Hardware Stores

Atlanta -- The Home Depot said Tuesday it will acquire kitchen and bath vendor U.S. Home Systems in a deal worth about $93 million.

U.S. Home Systems manufactures and installs remodeling and organization products, as well as cabinet-refacing and countertop products, exclusively through Home Depot. The acquisition is part of Home Depot’s strategy to increase its home service business.

The deal is expected to close by the end 2012.

Lowe’s made an offer, but Rona refused.

The two North American home improvement giants will continue to operate as competitors in Canada, where Lowe’s has been growing organically for the past several years amid rumors that just such an acquisition play was in the cards.

Mooresville, N.C. -- Lowe’s Cos. on Tuesday confirmed a July 8 proposal to acquire Canadian home-improvement and hardware retailer Rona, but said the Quebec-based chain rejected the $1.9 billion offer.

According to the 800-store Rona, the sale to Lowe’s would not be in its best interests.

"Rona's strategic focus remains to execute on its business plan with a view to capturing the significant opportunities that it sees for the business," Rona said in a statement.

Epicor Software Corporation and True Value Co., announced the continuation of an agreement naming Epicor as True Value's recommended Epicor(R) Eagle(R) point-of-sale (POS) solution provider.

This 3-year agreement provides more of True Value's retailers the opportunity to benefit from Epicor solutions, according to the companies.

Oakbrook, Ill. -- Ace Hardware has launched an “Express” format for both current Ace retailers and other business owners seeking to integrate the Ace brand into their existing offerings. The new, more compact stores average 5,000-sq.-ft. or less, and include customized merchandising displays and stock more than 11,000 of the most popular and profitable hardware products.

Dallas -- X Team International said that Dallas-Fort Worth-based partner Venture Commercial has completed leases for Northern Tool + Equipment locations in Nebraska, Texas and Georgia. Houston-based X Team partner Baker Katz assisted with the Texas lease.

Northern Tool + Equipment has filled a 15,142-sq.-ft. box in Omaha, Neb., located in 72 Pacific Plaza; a 15,142-sq.-ft. box in Conroe, Texas, located in the Pine Hollow Shopping Center; and a 15,585-sq.-ft. box in Buford, Ga., located in Lee’s Crossing Center.
 

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe’s has donated $250,000 to the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts associated with the wildfires in Colorado and the flooding in Florida.

In addition to the $250,000 donation, Lowe’s is also launching a social media support program to aid disaster victims. For every Facebook Like and Twitter Retweet received on the Lowe’s disaster-specific posts, Lowe's will donate a pair of work gloves, up to a total value of $50,000, to the American Red Cross to distribute to residents and emergency officials.

MOORESVILLE, N.C — Through its charitable and educational foundation, Lowe's has awarded more than $2.3 million in Spring 2012 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grants to 543 schools in 47 states throughout the nation. The grants were given to schools and parent organizations for parent-initiated school-improvement projects benefiting K-12 public education.

The projects funded during the spring grant period include technology and safety improvements, library renovations, walking trails, greenhouses, outdoor learning environments and more.