RONA Announces Appointment of Robert Sawyer as President and Chief Executive Officer

BOUCHERVILLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - March 19, 2013) - The Board of Directors of RONA inc. (TSX:RON)(TSX:RON.PR.A), the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products in Canada, today announced the appointment of Robert Sawyer as President and CEO of RONA, effective in April 2013.

Robert Sawyer has more than 30 years of experience in a major Canadian food company and specializes in retail operations and distribution to dealers operating under different banners. Under his prior employer he held various executive positions and helped improve the profitability in several different areas. Before joining RONA, Mr. Sawyer was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

Dominique Boies, acting CEO, remains RONA's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He will assist Robert Sawyer and play an important role on the Corporation's Management Committee.

"On behalf of the Board, I would first like to thank Dominique for the excellent work he has accomplished since he took on the role of acting CEO," said Robert Chevrier, Executive Chairman of the Board of RONA.

Mr. Chevrier added: "It became increasingly clear to us that to ensure a successful transformation, we needed to hire a specialist in retail and distribution operations. So I am very pleased to announce today the appointment of Robert Sawyer. He will play a key role in simplifying and optimizing the RONA business model, particularly with respect to merchandising, pricing strategy, supply chain, service to consumers and service to RONA dealers. Robert has the operational and turnaround expertise needed to put RONA back on the path to profitable growth and increase value for all of our stakeholders."

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 March 19, 2013, 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 over 800 corporate, franchise and affiliate retail stores of various sizes and formats under different banners, and a network of 14 hardware and construction materials distribution centres. 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. With close to 28,000 employees, the RONA store network generates consolidated sales of $4.9 billion. For more information, visit www.rona.ca.