The owner of La Broquerie Lumber Rona says he was sipping his coffee Wednesday morning when he learned the news that Rona had been sold.

Farrell Rempel says hearing that Quebec-based Rona had been purchased by U-S-based Lowe's was more of a wakeup call than any cup of java could provide.

Rempel admits at first he was a little leery, only because he is just over two months away from moving into a brand new, 15,000 square foot building along Highway 52, west of La Broquerie Hotel.

"We're just dumping in a couple of million dollars on building a whole new store and then you kind of find out your 'Dad' is not going to be there to support you," says Rempel.

But Rempel says after learning more and speaking with head Rona reps, he quickly realized this will benefit everyone involved.

"I'm excited," he says. "It's great."

And Rempel says Lowe's has been adamant it wants to keep the independents, such as the business in La Broquerie.

"They realize the value of how much the independents make them, what they do for them and that part is good to hear for us," says Rempel. "It's a big bonus."

Rempel says it will be business as usual, noting it could take up to six months before it is determined whether they will fly a Lowe's or Rona banner.

Tyler Dueck, owner or Rona Rosenort says they too have been contacted and assured that everything will remain the same as far as day to day business operations. He adds they have been told there will not be a banner change and that they will continue to run all purchases through the Canadian distribution centres.

According to Rempel, the acquisition probably won't have much impact on product prices. Though he says there could be more variety with Lowe's bringing in more product from down south.

This wasn't the first attempt by Lowe's to purchase Rona. Rempel says a deal died about three years ago after Lowe's got very aggressive and Rona Executive felt it wasn't that advantageous for their independents. He notes since that time, Rona has done some restructuring and really turned things around.

Meanwhile, Rempel says this is entirely different than when Target made an attempt several years ago to take its business into Canada. He says Target had nothing when it came here, and either took over vacant buildings or built new ones. Whereas Lowe's will be relying on the independents and can use staff already trained and working for Rona.