RONA, a distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products based in Boucherville, Quebec, has acquired the operating assets of Ottawa, Ontario-based Best-MAR Plumbing and Heating Supplies. This transaction further strengthens RONA’s position in the fast-growing institutional, commercial and industrial market and follows the 2007 Noble Trade acquisition. The three Best-MAR locations - in Ottawa, Cornwall and Brockville, Ontario - will be integrated into Noble Trade’s existing network of 19 branches. The transaction is excepted to close in the first quarter of 2008.

“We believe RONA, through its Noble Trade’s network, has all the qualities and resources necessary to continue to grow our business,” Alvin Stein, Best-MAR’s owner and president, said in a statement.

RONA operates a network of more than 670 franchised, affiliated and corporate stores of various sizes and formats and has more than 14 million square feet of retail space. The RONA store network generates nearly $5 billion (Canadian) in annual retail sales. RONA's 26,000-plus employees work under its family of banners across Canada.

Best-MAR was founded in July 1994 and has a staff of 45 people. Best-MAR generates close to $20 million (Canadian) in sales.