RONA Comments on Unusual Trading Activity

BOUCHERVILLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - April 3, 2012) - In light of unusual trading activity and a significant increase in the RONA inc. (TSX:RON)(TSX:RON.PR.A) share price following comments made earlier today by Robert Hull, Chief Financial Officer of Lowe's Companies, Inc., RONA affirms that it is not for sale and that it is not presently of the view that a combination with another corporation would be in the best interests of RONA and its stakeholders. RONA remains focused on the execution of its 2012 Business Plan announced on February 23, 2012 including the launch of a new proven proximity store concept with an average area of 35,000 square feet and its deployment in 20% of the RONA corporate store network.

Forward-looking Statements

This Press Release includes "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Press Release, including statements regarding the prospects of the industry and prospects, plans, financial position and business strategy of the Corporation may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Canadian securities legislation and regulations. Investors and others are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that would cause the Corporation's actual results to differ from current expectations, please also refer to the Corporation's public filings available at www.sedar.com and www.rona.ca. In particular, further details and descriptions of these and other factors are disclosed in the MD&A under the "Risks and uncertainties" section and in the "Risk factors" section of the Corporation's current Annual Information Form. The forward-looking statements in this Press Release reflect the Corporation's expectations as at April 3, 2012, and are subject to change after this date. The Corporation expressly disclaims any obligation or intention to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by the applicable securities laws.

About RONA

RONA is the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products. The Corporation operates a network of close to 800 corporate, franchise and affiliate stores of various sizes and formats under several banners, and a network of 14 hardware and construction materials distribution centres which are flexible and perfectly adapted to the diverse needs of its clientele. RONA is also a leader in the specialized plumbing and HVAC market, primarily serving commercial and professional customers with a network of close to 60 sales outlets and four distribution centres across the country.

In total, RONA supplies nearly 1,500 sales outlets, of which some 860 are under one of its banners, as well as close to 600 clients, independent dealers, in its distribution network. With close to 30,000 employees working under its family of banners in every region of Canada, the RONA store network generates consolidated sales of $4.8 billion and over $6 billion taking into account the total impact of the retail sales of franchise dealers, affiliates and other independent dealers who buy their supplies at RONA. For more information, please visit rona.ca.