the continued tepid demand in both commercial

Second quarter 2012 revenues increased $100.8 million, or 7.4%, to $1.47 billion compared to revenues of $1.37 billion in the second quarter of the prior year.  Core revenue growth was 5.5%, with acquisitions adding 3.6% and currency translation reducing reported revenues by 1.7% when compared to the prior year.  For the quarter, the book-to-bill ratio was 102%, resulting in a backlog that is 20% above the December 31, 2011 backlog.  The order rate slowed during the quarter with the June book-to-bill ending at 98%.  Growth remained solid in the United States and developing markets where businesses selling into key growth markets such as industrial, utility, and oil & gas, more than offset the continued tepid demand in both commercial and residential construction markets.

Core growth for the United States and Canada was 6%, reflecting the continued favorable growth trends in the industrial and utility end markets.  The North American lighting business showed mid-single digit core growth driven by continued adoption of LED technology and demand for energy efficient products.

Even in a shifting and uncertain environment in Western Europe, core growth was up 1.3%, which was the result of outstanding execution and highlights the breadth of the Company's exposure to large industrial and energy projects.  In addition, the distribution of the Company's European revenue is more weighted to Germany, France, United Kingdom and Northern Europe which benefited the quarter.  Commercial product activity was negative as a result of the continued weakness in commercial end markets.

Core growth for developing markets was 8%.  Latin America, Australia and the Middle East experienced strong double-digit core growth due to continued demand related to large global energy projects, while China experienced slightly negative core growth, reflecting the slowdown in industrial project activity and consumer-related end markets.