RONA Introduces a Microsite to Address the Unsolicited Proposal From Lowe's

BOUCHERVILLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Aug. 2, 2012) - RONA inc. ("RONA") (TSX:RON)(TSX:RON.PR.A), the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, renovation and gardening products, has created a microsite comprised of key information on the unsolicited acquisition proposal for RONA received from U.S.-based Lowe's Companies, Inc. ("Lowe's").

The microsite address is www.rona.ca/corporate/investor-relations.

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 840 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 www.rona.ca.