The strategy: Lowe’s is focused on improving its market positioning once the housing market freezes.

• The latest example: The retailer is paying $1.33 billion to acquire Artisan Design Group from private equity firm Sterling Group. Artisan, which runs 132 distribution, design, and service facilities, specializes in interior surfaces—flooring, cabinets, and countertops—for national, regional, and local homebuilders and property managers.
• The deal aligns with CEO Marvin Ellison’s plan to grow Lowe’s pro business by capitalizing on new home construction. “With more than 18 million homes needed in the United States by 2033, we expect new home construction will be a major driver of Pro planned spend for the next decade,” he said.