LEADING ISLAND BUILDING SUPPLIES DEALER JOINS THE BMR GROUP

Powerful Buying Group to Strengthen Island-Owned, Independent Company

CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI (MARCH, 2006) – Sherwood Building Supplies, one of the Island’s leading building supplies companies, announced today their partnership with The BMR Group. Previously operated under the Sherwood Do-It Centre and Timbr-Mart banners, Sherwood Building Supplies will now be known as Sherwood BMR. The company will continue operations under existing management and one of the industry’s most experienced and knowledgeable groups of staff. The move will allow the Island-owned company to strengthen their independence by benefiting from BMR’s stronger buying power and wider product selection.

 Gary MacLeod, Co-Owner of Sherwood BMR is confident the move will help them carry out their mission better than ever. “We have always been a locally-owned company, focused on delivering great customer service, says MacLeod. “Our commitment to our community and its people means that we must keep our independence while aligning with a buying group strong enough to compete against the big box stores. That’s why this move is perfect for us.

 The BMR Group is a buying group made up of more than 150 independent operators and growing. Primarily located throughout Quebec, Ontario, and increasingly, the Maritimes, the BMR group employs more than 4,000 staff and generates more than $1 billion in annual retail sales. BMR President Yves Gagnon is equally pleased with the partnership. “We have become a strong buying group because our members are entrepreneurial, proven industry experts that have built deep roots in their communities – that’s why Sherwood BMR is a perfect fit for us and why they are one of the first Maritime operators we brought on board, says Gagnon. “We have a long-term commitment to growing within the Atlantic region and connecting Atlantic independent operators to a buying group that offers the best of both worlds: formidable buying power combined with a strong network of independent owner-operators across Canada.

 Tom King, Manager of Sherwood BMR is very excited about the opening of BMR’s new 256,000 square-foot distribution centre. King says, “This increased capacity will meet all of our hardware and building material needs. More in-stock items at the distribution center will mean better selection, price and availability for our customers.

 “In addition to benefiting from stronger buying power and a wider product selection, Sherwood BMR is going to carry more upscale, high-quality products and a greater choice of building and renovating materials, including an inspiration center with decorating products for that final decorating touch. adds Interior Designer Ellen Cook. Along with their renewed focus on retail, George Young, in Contractor Sales, is quick to point out that the contractors are a very important part of our business. “In today’s competitive environment, we know we need to provide contractors with the best service, competitive pricing, and a wider selection of products. We’re always on the lookout to pass on great deals to our contractors and BMR puts us in a better position than we’ve ever been.

For Sales Manager Danny Neuffer, the BMR partnership changes everything and nothing at the same time. “While we have changed over the years from the Do-It Centre to Timbr-Mart and now to BMR, our location, our people and our commitment to our customers have stayed the same, says Neuffer. “We still have the same terrific group of people who have built lasting relationships with our customers over the years. We continue to put the customer first in everything we do, and now BMR is going to enable us to continue doing what we do best by allowing us to offer our customers great value and great quality in a great atmosphere.