Rona consolidates trade business

The Canadian Rona DIY group has acquired Noble Trade, one of the largest plumbing and heating supply wholesalers in Ontario. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter. Noble Trade, which serves an exclusively commercial and professional customer base, was created in 1998 by the merger of Trade Plumbing Supplies and Noble Plumbing Supplies. Last year the company recorded sales of about Can $ 150 mio, and has posted annual sales increases of 27 per cent since its founding. Noble Trade employs a workforce of 300 in 19 branches and one distribution centre in Ontario.