acknowledges receipt of, the following:

(i) To the extent the following are in Seller's possession or control any phase I or phase II environmental reports; the foundation survey; results of any soil tests; structural engineering tests; environmental tests; and third party inspection reports; and property condition reports which relate to the Project, which are in Seller's possession or control and which have been prepared in connection with Seller's acquisition of the Property or construction of the Improvements.

(ii) The Construction Documents (other than the Plans), to the extent the same are in Seller's possession or control.

(iii) Most recent construction draw request for the construction of the Improvements and the contractors' affidavits and architect's certifications in respect thereof.

(iv) Audited financial statements of Parent Guarantor for its five most recent fiscal years and, to the extent the date of this Agreement is later than ninety (90) days after the date of Parent Guarantor's most recent audited annual financial

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statements, quarterly income statements for its most recent fiscal quarter and year to date, showing comparisons to the immediately preceding fiscal year, when available.

(v) Copies of all bonds or similar instruments posted by Seller or any of its affiliates with the Village of Glenview in respect of the Improvements as of the date hereof.

(vi) The Economic Incentive Agreement (as defined in the Lease).

(vii) The Conditional Certificate of Occupancy.

(b) Seller shall provide Buyer with true, accurate, complete and legible copies of any additional or updated items in Seller's possession that are described in Section 8(a) above, promptly following Seller's receipt thereof.

(c) Buyer, and Buyer's employees, agents and representatives, shall have the right to enter on the Project at any time during normal business hours, and from time to time upon not less than twenty-four (24) hours' written notice to Seller and in the company of Seller's representative, before the Actual Closing Date, for the purposes of making environmental, soil, structural integrity, masonry, percolation tests, construction inspections, mechanical system evaluations, examining and surveying the Project, preparing preliminary architectural, engineering, and zoning plans and studies, showing the Project to prospective capital sources, and performing any other inspections and studies as Buyer deems reasonably necessary; provided that Buyer shall not conduct any unreasonably invasive tests or any sampling of the Land or the Improvements without Seller's prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or denied. Seller will instruct its employees that have knowledge regarding the construction of the Improvements to freely confer with Buyer and its agents and representatives and to assist Buyer and its agents and representatives with respect to their inspections and examinations of the Project. Without limitation of the foregoing, Seller shall cause Lease Guarantors to make appropriate personnel available for a financial due diligence meeting with Buyer at such time during the Due Diligence Period as shall be mutually convenient. In connection with Buyer's tests, studies and investigations of the Project, Buyer shall not unreasonably interfere with the operation of Seller's business at the Project. Buyer shall indemnify, defend and hold Seller harmless from all liabilities and expenses actually incurred by Seller, its agents, representatives, guests, licensees, officers, directors and employees as a result of any act or omission of Buyer or its employees, agents or representatives with respect to such right of entry and shall also restore the Land and Improvements to their condition immediately prior to the exercise of such right of entry. If Buyer, in its sole and absolute discretion, is dissatisfied with the results of the test, studies or investigation performed or received by Buyer or the Due Diligence Material received by Buyer, Buyer may terminate this Agreement by giving a Termination Notice to Seller on or before the expiration of the Due Diligence Period. In such event, the Earnest Money, together with all interest earned thereon, shall be returned to Buyer and both Buyer and Seller shall be relieved of all obligations hereunder except as specifically provided herein.

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(d) Lender shall have until the date which is fourteen (14) days after the Due Diligence Date (such date is referred to herein as the "APPRAISAL TERMINATION DATE") to unconditionally approve the Appraisal in writing. If Lender has not approved the Appraisal in writing prior to the Appraisal Termination Date, Buyer may terminate this Agreement by giving a Termination Notice to Seller on or before the expiration of the Appraisal Termination Date. In such event, the Earnest Money, together with all interest earned thereon, shall be returned to Buyer and both Buyer and Seller shall be relieved of all obligations hereunder, except as specifically provided herein.

9. TAXES AND PRORATIONS.

Seller shall pay or cause to be paid all real estate taxes and special assessments for the Project due and payable in (even if assessed for a prior year) or deferred with respect to the years prior to the year in which the Actual Closing Date occurs. All installments of any special assessments due and payable on or prior to the Actual Closing Date shall be paid by Seller on or before the Actual Closing Date. Because of the nature of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, there shall be no prorations of any items of income or expense with respect to the Project. Seller shall pay, at Closing, Basic Rent under the Lease for the Initial Term and the first full calendar month of the Primary Term (as such terms are defined in the Lease).

10. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF SELLER.

As a material inducement to Buyer to effectuate the transactions herein contemplated, Seller represents and warrants to and covenants and agrees with Buyer that:

(a) Seller is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Illinois, has all necessary powers to own its own property and to carry on its business as now conducted, and has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(b) Each Guarantor is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of its domicile, has all necessary powers to carry on its business as now conducted, and has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the Guaranty.

(c) The execution and delivery by Seller of this Agreement and the Lease, and the performance by Seller of its obligations hereunder and under the Lease, have been duly and validly authorized and no other actions or proceedings on the part of Seller are necessary to authorize such execution, delivery and performance. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Seller and constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of Seller, enforceable against Seller in accordance with the terms hereof.

(d) The execution and delivery by Lease Guarantors of the Guaranty, and the performance by Lease Guarantors of their obligations under the Guaranty, have been duly and validly authorized and no other actions or proceedings on the part of Lease Guarantors

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are necessary to authorize such execution, delivery and performance. The execution and delivery of the limited guaranty of this Agreement by Parent Guarantor has been duly and validly authorized and no other actions or proceedings on the part of Parent Guarantor are necessary to authorize such execution, delivery and performance. The limited guaranty of this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Parent Guarantor and constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of Parent Guarantor, enforceable against Parent Guarantor in accordance with its terms.

(e) To the best of Seller's knowledge, the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Lease and the Guaranty, and the documents listed in
Section 15 hereof will not violate any Legal Requirement or Law.

(f) Seller and Lease Guarantors have obtained all consents which are necessary to enter into and perform their respective obligations under this Agreement, the Lease and the Guaranty.

(g) Seller has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the documents listed in Section 15 hereof (including, without limitation, the Lease), and the officers of Seller who did or will execute the same for and on behalf of Seller have the power and authority to do so and to bind Seller.

(h) No written or oral notice has been actually received by Seller, nor does Seller have actual knowledge, of the violation by the condition of the Land and Improvements of any Legal Requirement or Law which has not been corrected to the satisfaction of the issuer of the notice.

(i) To Seller's knowledge, there is no pending or threatened condemnation, eminent domain nor any other action, suit or proceeding affecting the Land or Improvements.

(j) The Land and Improvements are presently zoned for the Permitted Use and to Seller's knowledge, does not rely on any other property or unrecorded contractual rights for the Permitted Use to comply with applicable Legal Requirements and Seller knows of no actions or proceedings pending or contemplated which would affect such zoning.

(k) Seller has not placed or caused to be placed in, under or on, and has no knowledge of or reason to believe that there exists, any Hazardous Materials anywhere in, under or on the Land or the Improvements as a result of the acts of Seller or Seller's agents, contractors or licensees.

(l) To the best of Seller's knowledge, water, telephone, electricity, and storm sewer utilities are currently available (or will be available as of the Actual Closing Date) to the Improvements and related improvements at normal and customary rates, are adequate to serve the Project for the Permitted Use and are or will be fully paid for at Seller's sole cost and expense.

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(m) None of Seller or Lease Guarantors has commenced, and neither is in the process of commencing, any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding nor has any such proceeding been commenced against Seller or Lease Guarantors.

(n) To Seller's knowledge, the Improvements (except for the Incomplete Work) shall be, and, as of the Actual Closing Date, shall have been, in all material respects, constructed in accordance with the Construction Documents and all Legal Requirements.

(o) Seller shall not materially amend the plans and specification, the site plan or the other Construction Documents relating to the Improvements without Buyer's prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

(p) If applicable, Seller shall deliver to Buyer each revised construction schedule which, together with any other revisions of the schedule which have not been delivered to Buyer, revises the projected date of substantial completion of the Project by more than fifteen (15) days, promptly after each such revised schedule is issued.

(q) Seller shall deliver to Buyer copies of all (i) construction draw requests together with supporting documentation therefor, (ii) notices received from any governmental entity relating to the Project and (iii) copies of any default notices sent or received by Seller under the Construction Documents.

(r) All Due Diligence Materials are complete copies thereof.

(s) The current real estate tax bills cover more than the Land and Improvements. Seller is advised that a former owner has filed an application for an appropriate tax division. It is expected that the 2004 tax bills will reflect the division.

(t) Prior to Closing, Seller shall not do anything to adversely affect the structural integrity of the Improvements and Seller shall, at its own cost and expense, keep all parts or portions of the Project in good working order and repair.

(u) To the best of Seller's knowledge, Seller has received all Permits that are required for the construction and completion of the Improvements, and, other than the Final Certificate of Occupancy, to operate the Project for the Permitted Use in accordance with Legal Requirements.

(v) Seller shall diligently proceed to complete construction of the Improvements and obtain the Certificate of Substantial Completion and Seller shall promptly deliver to Buyer the Certificate of Substantial Completion and, if available before Closing, the Final Certificate of Occupancy, upon receipt thereof.

(w) Seller, on the Actual Closing Date, will have complied with all of its obligations hereunder which are to have been performed before or on the Closing Date, unless such compliance has been waived in writing by Buyer, and all warranties and representations made hereunder shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the Actual Closing Date, except as hereinafter expressly provided to the contrary.

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(x) Seller, as Tenant, shall execute the Lease on or before the Actual Closing Date. On the Actual Closing Date there will be no Default or event which, with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default, of Tenant under the Lease.

(y) There are no land parcels, property interests, buildings, structures or other improvements that are owned by Seller or any of its affiliates which are in close proximity to the Land or which are necessary or useful for the operation of the Project for its Permitted Use that are not being conveyed pursuant to this Agreement.

(z) To the best of Seller's knowledge without inquiry, all storm water flowing from the Land shall, as of the Actual Closing Date, drain directly into a public way in compliance with all Legal Requirements.

(aa) To the best of Seller's knowledge without inquiry, the soil condition of the Land is such that it will support the Improvements for the foreseeable life thereof without the need for unusual or new subsurface excavations, fill, footings, caissons or other installations.

(bb) There is no material dispute under or with respect to performance of any of the Construction Documents.

11. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER.

As a material inducement to Seller to effectuate the transactions herein contemplated, Buyer represents and warrants to and covenants and agrees with Seller that:

(a) Buyer is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the state of Illinois, has all necessary powers to own its own properties and to carry on its business as now conducted, and has all requisite power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(b) The execution and delivery by Buyer of this Agreement and the Lease, and the performance by Buyer of its obligations hereunder and under the Lease, have been duly and validly authorized and no other actions or proceedings on the part of Buyer are necessary to authorize such execution, delivery and performance. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Buyer, and this Agreement is the valid and legally binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with the terms hereof.

(c) The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Lease and the documents listed in Section 15 hereof will not violate any Legal Requirement or Law or any order of any court or any administrative body with jurisdiction over Buyer, or be in conflict with, result in a breach of or constitute a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument to which Buyer or its Affiliates is a party.

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12. EMINENT DOMAIN; CASUALTY.

In the event that, prior to the Actual Closing Date, all or a significant portion of the Project is damaged by a fire or other casualty or is subject to a condemnation or taking, then (a) Seller shall promptly notify Buyer of the same (an "EVENT NOTICE") and (b) Buyer or Seller may at its option terminate this Agreement not later than (i) as to Seller, ten (10) days following the occurrence of such casualty or condemnation or taking and (ii) as to Buyer, ten (10) days following receipt by Buyer of an Event Notice. In the event of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section, the Earnest Money, together with all interest earned thereon, shall be returned to Buyer and both parties shall be relieved of all obligations hereunder except as specifically provided herein. Pending the exercise, if any, of such option by Buyer or Seller, at either party's option, the Due Diligence Period, if applicable, and the Closing Date shall be extended for a reasonable period of time. For purposes of this Section 12, a "significant portion" of the Land and Improvements shall mean (a) in the case of a casualty, a portion which would cost in excess of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) to restore and (b) in the case of a condemnation or taking by eminent domain, any portion of the Land or Improvements having a value or causing damage to the remainder of more than Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000).

13. POSSESSION OF THE PROJECT.

Possession of the Project shall be delivered to Buyer on the Actual Closing Date, subject to the Lease.

14. PRE-CLOSING DELIVERIES.

On or before the date which is ten (10) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, Seller shall deliver to Buyer evidence of the insurance coverage to be carried by Seller as tenant under the terms of the Lease.

15. DOCUMENTS TO BE DELIVERED AND ACTION TO BE TAKEN AT CLOSING.

(a) Seller shall, on the Closing Date (or as otherwise provided below), execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to Buyer the following documents and shall take or cause to be taken the following actions:

(i) A Special Warranty Deed or the equivalent thereto (as determined by the Title Company in accordance with local practice of the State) from Seller in recordable form conveying fee title to all of the Land and the Improvements to Buyer, free and clear of all matters, except for the Permitted Exceptions;

(ii) Affidavit of Seller certifying that on the Actual Closing Date there are no parties in possession other than Tenant, there are no outstanding, unsatisfied judgments, tax liens or bankruptcies against or involving Seller, and that there are no other unrecorded interests in the Project of any kind;

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(iii) A FIRPTA Affidavit evidencing that Seller is not a "foreign person" within the meaning of Section 1445 of the Internal Revenue Code;

(iv) The Lease, executed by Tenant.

(v) The Guaranty executed by Lease Guarantors;

(vi) A Memorandum of Lease executed by Seller in the form attached to the Lease;

(vii) An Assignment (the "ASSIGNMENT") of all interests of Seller in the Project, not otherwise conveyed by other documents itemized in this
Section 15, including but not limited to the permits, the Construction Documents and all other rights of Seller included in the definition of "Project" hereunder;

(viii) An update to the Certificate of Substantial Completion listing all Incomplete Work as of a date within ten (10) days prior to the Closing Date.

(ix) An Estoppel Certificate in the form of Exhibit 24-1 to the Lease and a Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement executed by Tenant under the Lease;

(x) An Estoppel Certificate executed by Lease Guarantors as guarantors under the Guaranty in a form attached hereto as EXHIBIT 15(A)(X);

(xi) Cause the Title Company to issue the Title Policy to Buyer;

(xii) Deliver to Buyer the Searches, dated within fifteen (15) days of the Closing Date showing no lien or encumbrance on the Project except any such lien as will be removed or insured over by the Title Policy at Closing;

(xiii) A copy of resolutions or other necessary approvals or consents certified by the appropriate officer of Seller and Lease Guarantors, as duly adopted and in full force and effect, authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Guaranty and the other agreements and instruments to be executed and delivered hereunder (including, without limitation, the Lease) and the performance by Seller and Lease Guarantors of the transactions contemplated hereby. Seller shall also deliver to Buyer proof of the power and authority of the individuals executing and delivering this Agreement and the Guaranty and the other agreements and instruments executed and delivered hereunder (including, without limitation, the Lease) to execute and deliver such agreements or instruments on behalf of Seller and Lease Guarantors, respectively;

(xiv) Legal opinions, in a form reasonably acceptable to Buyer's counsel and Lender or Lender's counsel, and addressed to Buyer and Lender, from counsel to Seller and Lease Guarantors (which may be in-house counsel, except as provided below), as to due authorization, execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Lease,

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the Guaranty and the other documents required to be executed and delivered by Seller and Lease Guarantors hereunder, the valid organization and good standing of Seller and Lease Guarantors under the laws of their respective domiciles, and the state in which the Project is located, the binding nature and enforceability of the Lease against Seller and the Guaranty against Lease Guarantors (it being agreed that, as to enforceability of the Lease and Guaranty, the opinions required herein will be required only if required by Lender and, if required by Lender, may be given by in-house counsel unless Lender requires that such opinions be given by independent counsel) and such other matters as Lender may reasonably request;

(xv) To the extent not previously delivered to Buyer, copies of the Construction Documents (including, without limitation, updated as-built Plans, if any);

(xvi) A closing statement executed by Seller conforming to the provisions of this Agreement;

(xvii) A certificate executed by Seller certifying that its representations and warranties remain true and correct at and as of the Actual Closing Date; and

(xviii) An insurance certificate issued by the insurance carrier or its representative confirming that the insurance required by the Lease is in force.

(xix) All such further instruments and documents as may be required under the terms of the Lease or the Guaranty or any applicable law or regulation, or as may be reasonably required by the Title Company, Buyer or Lender, or as may be reasonably necessary, expedient, desirable or proper either to complete any and all of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement to be completed by Seller or Lease Guarantors, as the case may be, on or before the Closing Date or to satisfy the Buyer's Conditions Precedent set forth in Section 5 hereof; provided that the foregoing do not create monetary obligations of Seller or Lease Guarantors (other than those monetary obligations of Seller or Lease Guarantors otherwise set forth herein or in the Lease or Guaranty) or legal liability (other than such legal liability of Seller or Lease Guarantors otherwise established herein or in the Lease or Guaranty) against Seller.

(b) Buyer shall, on the Actual Closing Date, deliver to Seller:

(i) the Purchase Price, less any adjustments to the Purchase Price set forth in Section 3 hereof;

(ii) the Lease executed by Buyer;

(iii) the Memorandum of Lease executed by Buyer;

(iv) a closing statement executed by Buyer conforming to the provisions of this Agreement;

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(v) a certificate executed by Buyer certifying that its representations and warranties remain true and correct at and as of the Actual Closing Date;

(vi) All such further instruments and documents as may be required under the terms of the Lease or any applicable law or regulation, or as may be reasonably required by Seller or the Title Company, or as may be reasonably necessary, expedient, desirable or proper either to complete any and all of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement to be completed by Buyer on or before the Closing Date; provided that the foregoing do not create monetary obligations of Buyer (other than those monetary obligations of Buyer otherwise set forth herein or in the Lease) or legal liability (other than such legal liability of Buyer otherwise established herein or in the Lease) against Buyer;

(vii) A copy of resolutions or other necessary approvals or consents certified by the appropriate officer of Buyer as duly adopted and in full force and effect, authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other agreements and instruments to be executed and delivered hereunder (including, without limitation, the Lease) and the performance by Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby. Buyer shall also deliver to Seller proof of the power and authority of the individuals executing and delivering this Agreement and the other agreements and instruments executed and delivered hereunder (including, without limitation, the Lease) to execute and deliver such agreements or instruments on behalf of Buyer; and

(viii) A legal opinion, in a form reasonably acceptable to Seller's counsel, from counsel to Buyer, as to the due authorization for the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Lease and the other documents required to be executed and delivered by Buyer hereunder, the valid organization and good standing of Buyer under the laws of Illinois and the binding nature and enforceability of the Lease against Buyer.

(c) All of the documents to be executed by Buyer, Seller or Lease Guarantors pursuant to this Section 15, shall be executed in such multiple counterparts as any other party shall reasonably request.

16. DEFAULTS; REMEDIES.

(a) Seller's Defaults. In the event the transaction contemplated hereby does not close or is terminated due to a default by Seller, and if Buyer is also not then in default, then as Buyer's sole remedies: (i) Buyer shall be entitled to immediate return of the Earnest Money, and (ii) Seller shall be responsible for Buyer's damages arising therefrom, including without limitation, Buyer's out-of-pocket expenses related to Buyer's due diligence, the cost of the Appraisal, Environmental Reports, Lender's legal costs, other fees and costs of Lender for which Buyer is responsible, and Buyer's transaction costs, including Buyer's share of the escrow fees, reasonable legal fees and expenses, loan application and commitment fees, rate lock fees and deposits and hedging and breakage costs (collectively, "BUYER'S TRANSACTION COSTS"). In no event shall Buyer be entitled to pursue other remedies, including

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specific performance, or other damages. Notwithstanding the preceding, all waivers and limitations contained in this Section 16(a) are exclusive of all costs, fees and expenses (including without limitation, attorneys' fees and court costs) of enforcement as provided under Section 17(m) hereof.

Buyer's Initials _______ Seller's Initials _______

(b) Buyer's Defaults. All Earnest Money deposited into the escrow is to secure the timely performance by Buyer of its obligations and undertakings under this Agreement. In the event that Buyer shall fail to perform any of its obligations hereunder within the time for or in the manner of performance herein provided (a "BUYER EVENT OF DEFAULT"), and if Seller is not also in default, Seller shall, as its sole remedy, have the right, but not the obligation, to terminate this Agreement in which event Seller shall direct the Escrow Agent to deliver the Earnest Money, together with interest thereon, which Earnest Money and interest shall constitute Seller's sole right to damages or any other remedy. Upon the delivery of the Earnest Money and the interest thereon to Seller, this Agreement shall become null and void and of no effect and, except as expressly provided herein, the parties shall have no further liability to each other at law or in equity. The parties have agreed that Seller's actual damages following the occurrence of a Buyer Event of Default would be extremely difficult or impractical to determine. Therefore, by placing their initials below, the parties acknowledge that the delivery of the Earnest Money and the interest thereon has been agreed upon, after negotiation, as the parties' reasonable estimate of Seller's damages. Notwithstanding the preceding, all waivers and limitations contained in this Section 16(b) are exclusive of all costs, fees and expenses (including without limitation, attorneys' fees and court costs) of enforcement as provided under Section 17(m) hereof.

Buyer's Initials _______ Seller's Initials _______

(c) Survival. The obligations of Buyer and Seller under this
Section 16 shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

17. MISCELLANEOUS.

(a) Notices. Notices shall be either (i) personally delivered (including delivery by FedEx or Airborne or other nationally recognized courier service) to the offices set forth above, in which case they shall be deemed delivered on the date of delivery to said offices, (ii) sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, in which case they shall be deemed delivered on the date shown on the receipt unless delivery is refused or delayed by the addressee in which event they shall be deemed delivered two (2) Business Days following the date of deposit in the United States mail or (iii) sent by facsimile, provided the sender of such facsimile has evidence that the facsimile was received by the addressee's machine, in which case they shall be deemed delivered on the date of receipt by the addressee's machine if received by 5:00
p.m. Central Time on a Business Day or the next Business Day if received after 5:00 p.m. Central Time or on a non-Business Day. Either party may by written notice to the other party given as provided hereunder change its address for service of Notice.

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If to Buyer:         Mesirow Realty Sale-Leaseback, Inc.
                     321 North Clark Street
                     Chicago, Illinois 60610
                     Attention: Mr. Garry W. Cohen
                     Telephone: (312) 595-6075
                     Facsimile: (312) 595-6141

With a copy to:      Goldberg, Kohn, Bell, Black,
                     Rosenbloom & Moritz, Ltd.
                     55 East Monroe Street, Suite 3700
                     Chicago, Illinois 60603
                     Attention: Stephen B. Bell, Esq.
                     Telephone: (312) 201-3912
                     Facsimile: (312) 332-2196

If to Seller:        Anixter-Real Estate, Inc.
                     c/o Anixter Inc.
                     2301 Patriot Boulevard, Mail Stop 1N
                     Glenview, Illinois 60025-8020
                     Attention: Mr. Rod Shoemaker,
                                Vice President, Treasurer
                     Telephone: (224) 521-8205
                     Facsimile: (224) 521-8990

With a copy to:      Schiff, Hardin & Waite
                     233 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 6600
                     Chicago, Illinois 60606-6473
                     Attention: Felice M. Bressler, Esq.
                     Telephone: (312) 258-5763
                     Facsimile: (312) 258-5700

With a copy to:      Anixter-Real Estate, Inc.
                     c/o Anixter Inc.
                     2301 Patriot Boulevard, Mail Stop 1N
                     Glenview, Illinois 60025-8020
                     Attention: Legal
                     Telephone: (224) 521-8000
                     Facsimile: (224) 521-8604

(b) Interpretation. All previous negotiations and understandings between Seller and Buyer or their respective agents and employees with respect to the transactions set forth herein, whether oral or written, are merged in this Agreement which fully and completely expresses the parties' rights, duties and obligations. This Agreement, together with the related agreements contemplated hereunder, constitute the entire understanding between Buyer and Seller. It may be amended or modified only in a writing signed by Seller and Buyer.

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(c) Brokers. Buyer and Seller represent and warrant to each other that they have not retained or utilized the services of any real estate broker in connection with the transactions contemplated under this Agreement, except that Seller has retained Eastdil Realty Company, whose fees shall be paid by Seller. Each party agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the other harmless from and against any and all claims, fees, commissions and suits of any real estate broker or agent with respect to services claimed to have been rendered at the request of or through or under such party in connection with the execution of this Agreement or the Lease or the transactions set forth herein.

(d) Headings. The headings of the Sections in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not constitute a part hereof.

(e) Survival. The warranties, representations, covenants, agreements, and guarantees contained herein on the part of each party shall survive any termination, cancellation or expiration of this Agreement, but shall not in any manner survive the Actual Closing, except that each party shall remain liable after Closing for the breach of any warranty or representation if and to the extent such party knew that such warranty or representation was untrue when made.

(f) Time. Time shall be of the essence hereof.

(g) Governing Law: Submission to Jurisdiction. This Agreement is or will be made and delivered in the State of Illinois and shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to principles of conflict laws.

(h) Counterparts. This Agreement and any amendments to this Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be fully effective and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement and any amendments to this Agreement may be evidenced by facsimile copies of such executed counterparts (with hard copy receipt promptly following transmission).

(i) Third Party Beneficiary. There are no third party beneficiaries of this Agreement, intended or otherwise.

(j) No Joint Venture. Buyer and Seller, by entering into this Agreement or consummating the transactions contemplated hereby, shall not be considered partners or joint venturers.

(k) Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof, and this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.

(l) No Solicitation. From and after the date of this Agreement and continuing through and until the Actual Closing Date, Seller shall not, and shall cause its

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officers, directors, shareholder and agents to not, solicit, negotiate, discuss or enter into any proposal of all or any proposal, offer or agreement in connection with the sale, transfer or disposition of all or any portion of the Project from, with, by or between any third party, other than Buyer or Alternate Buyer.

(m) Enforcement Costs. In the event Seller or Buyer breaches or is alleged to have breached any of their respective obligations under this Agreement and the other commences an action relating to such breach or alleged breach, the party prevailing in such action shall be paid its reasonable attorneys' fees and costs by the defaulting party.

(n) Business Day. If any date herein set forth for the performance of any obligations by Seller or Buyer or for the delivery of any instrument or notice as herein provided should be on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the compliance with such obligations or delivery shall be deemed acceptable on the next Business Day following such Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. As used herein, the term "legal holiday" means any state or federal holiday for which financial institutions or post offices are generally closed in the State of Illinois. As used in this Agreement, the term "BUSINESS DAY" means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.

(o) Successors and Assigns. The terms, conditions and covenants of this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective and proper nominees, successors, beneficiaries and assigns; provided, however, no conveyance, assignment or transfer of any interest whatsoever of, in or to the Project or of this Agreement shall be made by Seller during the term of this Agreement. Buyer may assign its interest under this Agreement without the consent of Seller to the Alternate Buyer or to a person or entity purchasing the Property for investment and not for resale; provided however, that in the event of an assignment or transfer of Buyer's interest in this Agreement, Buyer shall remain liable for its obligations under this Agreement.

(p) Confidentiality. Neither party shall disclose the pendency of this transaction or the terms of this transaction except as required by rule or court order in any litigation or to its lawyers, accountants, lenders, investors, appraisers, financial consultants and intermediaries and insurance brokers or carriers who shall be likewise restricted.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

ANIXTER-REAL ESTATE, INC.,
an Illinois corporation

By ___________________________________
Its __________________________________

MESIROW REALTY SALE-LEASEBACK, INC.,
an Illinois corporation

By ___________________________________
Its __________________________________

Anixter International Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby guaranties the payment by Tenant of Buyer's Transaction Costs if and to the extent Seller becomes obligated therefore under Section 5(b) or Section 16(a) of the foregoing Purchase Agreement.

ANIXTER INTERNATIONAL INC.,
a Delaware corporation

By ___________________________________
Its __________________________________

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INDEX OF DEFINITIONS

                 DEFINED TERM                           PAGE
Acceleration Notice ...........................            8
Actual Closing Date ...........................            1
Additional Earnest Money ......................            6
Additional Reports ............................            8
Agreement .....................................            1
Alternate Buyer ...............................            8
Anixter Building ..............................            3
Appraisal .....................................            1
Appraisal Termination Date ....................           12
Assignment ....................................           17
Business Day ..................................           24
Buyer .........................................            1
Buyer Event of Default ........................           20
Buyer's Transaction Costs .....................           20
CERCLA ........................................            3
Certificate of Substantial Completion..........            1
Closing .......................................            8
Closing Date ..................................            1
Commitment ....................................            2
Completion and Occupancy Documents ............            2
Conditional Certificate of Occupancy...........            2
Construction Documents ........................            2
Contract Date .................................            2
Deliveries ....................................            2
Due Diligence Materials .......................            2
Due Diligence Period ..........................            2
Earnest Money .................................            6
Endorsements ..................................            2
Environmental Laws ............................            3
Environmental Report ..........................            3
Escrow Agreement ..............................            6
Event Notice ..................................           16
Excluded Property .............................            3
Final Certificate of Occupancy ................            3
Final Survey ..................................           10
Foundation Survey .............................            9
Governmental Authority ........................            3
Guaranty ......................................            3
Hazardous Materials ...........................            3
Improvements ..................................            3
Incomplete Work ...............................            4
Initial Survey ................................           10
Land ..........................................            4
Lease .........................................            4
Lease Guarantors ..............................            4
Legal Requirements ............................            4
Lender ........................................            4
Notices .......................................            2
Parent Guarantor ..............................            4
Permits .......................................            4
Permitted Exceptions ..........................        4, 10
Permitted Use .................................            4
Plans .........................................            4
Project .......................................            4
Project Architect .............................            5
Punch List ....................................            5
Purchase Price ................................            5
Searches ......................................            5
Second Guarantor ..............................            4
Seller ........................................            1
Seller's Notice ...............................            9
State .........................................            5
Survey Defect .................................           10
Surveyor ......................................           10
Tenant ........................................            5
Termination Notice ............................            7
Third Party Purchaser Notice ..................            8
Title Company .................................            5
Title Documents ...............................            5
Title Evidence ................................            5
Title Policy ..................................            5
Title Termination Date ........................            9
Unpermitted Exceptions ........................            9
Waiver Letter .................................            8
Wetlands Inventory ............................           10


Exhibit 31.1

PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I, Robert W. Grubbs, certify that:

(1) I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Anixter International Inc.;

(2) Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

(3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

(4) The other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c) Disclosed in this report any change in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting; and

(5) The other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the auditors and the audit committee of the board of directors:

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the internal control over financial reporting.

May 11, 2004                            /s/ Robert W. Grubbs
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                           Robert W. Grubbs
                                           President and Chief Executive Officer


Exhibit 31.2

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT - FINANCE AND
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I, Dennis J. Letham, certify that:

(1) I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Anixter International Inc.;

(2) Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;

(3) Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;

(4) The other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c) Disclosed in this report any change in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the internal control over financial reporting; and

(5) The other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the auditors and the audit committee of the board of directors:

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the internal control over financial reporting.

May 11, 2004                            /s/ Dennis J. Letham
                                        ------------------------------------
                                           Dennis J. Letham
                                           Senior Vice President-Finance and
                                           Chief Financial Officer


Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION

906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of Anixter International Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending April 2, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report") I, Robert W. Grubbs, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Sec. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

/s/ Robert W. Grubbs
------------------------------------------
   Robert W. Grubbs
   President and Chief Executive Officer
   May 11, 2004


Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION

906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the quarterly report of Anixter International Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending April 2, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date here of ("the Report") I, Dennis J. Letham, Senior Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Sec. 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

/s/ Dennis J. Letham
------------------------------------------------------
   Dennis J. Letham
   Senior Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer
   May 11, 2004