Grainger reports sales growth

LAKE FOREST - Grainger reported first-quarter sales of $1.7 billion, up 14 percent versus the first quarter 2009.

Both quarters had the same number of selling days.

Net earnings for the quarter increased 3 percent to $99 million versus $96 million in 2009.

Earnings per share increased 5 percent to $1.31 versus $1.25 for the first quarter 2009.