A Sign from HD Supply and Sonepar

Recent news that HD Supply sold one of its electrical divisions in Canada brings a number of possibilities.

• Since they sold to Sonepar, Sonepar is obviously looking for acquisitions.  Reportedly others were interested.  We don’t know who, but do know that Rexel has made a number of acquisitions throughout the world (and is profitable as a company). And presumably Sonepar paid cash since the deal is closing the end of February … a fast close.
• Could this be an indicator of HD Supply seeking to focus on selected markets, or market segments.  SESCO, a division of HD Supply Canada, was an electrical resi / commercial / institutional house.  They still have a commercial lighting division in Canada (Litemor)?
• Could this be an indicator of a possible direction in the states?  HD Supply only has electrical locations in 8 states.  Could they sell them off one at a time? Could someone like Crescent, who doesn’t have a presence in these states, but is looking for acquisitions, be interested? Would HD Supply consider selling off pieces to independents or national chains who are only looking to fill in a whole?
• Or could it be an indicator that HD Supply wants to focus on more lucrative parts of the business, perhaps explaining why they retained Litemor (which presumably has more of an energy efficiency focus, as most commercial lighting distributors do)?

Essentially, is this the beginning of a repositioning of HD Supply, especially in light of the fact that they’ll want to position for an IPO at some point in the forseeable future?