-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, IAaHxv+rz6+JPGihrYf/pDxqAYSy1zvDQ7SWk5y58eXGnAVLoTdTRDoc7EhLR14w P65AdMzu5inENe/emD42Mw== 0000909518-01-000042.txt : 20010123 0000909518-01-000042.hdr.sgml : 20010123 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000909518-01-000042 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 FILED AS OF DATE: 20010119 GROUP MEMBERS: ALFRED D. KINGSLEY GROUP MEMBERS: GARY K. DUBERSTEIN GROUP MEMBERS: GREENBELT CORP. GROUP MEMBERS: GREENHOUSE PARTNERS, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: GREENHUT OVERSEAS, L.L.C. GROUP MEMBERS: GREENHUT, L.L.C. GROUP MEMBERS: GREENSEA OFFSHORE, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: GREENTREE PARTNERS, L.P. GROUP MEMBERS: GREENWAY PARTNERS L P SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: VENATOR GROUP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000850209 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-VARIETY STORES [5331] IRS NUMBER: 133513936 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NY FISCAL YEAR END: 0127 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-42257 FILM NUMBER: 1511728 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 112 WEST 34TH STREET STREET 2: 233 BROADWAY CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10120 BUSINESS PHONE: 2127204477 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 112 WEST 34TH STREET CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10120 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: WOOLWORTH CORPORATION DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19920703 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: GREENWAY PARTNERS L P CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000938356 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: [] FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D/A BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 277 PARK AVE 27TH FL CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10017 BUSINESS PHONE: 2123505100 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 277 PARK AVENUE CITY: NEW YORK STATE: NY ZIP: 10017 SC 13D/A 1 0001.txt ================================================================================ SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 SCHEDULE 13D Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. 11) ----------- VENATOR GROUP, INC. (formerly named Woolworth Corporation) (Name of Issuer) Common Stock, $.01 par value per share 980883 10 2 (Title of class of securities) (CUSIP number) Gary K. Duberstein, Esq. Greenway Partners, L.P. 277 Park Avenue, 27th Floor New York, New York 10172 (212) 350-5100 (Name, address and telephone number of person authorized to receive notices and communications) January 19, 2001 (Date of event which requires filing of this statement) If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this schedule because of ss.ss. 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the following box [_]. Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See ss. 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent. (Continued on following pages) (Page 1 of 15 pages) ================================================================================ NY2:\1004252\04\L$VW04!.DOC\56392.0003 - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 2 of 15 Pages - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GREENWAY PARTNERS, L.P. S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. 13-3714238 OF ABOVE PERSON - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x] (b) [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 3 SEC USE ONLY - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: WC, OO - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Delaware - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 2,350,000 SHARES ------- -------------------------------------------------- BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 0 OWNED BY ------- -------------------------------------------------- EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 2,350,000 REPORTING ------- -------------------------------------------------- PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING PERSON: 2,350,000 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES: [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 1.7% - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: PN - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 3 of 15 Pages - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GREENTREE PARTNERS, L.P. S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. 13-3752875 OF ABOVE PERSON - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x] (b) [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 3 SEC USE ONLY - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: WC, OO - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Delaware - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 1,500,900 SHARES ------- -------------------------------------------------- BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 0 OWNED BY ------- -------------------------------------------------- EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 1,500,900 REPORTING ------- -------------------------------------------------- PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING PERSON: 1,500,900 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES: [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 1.1% - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: PN - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 4 of 15 Pages - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GREENHOUSE PARTNERS, L.P. S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. 13-3793447 OF ABOVE PERSON - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x] (b) [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 3 SEC USE ONLY - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: WC, AF, OO - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Delaware - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 0 SHARES ------- -------------------------------------------------- BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 2,350,000 OWNED BY ------- -------------------------------------------------- EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0 REPORTING ------- -------------------------------------------------- PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 2,350,000 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING PERSON: 2,350,000 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES: [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 1.7% - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: PN - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 5 of 15 Pages - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GREENHUT, L.L.C. S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. 13-3793450 OF ABOVE PERSON - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x] (b) [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 3 SEC USE ONLY - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: WC, AF, OO - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Delaware - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 0 SHARES ------- -------------------------------------------------- BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 1,500,900 OWNED BY ------- -------------------------------------------------- EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0 REPORTING ------- -------------------------------------------------- PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 1,500,900 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING PERSON: 1,500,900 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES: [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 1.1% - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: OO - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 6 of 15 Pages - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GREENBELT CORP. S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. 13-3791931 OF ABOVE PERSON - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x] (b) [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 3 SEC USE ONLY - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: OO - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Delaware - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 11,201,322 SHARES ------- -------------------------------------------------- BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 0 OWNED BY ------- -------------------------------------------------- EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 11,201,322 REPORTING ------- -------------------------------------------------- PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING PERSON: 11,201,322 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES: [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 8.1% - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: CO - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 7 of 15 Pages - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GREENSEA OFFSHORE, L.P. S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x] (b) [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 3 SEC USE ONLY - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: WC, OO - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Cayman Islands - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 2,250,000 SHARES ------- -------------------------------------------------- BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 0 OWNED BY ------- -------------------------------------------------- EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 2,250,000 REPORTING ------- -------------------------------------------------- PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING PERSON: 2,250,000 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES: [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 1.6% - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: PN - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 8 of 15 Pages - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GREENHUT OVERSEAS, L.L.C. S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. 13-3868906 OF ABOVE PERSON - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x] (b) [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 3 SEC USE ONLY - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: WC, AF, OO - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Delaware - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 0 SHARES ------- -------------------------------------------------- BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 2,250,000 OWNED BY ------- -------------------------------------------------- EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0 REPORTING ------- -------------------------------------------------- PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 2,250,000 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING PERSON: 2,250,000 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES: [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 1.6% - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: OO - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 9 of 15 Pages - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON ALFRED D. KINGSLEY S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x] (b) [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 3 SEC USE ONLY - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: PF, AF, OO - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: United States - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 832,300 SHARES ------- -------------------------------------------------- BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 17,302,222 OWNED BY ------- -------------------------------------------------- EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 832,300 REPORTING ------- -------------------------------------------------- PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 17,302,222 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING PERSON: 18,134,522 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES: [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 13.1% - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: IN - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 10 of 15 Pages - ----------------------------------- ---------------------------------- - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GARY K. DUBERSTEIN S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. OF ABOVE PERSON - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x] (b) [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 3 SEC USE ONLY - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: PF, AF, OO - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Delaware - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 0 SHARES ------- -------------------------------------------------- BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 17,302,222 OWNED BY ------- -------------------------------------------------- EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0 REPORTING ------- -------------------------------------------------- PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 17,302,222 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING PERSON: 17,302,222 - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES: [_] - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 12.5% - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- 14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: IN - ------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------- This Amendment No. 11 ("Amendment No. 11") amends the Statement on Schedule 13D (the "Schedule 13D") filed on May 18, 1998, as amended by Amendment No. 1 filed on June 5, 1998, Amendment No. 2 filed on July 7, 1998, Amendment No. 3 filed on August 23, 1998, Amendment No. 4 filed on October 2, 1998, Amendment No. 5 filed on December 1, 1998, Amendment No. 6 filed on January 6, 1999, Amendment No. 7 filed on January 29, 1999, Amendment No. 8 filed on March 12, 1999, Amendment No. 9 filed on March 25, 1999 and Amendment No. 10 filed on March 13, 2000 and is filed by and on behalf of Greenway Partners, L.P. ("Greenway"), Greentree Partners, L.P. ("Greentree"), Greenhouse Partners, L.P. ("Greenhouse"), Greenhut, L.L.C. ("Greenhut"), Greenbelt Corp. ("Greenbelt"), Greensea Offshore, L.P. ("Greensea"), Greenhut Overseas, L.L.C. ("Greenhut Overseas"), Alfred D. Kingsley ("Kingsley") and Gary K. Duberstein ("Duberstein"; the foregoing persons being referred to collectively as the "Reporting Persons"). Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Schedule 13D. Except as indicated above, the information set forth in Item 2 of the Schedule 13D remains unchanged. ITEM 4. PURPOSE OF THE TRANSACTION On January 19, 2001, Greenway delivered a letter to the Issuer addressed to Dale N. Hilpert, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (the "January 19 Letter"). The January 19 Letter sets forth, among other things, recommendations regarding the Issuer's business strategy. A copy of the January 19 Letter is filed as Exhibit 20 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference. Except as indicated above, the information set forth in Item 4 of the Schedule 13D remains unchanged. ITEM 5. INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER (a) As of the date of this Statement, the Reporting Persons beneficially owned in the aggregate 18,134,522 Shares constituting 13.1% of the outstanding Shares (the percentage of Shares owned being based upon 138,028,871 Shares outstanding on December 1, 2000, as set forth in the Issuer's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 28, 2000). The Reporting Persons may be deemed to have direct beneficial ownership of Shares as follows: Approximate Number of Percentage of Name Shares Outstanding Shares ---- --------- ------------------ Greenway 2,350,000 1.7% Greentree 1,500,900 1.1% Greenbelt 11,201,322 8.1% Greensea 2,250,000 1.6% Kingsley 832,300 0.6% Greenhouse, as the general partner of Greenway, may be deemed to own beneficially (as that term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) Shares of which Greenway may be deemed to possess direct beneficial ownership. Each of Kingsley and Duberstein, as general partners of Greenhouse, may be deemed to beneficially own Shares which 11 Greenhouse may be deemed to beneficially own. Each of Kingsley and Duberstein disclaims beneficial ownership of such Shares for all other purposes. Greenhut, as the general partner of Greentree, may be deemed to own beneficially (as that term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) Shares of which Greentree may be deemed to possess direct beneficial ownership. Each of Kingsley and Duberstein, as members of Greenhut, may be deemed to beneficially own Shares which Greenhut may be deemed to beneficially own. Each of Kingsley and Duberstein disclaims beneficial ownership of such Shares for all other purposes. Greenhut Overseas, as the investment general partner of Greensea, may be deemed to own beneficially (as that term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) Shares of which Greensea may be deemed to possess direct beneficial ownership. Each of Kingsley and Duberstein, as members of Greenhut Overseas, may be deemed to beneficially own Shares which Greenhut Overseas may be deemed to beneficially own. Each of Kingsley and Duberstein disclaims beneficial ownership of such Shares for all other purposes. Greenbelt has direct beneficial ownership of the Shares in the accounts that it manages. Each of Kingsley and Duberstein, as executive officers and directors of Greenbelt, may be deemed to beneficially own Shares that Greenbelt beneficially owns. Each of Kingsley and Duberstein hereby disclaims beneficial ownership of such Shares for all other purposes. (b) Greenway has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 2,350,000 Shares and the sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of such Shares. Greenhouse and Kingsley and Duberstein may be deemed to share with Greenway the power to vote or to direct the vote and to dispose or to direct the disposition of such Shares. Greentree has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 1,500,900 Shares and the sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of such Shares. Greenhut, Kingsley and Duberstein may be deemed to share with Greentree the power to vote or to direct the vote and to dispose or to direct the disposition of such Shares. Greensea has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 2,250,000 Shares and the sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of such Shares. Greenhut Overseas, Kingsley and Duberstein may be deemed to share with Greensea the power to vote or to direct the vote and to dispose or to direct the disposition of such Shares. Greenbelt has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 11,201,322 Shares and the sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of such Shares. Kingsley and Duberstein may be deemed to share with Greenbelt the power to vote or to direct the vote and to dispose or to direct the disposition of such Shares. Kingsley has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 832,300 Shares and the sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of such Shares. (c) Information concerning transactions in the Shares by the Reporting Persons during the last sixty days is set forth in Exhibit 21, attached hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference. 12 (d) No other person is known to have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, the Shares, except the dividends from, or proceeds from the sale of Shares in each respective account managed by Greenbelt will be delivered into each such respective account, as the case may be. No such individual account has an interest in more than five percent of the class of outstanding Shares. (e) Not applicable. ITEM 7. MATERIAL TO BE FILED AS EXHIBITS The following Exhibits are filed herewith: 20. January 19 Letter from Greenway to Dale N. Hilpert, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Issuer. 21. Information concerning transactions in the Shares effected by the Reporting Persons during the past sixty days. [The remainder of this page intentionally left blank.] 13 SIGNATURES After reasonable inquiry and to the best of their knowledge and belief, the undersigned certify that the information contained in this Statement is true, complete and correct. Dated: January 19, 2001 GREENHOUSE PARTNERS, L.P. GREENTREE PARTNERS, L.P. By: /s/ Gary K. Duberstein By: Greenhut, L.L.C. ----------------------------- General Partner Gary K. Duberstein General Partner By: /s/ Gary K. Duberstein ------------------------- Gary K. Duberstein Member GREENHUT, L.L.C. GREENSEA OFFSHORE, L.P. By: /s/ Gary K. Duberstein By: Greenhut Overseas, L.L.C. ----------------------------- Investment General Partner Gary K. Duberstein Member By: /s/ Gary K. Duberstein ------------------------- Gary K. Duberstein Member GREENHUT OVERSEAS, L.L.C. GREENBELT CORP. By: /s/ Gary K. Duberstein By: /s/ Alfred D. Kingsley ----------------------------- ----------------------------- Gary K. Duberstein Alfred D. Kingsley Member President GREENWAY PARTNERS, L.P. By: Greenhouse Partners, L.P. /s/ Alfred D. Kingsley General Partner --------------------------------- ALFRED D. KINGSLEY By: /s/ Gary K. Duberstein ------------------------- Gary K. Duberstein /s/ Gary K. Duberstein General Partner --------------------------------- GARY K. DUBERSTEIN 14 EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION - ----------- ----------- 20. January 19 Letter from Greenway to Dale N. Hilpert, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Issuer. 21. Information concerning transactions in the Shares effected by the Reporting Persons during the past sixty days. 15 EX-99 2 0002.txt 20 Exhibit 20 [LETTERHEAD OF GREENWAY PARTNERS, L.P.] January 19, 2001 Mr. Dale W. Hilpert Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Venator Group, Inc. 112 West 34th Street New York, NY 10120 Dear Dale: As long term investors in Venator Group, Inc. with over 18 million shares, we look back on the year 2000 with some satisfaction. By the beginning of 2000, with the majority of its peripheral businesses sold or held for sale, the Company truly focused on its core competence as the leading US seller of athletic footwear and apparel. And, we believe such focus has paid off handsomely. Although we are all waiting for final numbers as time winds down to your January 31 fiscal year end, all available information points to an extremely strong year for the Athletic Group. With athletic shoes back in fashion, the Athletic Group posted double digit comparable store sales numbers for the first three quarters of fiscal year 2000. Foot Locker is clearly the dominant seller of athletic footwear in the United States, selling we believe over one-third of the marque priced goods and using its purchasing power to lock-up substantial quantities of high margin exclusive product. Adding to the excitement has been the tremendous strides made by Foot Locker in Europe, where the Company has directed a majority of its capital expenditures and has been rewarded by comparable store sales reports of over 40% in certain quarters. While Foot Locker may have enough stores in the United States (and may continue to close marginal performers), it appears that opportunities for profitable growth abound in barely tapped overseas markets and through a solid Internet strategy integrated with stores and catalogues. Similarly, we believe that the Athletic Group's Champs Sports operation with a revitalized merchandise strategy has enjoyed a turnaround during 2000. All this has led to improved financial strength for the Company. You have announced that the Company expects at year end to have no short-term debt and a $100 million decrease in long-term debt since the prior year end. The stock price has also responded positively during 2000, more than doubling from $7 to $15 1/2 per share at year end. Mr. Dale W. Hilpert January 19, 2001 Page 2 As we look to 2001, we have the following suggestions for your consideration: 1. INSTITUTE A CASH DIVIDEND AND BUY BACK SHARES. The Company's health has improved markedly since it entered into the March 1999 credit agreement amendments that restricted the payment of dividends and the buy back of shares. In light of your statements about the Company's superlative debt reduction achievements, it seems to us the banks should be amenable to allowing the payment of a dividend and the buy back of shares by the Company. We believe that the market will take such initiatives as a vote of confidence by the Company in itself. The reinstatement of a dividend will return the Company to a proud dividend paying tradition that lasted for 83 years from 1912 to 1995, and will no doubt be warmly embraced by your many retirees who devoted their working lives to the Company and still own the stock. Also, as you know, many institutions are precluded from owning stocks which do not pay dividends. So the institution of a small cash dividend-- say five cents per quarter--will increase the universe of potential buyers of the stock. 2. DEAL DECISIVELY WITH THE NORTHERN GROUP. From an operations perspective, management is left only with the Northern group--representing less than 10% of sales--as a disappointing performer. Management has made clear that its goal, at least over the past year, has been to improve results at this last major non-athletic group holding in preparation for a sale. Possibly the time has come to accelerate the timetable for the sale of this women's sportswear operation or, at the very least, to classify it as an asset held for sale. 3. DARE WE ASK AGAIN: "WHAT'S IN A NAME?" Several years have passed since the Company discarded one of the best known names in the world for one still apt to be mispronounced. With the Company now rightly focused on its Athletic Group, why not rename the entire company after the well known flagship stores that now power its progress? LET THE FOOT LOCKER NAME IDENTIFY THE COMPANY ON WALL STREET AS WELL AS ON MAIN STREET. With best regards and hopes for continued success in 2001, Very truly yours, /s/ Alfred D. Kingsley Alfred D. Kingsley /s/ Gary K. Duberstein Gary K. Duberstein 2 EX-99 3 0003.txt 21 Exhibit 21 TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES OF THE ISSUER The Reporting Persons engaged in the following transactions in Shares of the Issuer during the past 60 days. All such transactions involved sales of Shares and were effected on The New York Stock Exchange.
Reporting Person With Direct Price per Share (Excluding Beneficial Ownership Date of Transaction Number of Shares Commissions) - -------------------------------- --------------------- ------------------ ---------------------------- Greenbelt 11/20/00 (50,000) $13.8155 Greenbelt 11/21/00 (50,000) $13.9000 Greenbelt 12/05/00 (25,000) $14.3750 Greenbelt 12/11/00 (25,000) $14.5000 Greenbelt 12/22/00 (50,000) $14.5066
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