Ace and RONA strike a deal in Canada

Ace Hardware has struck a deal with RONA, a Canadian retailer and distributor of hardware, building materials and home renovation products, to forge a long-term agreement for master licensing of the Ace brand in Canada.

Under the terms of the new deal, RONA will enjoy certain rights to various Ace Hardware brands, retail operating systems and Web portals, as well as various distribution rights via Ace (including through its China direct programs). The move will help RONA in its effort to expand its network of affiliated dealer stores in Canada while supporting the growth of Ace in Canada.

“The Ace Hardware brand is well recognized in the U.S., Canada and internationally," said RONA president and CEO Robert Sawyer. "This agreement will enable us to improve our offering to small dealers across the country, to leverage our existing distribution infrastructure and to strengthen our portfolio of banners. Canadian customers will also benefit from this new relationship as RONA will put important efforts in collaboration with Ace Hardware International in the development of the brand, which will perfectly complement RONA’s existing brands, especially in some areas of the country where RONA has a limited presence."

"Ace has been thoroughly impressed with RONA’s commitment to the independent Canadian retailer, their rigor in crafting an efficient country-wide supply chain and their intimate knowledge of and experience in Canada,” said John Venhuizen, president and CEO, Ace Hardware. “I believe Ace's combination of strengths with RONA will be an exceedingly compelling proposition for both independent hardware and lumber dealers and the Canadian consumer for a very long time to come.”