The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that Rona lost money in this year's first quarter, but overall revenue increased despite weak sales in the Prairies. A Canadian Press dispatch to The Globe says that the Quebec-based home improvement retailer is slated to become a subsidiary of Lowe's following a friendly $3.2-billion takeover deal announced in February. Rona posted a $16.5-million loss or 15 cents a share for the quarter ended March 27. The quarter's loss included $3.5-million or three cents a share of restructuring costs and $4.1-million or four cents a share of acquisition costs. Revenue was $819.2-million, up from $778.8-million a year earlier. Same-store sales grew 3.1 per cent with strong performance in Ontario, British Columbia and the Reno-Depot banner in Quebec. After excluding restructuring and other items, Rona's adjusted loss was $9-million or eight cents a share. Rona closed Tuesday at $23.82, down a cent on the Toronto Stock Exchange.