MOORESVILLE, N.C. — The Lowe’s home improvement chain is retreating from its controversial plan to buy Rona Inc.

The withdrawal comes after Rona, the Quebec government and others objected to a sale of Canada’s largest home improvement chain.

Lowe’s says it has been unable to come up with a friendly deal but remains committed to the Canadian market through its own stores.

The North Carolina-based company had informally offered C$14.50 per share in cash.