Lowe's to buy Rona

[Fuzz]

Wonder if there are any competition related issues they need to be approved for? Especially with Rona being Canadian, and Lowes buying out one of the last major Canadian chains? Though I guess that didn't matter with Futureshop...

[Slava]

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Wonder if there are any competition related issues they need to be approved for? Especially with Rona being Canadian, and Lowes buying out one of the last major Canadian chains? Though I guess that didn't matter with Futureshop...

I'm not sure about that and how it applies to retail specifically, but some Quebecers are not happy with this deal. I think that was what killed the deal in 2012, but I'm not entirely sure.

[Fuzz]

CBC was saying it died in 2012 partially because the pension funds bought up craploads of stock to prevent it. This time they have said they are happy with the offer, so I don't think they will be getting in the way.

[To Be Quite Honest]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

It hasn't been the same since...

Nothing beats the beaver's cravings like good wood. Just look at how that beaver struts!

[KevanGuy]

Originally Posted by Madman

Can't forget.

I think you just broke my mind. Wow. Well done.

[Locke]

Wow, tell me again all about the CrossIron Lowes vs whateverthehellelse?

[SportsJunky]

I'm fairly connected to Rona and its inner workings. This is Lowes third shot at acquiring Rona. As Slava said, for the most part, the last overture was fought off because the Rona culture (French Canadian) was very threatened by corporate America (Lowes). We out west have little understanding of Rona's identity in Quebec. It is massive and it is scary for French Canadians to allow a company like Lowes into their territory. Rona ushered out their last CEO and brought in the new regime a couple of years ago. It was the new leadership that decided that the writing was on the wall. It is a good deal for both sides in my opinion.

Lowes is a strong outfit and can do a lot to help Rona's image. My guess is that Rona's 100,000 sq. ft stores will become Lowes stores, at least in the west. Lowes will probably allow Rona to keep their name in Quebec. What happens with the independent dealers (Black Diamond, Pincher Creek etc... remains to be seen). Plus, Lowes acquires the Ace Hardware Canada stores in this deal. In the U.S., Lowes and Ace are mortal enemies. It will be interesting to see what Ace decides to do here.

[You Need a Thneed]

This probably is the end of the Sunridge Rona, as the Lowes isn't too far away.

[Fuzz]

Oh man, I hate that Lowes parking lot. The entrance is at such a weird angle. I've taken to using the west entrance by the loading dock. So much faster.

[mikephoen]

Rona is/was my least favourite of the big three but it still sucks to lose an option. Not that there is much variation between the three anyway. I think Home Depot has the best service of the three, it improved a great deal after Lowes came in.

A bunch of years ago, preLowes arrival, I made the mistake of wearing an orange shirt into Home Depot. I was doing some shopping for light fixtures, and someone asked me a question. I had done a fair bit or research at that point, so I helped them the best I could. When I was done I got another question immediately. And noticed two more people forming a line to get thier questions answered. I realized they thought my orange shirt meant I worked there!

I had to grab my stuff and get out of there before I lost my whole day!

[Erick Estrada]

I've always preferred Rona to HD (except for paint) but since there's not a Lowes in the far NW I haven't had the chance to gather an opinion.

[You Need a Thneed]

I think my preference is generally HD, but I do go to all three from time to time. Rona was the closest for me, but has worse hours.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by SportsJunky

What happens with the independent dealers (Black Diamond, Pincher Creek etc... remains to be seen).

This was pretty much my second thought after hearing the news. Is Lowe's interested in having the Rona banner stores all over in smaller communities, or do they possibly sell it off? If they do choose to sell is there another buying group in Canada that wants it?

[Flash Walken]

Originally Posted by Bigtime

This was pretty much my second thought after hearing the news. Is Lowe's interested in having the Rona banner stores all over in smaller communities, or do they possibly sell it off? If they do choose to sell is there another buying group in Canada that wants it?

Beaver Lumber to complete the circle?

[Locke]

Wow. Lowes saved just shy of a Billion dollars just on the strength of the US currency. Thats a hard deal to turn down.

Harder than inexpensive cocaine even.

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by mikephoen

Rona is/was my least favourite of the big three but it still sucks to lose an option. Not that there is much variation between the three anyway. I think Home Depot has the best service of the three, it improved a great deal after Lowes came in.

A bunch of years ago, preLowes arrival, I made the mistake of wearing an orange shirt into Home Depot. I was doing some shopping for light fixtures, and someone asked me a question. I had done a fair bit or research at that point, so I helped them the best I could. When I was done I got another question immediately. And noticed two more people forming a line to get thier questions answered. I realized they thought my orange shirt meant I worked there!

I had to grab my stuff and get out of there before I lost my whole day!

Relevant: http://improveverywhere.com/2006/04/23/best-buy/

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by To Be Quite Honest

Nothing beats the beaver's cravings like good wood. Just look at how that beaver struts!

Wood and Beavers just go together.

[Hack&Lube]

Originally Posted by Flash Walken

Beaver Lumber to complete the circle?

Beaver was bought by Home Hardware and then disappeared.