The Home Depot has reached an agreement for its specialty trade distribution subsidiary, SRS Distribution, to acquire Gypsum Management & Supply Inc. Under the terms of the merger agreement, a subsidiary of SRS will commence a cash tender offer to purchase all outstanding shares of GMS common stock for US$110 per share, reflecting a total equity value of approximately $4.3 billion.

Cloverdale Paint and subsidiary Rodda Miller Paint have rolled out an interior paint program at select Costco warehouse locations. Rodda Miller, Cloverdale, and Costco have collaborated to introduce the paint line featuring a designer white pre-mixed colour in two-gallon containers. The test warehouses are located in all provinces except P.E.I.

Just in time for peak siding season, AMI (Associated Materials Innovations) is launching a full suite of colour-matched accessories for its Ascend Composite Cladding System. This full suite of J-Channels, trims, and corner posts is designed to simplify installations, the company says, and elevate curb appeal.

Home Hardware Stores Ltd. is launching The Search for Canada’s Ultimate Road Trippers, which it describes as “a national casting call aimed at finding a dynamic Canadian duo ready to embark on a cross-country road trip to discover Canada’s hidden gems, hometown heroes, and the locally owned Home stores that helped build it all.” Applications will be accepted until Sept. 30.

At a time when economic conditions are putting pressure on Canadian companies, RONA inc. has announced it is launching an initiative to support local businesses that are part of the home improvement industry. Since June 23, the retailer has given away 85 percent of its ad space to nine local trades businesses in Ontario.

The initiative will run until July 20. The selected businesses, which are based in three markets (the Greater Toronto Area, Southwestern Ontario and Durham region), will all see an ad featuring their name and logo.

Last week, the industry was greeted by the news that QXO, a roofing products distributor, was offering to take over GMS Inc. of Tucker, Georgia, one of the largest GSD operators in the world. But QXO’s reported offer expired on Tuesday, and at press time it had not been extended. QXO seems to have no stomach for a bidding war with a company the size of Home Depot, which has also been reported to have entered the bidding.

Alexandria Moulding has announced the appointment of Roger Evans as director of sales – doors. He brings to the role more than 25 years of experience in sales and business development within the building materials industry, including as VP for Canada and director of wholesale at Masonite International.

At the same time, Darryl Burt has been named director of operations – doors, with a focus on supporting the launch and expansion of Alexandria Moulding’s door operations in the Canadian market. He boasts more than 35 years of experience in the door industry and was most recently VP of operations at Masonite.

Throwback Thursday is a regular weekly feature in which we dip into the archives of the Hardlines Weekly Report.

Ten years ago, in June 2015, we reported on an acquisition that Home Depot had made in Atlanta. The world’s largest home improvement retailer had just bought Interline Brands, a Florida-based company that distributed products to the maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) market. Under the terms of the deal, Home Depot acquired Interline for US$1.625 billion in cash. Bill Lennie, president of Home Depot’s Canadian division at the time, was made EVP of the new acquisition.

Castle Building Centres Group has announced a new member location in Orillia, Ont. Local entrepreneurs Brent and Sarah Johnston saw an opportunity when a long-time building centre closed its doors and together they have launched Johnston Farm & Building Centre.

Meanwhile, Targetts Window & Doors in Fredericton has added an additional location at the former TopMar Building Supplies in Nackawic, N.B. Owners Nick Thebeau and Jody Hanson are being joined by a third partner, Zac Corey, who will also take on the role of COO.