Why Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Buying Rona Inc. Is Good Business

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) has agreed to purchase Rona Inc. (TSX:RON). Here’s what can be expected from the deal, and why it is good for business.

| More on:

Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW), showed the market last week that persistence has a way of paying off, and when it comes to making an acquisition, it is all about timing.

The home improvement giant approached Rona Inc. (TSX:RON) with a $3.2 billion offer that was approved. The deal, which is the second attempt by Lowe’s to acquire Rona in recent years, represents in price nearly double of what Rona’s stock was worth last week when the deal was announced.

Lowe’s tried purchasing Rona back in 2012 and was unsuccessful. Back then the Canadian dollar was trading nearly at par with the U.S. dollar and was worth approximately $1.76 billion, or a 37% premium over what Rona’s stock was trading at the time.

Nonetheless, that offer was rejected, both from within Rona’s management, which cited that a sale wasn’t in the best interest of the company, and from the Quebec government, which at the time labeled Rona as a strategic asset and that ownership should remain in Canada.

Let’s take a look at what this acquisition means for Lowe’s and the company’s operations in Canada.

A larger geographic footprint

Lowe’s has experienced slow, steady growth in Canada since crossing into the market in 2007. The company currently has a total of only 42 stores, mostly in Ontario. Lowe’s has taken a very conservative and cautious approach to expansion in the Canadian market, and with good reason as the examples of both Sears Canada and Target Canada can allude to.

Lowe’s currently has no store locations in Quebec. Rona on the other hand, has a majority of the 236 corporate and 260 dealer-owned stores operating in Quebec.

Apart from Lowe’s own footprint in the country, the completion of this deal will mean that Lowe’s will unseat Home Depot as the largest home improvement store chain in the country.

Increased revenue is possible

Lowe’s stated that the company had identified several ways in which it could increase profitability in Canada, citing a $1 billion increase in revenue that could be realized through the addition of new products that are noticeably absent in Rona stores (such as appliances) and through implementing savings by sharing suppliers.

Rona is different from other home improvement stores in that it offers store sizes and configurations that are vastly different from one another, serving the needs of that particular local market. This is one aspect of the company that has proved successful for Rona, as a greater penetration into smaller markets was possible where the bigger store formats that Lowe’s is accustomed to would not be feasible. It will be interesting to see how or if Lowe’s decides to change this model.

The deal, which still has to pass through the competition bureau, is expected to close in the second half of the year. Lowe’s expects the revenue from the Canadian stores to represent nearly 7% of total annual revenue.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Demetris Afxentiou has no position in any stocks mentioned. David Gardner owns shares of Lowe's.

More on Investing

woman retiree on computer
Dividend Stocks

Should You Buy Telus Stock at $20?

Down 40% from all-time highs, Telus is a beaten-down TSX dividend stock that trades at a discount to consensus price…

Read more »

top TSX stocks to buy
Dividend Stocks

Here’s Exactly How $15,000 in a TFSA Could Grow Into $200,000

Canadians with sizeable TFSA balances today have utilized the full potential of the investment vehicle.

Read more »

clock time
Investing

Building Generational Wealth: Why Now Is Still the Time to Invest in Canadian Stocks

Here's why Canadian stocks should still be the core of your investment portfolio.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

The 1 Canadian Stock I’d Buy and Hold Forever in a TFSA

Don't get complicated. Consider this Canadian stock as a long-time buy.

Read more »

Man data analyze
Dividend Stocks

A Top-Performing U.S. Stock That Canadian Investors Really Should Own

This top US tech stock is something you cannot miss out on, and there’s another from Canada that you need…

Read more »

how to save money
Dividend Stocks

3 Premium TSX Dividend Stocks Worth Loading Up On

These three premium TSX dividend stocks remain among the best bets for long-term investors seeking stable total returns.

Read more »

Hand Protecting Senior Couple
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Dividend Stocks Perfect for Retirees

These three Canadian stocks are ideal for retirees.

Read more »

Retirees sip their morning coffee outside.
Retirement

Here’s Why You Might Want to Claim CPP at 60 

Are you considering claiming CPP at 60 but are worried if the decision is right? Consider these things before deciding…

Read more »