-----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, B2oF6F2HFC/RHEWGlO8JQprqM9sgD9EF9FhPD73gBof37he8GwiN6k8bWoREjzQI Ct7iYY0gUcLk9YY/WcXt1w== 0000921895-08-001530.txt : 20080523 0000921895-08-001530.hdr.sgml : 20080523 20080523144107 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000921895-08-001530 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: SC 13D PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080523 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080523 SUBJECT COMPANY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: COTT CORP /CN/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000884713 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: BOTTLED & CANNED SOFT DRINKS CARBONATED WATERS [2086] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 005-43753 FILM NUMBER: 08857842 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6525 VISCOUNT RD CITY: MISSISSAUGA STATE: A6 ZIP: 00000 BUSINESS PHONE: 9056721900 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 6525 VISCOUNT RD CITY: MISSISSAUGA STATE: A6 ZIP: 00000 FILED BY: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CRESCENDO PARTNERS II LP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001219602 IRS NUMBER: 134132983 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: SC 13D SC 13D 1 sc13d07275002_05132008.htm SCHEDULE 13D sc13d07275002_05132008.htm
 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 13D
(Rule 13d-101)

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN STATEMENTS FILED PURSUANT
TO § 240.13d-1(a) AND AMENDMENTS THERETO FILED PURSUANT TO
§ 240.13d-2(a)

(Amendment No.    )1

Cott Corporation
(Name of Issuer)

Common Shares, no par value
(Title of Class of Securities)

22163N106
(CUSIP Number)

STEVEN WOLOSKY, ESQ.
OLSHAN GRUNDMAN FROME ROSENZWEIG & WOLOSKY LLP
Park Avenue Tower
65 East 55th Street
New York, New York 10022
(212) 451-2300
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)

May 13, 2008
(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 §§ 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 § 240.13d-7 for other parties to whom copies are to be sent.


_______________
1              The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person’s initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter disclosures provided in a prior cover page.

The information required on the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Act”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the Notes).
 


CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
CRESCENDO PARTNERS II, L.P., SERIES I
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
WC
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 SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
5,419,055
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
 5,419,055
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
5,419,0551
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
x
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
7.5%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
PN
 
 

1 See Item 5
2

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
CRESCENDO INVESTMENTS II, LLC
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
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 SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
 5,419,055
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
 5,419,055
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
 5,419,0551
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
x
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
7.5%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
PN
 
 

1 See Item 5
 
3

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
CRESCENDO PARTNERS III, L.P.
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
WC
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 SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
528,545
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
528,545
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
528,5451
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
x
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
LESS THAN 1%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
PN
 
 

1 See Item 5
 
4

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
CRESCENDO INVESTMENTS III, LLC
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
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 SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
528,545
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
528,545
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
528,5451
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
x
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
LESS THAN 1%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
OO
 
 

1 See Item 5
 
5

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
ERIC ROSENFELD
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
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
 
USA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
5,947,600
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
5,947,600
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
5,947,6001
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
x
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
8.3%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN
 
 

1 See Item 5
 
6

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
MARK BENADIBA
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
PF
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
CANADA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
100,000
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
100,000
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
100,0001
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
x
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
LESS THAN 1%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN
 
 

1 See Item 5
 
7

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
MARIO PILOZZI
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
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
 
CANADA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
- 0 -1
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
x
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
0%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN
 
 

1 See Item 5
 
8

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
1
NAME OF REPORTING PERSON
 
CSABA REIDER
2
CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP
  (a) x
  (b) o
3
SEC USE ONLY
 
4
SOURCE OF FUNDS
 
PF
5
CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e)
 
¨
6
CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
 
CANADA
NUMBER OF SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON WITH
7
SOLE VOTING POWER
 
176,966
8
SHARED VOTING POWER
 
- 0 -
9
SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
176,966
10
SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
 
- 0 -
11
AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
 
176,9661
12
CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
 
x
13
PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
 
LESS THAN 1%
14
TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON
 
IN


1 See Item 5
 
9

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
The following constitutes the Schedule 13D filed by the undersigned (the “Schedule 13D”).

Item 1
Security and Issuer.

This statement relates to Common Shares, no par value per share (the “Shares”), of Cott Corporation (the “Issuer”).  The address of the principal executive offices of the Issuer is 6525 Viscount Road, Mississauga, Ontario, L4V1H6, Canada.

Item 2.
Identity and Background.

(a)           This statement is filed by Crescendo Partners II, L.P., Series I, a Delaware limited partnership (“Crescendo Partners II”), Crescendo Investments II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Crescendo Investments II”), Crescendo Partners III, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“Crescendo Partners III”), Crescendo Investments III, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Crescendo Investments III”), Eric Rosenfeld (“Mr. Rosenfeld”), Mark Benadiba (“Mr. Benadiba”), Mario Pilozzi (“Mr. Pilozzi”) and Csaba Reider (“Mr. Reider”).  Each of the foregoing is referred to as a “Reporting Person” and collectively as the “Reporting Persons.”  Crescendo Partners II, Crescendo Investments II, Crescendo Partners III and Crescendo Investments III are referred to collectively herein as “Crescendo Partners.” Each of the Reporting Persons is party to that certain Joint Filing Agreement as further described in Item 6.

Crescendo Investments II is the general partner of Crescendo Partners II.  Crescendo Investments III is the general partner of Crescendo Partners III.  The managing member of each of Crescendo Investments II and Crescendo Investments III is Mr. Rosenfeld. By virtue of his position with Crescendo Investments II and Crescendo Investments III, Mr. Rosenfeld has the sole power to vote and dispose of the Issuer’s Shares owned by Crescendo Partners II and Crescendo Partners III.

(b)           The principal business address of Crescendo Partners II, Crescendo Investments II, Crescendo Partners III, Crescendo Investments III, and Mr. Rosenfeld is 825 Third Avenue, 40th Floor, New York, New York 10022.  The principal business address of Mr. Benadiba is 25 Parkwood Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4V2W9, Canada.  The principal business address of Mr. Pilozzi is 2271 Lyndhurst Drive, Oakville, Ontario, L6H7V5, Canada.  The principal business address of Mr. Reider is 9 Country Estates Drive, Markham, Ontario, L6C1A4, Canada.

(c)           The principal business of Crescendo Partners II is investing in securities. The principal business of Crescendo Investments II is acting as the general partner of Crescendo Partners II.  The principal business of Crescendo Partners III is investing in securities.  The principal business of Crescendo Investments III is acting as the general partner of Crescendo Partners III.  The principal occupation of Mr. Rosenfeld is serving as the managing member of Crescendo Investments II, Crescendo Investments III and as the managing member of the general partner of Crescendo Partners, L.P., whose principal business is investing in securities.  The principal occupation of Mr. Benadiba is serving as an independent investor.  Mr. Pilozzi recently retired.  He most recently served as president and chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Canada.  The principal occupation of Mr. Reider is serving as an investment consultant.
 
 
10

CUSIP NO. 22163N106

 
(d)           No Reporting Person has, during the last five years, been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors).

(e)           No Reporting Person has, during the last five years, been party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and as a result of such proceeding was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws.

(f)   Mr. Rosenfeld is a citizen of the United States of America.  Messrs. Benadiba, Pilozzi and Reider are citizens of Canada.

Item 3.                      Source and Amount of Funds or Other Consideration.

The aggregate purchase price of the 5,947,600 Shares owned in the aggregate by Crescendo Partners II and Crescendo Partners III is approximately $16,900,031, including brokerage commissions.  The Shares owned by Crescendo Partners II and Crescendo Partners III were acquired with partnership funds.

The aggregate purchase price of the 100,000 Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Benadiba is approximately $261,000, excluding brokerage commissions.  The Shares owned directly by Mr. Benadiba were acquired with personal funds.

The aggregate purchase price of the 176,966 Shares beneficially owned by Mr. Reider is approximately $434,500, excluding brokerage commissions.  The Shares owned directly by Mr. Reider were acquired with personal funds.

Item 4.
Purpose of Transaction.

The Reporting Persons purchased the Shares based on the Reporting Persons’ belief that the Shares, when purchased, were very undervalued and represented an attractive investment opportunity. Depending upon overall market conditions, other investment opportunities available to the Reporting Persons, and the availability of Shares at prices that would make the purchase of additional Shares desirable, the Reporting Persons may endeavor to increase their position in the Issuer through, among other things, the purchase of Shares on the open market or in private transactions or otherwise, on such terms and at such times as the Reporting Persons may deem advisable.

Crescendo Partners has engaged in and intends to continue to engage in discussions with management and the Board of Directors of the Issuer concerning the business, operations and future plans of the Issuer, as well as representation on the Board of Directors of the Issuer and potential changes in the composition of the management team and the Board of Directors of the Issuer.  Crescendo Partners has also engaged in and intends to continue to engage in discussions with other shareholders of the Issuer and potentially other third parties to discuss the Issuer, its prospects and any or all of the matters referred to in Item 4, including the composition of the management team and the Board of Directors of the Issuer.  Crescendo Partners has had discussions with certain of the Reporting Persons named herein, including Messrs. Reider, Benadiba and Pilozzi, regarding their willingness and ability to serve as candidates for either election as directors of the Issuer or employment on the executive management team of the Issuer, or both.
 
 
11

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
From 1999 through 2007, Mr. Reider held a number of senior executive positions with the Issuer, including Director of Manufacturing, Vice President of Operations and most recently Vice President of Global Sourcing and Six Sigma.  Prior to joining the Issuer in 1999, Mr. Reider served in various executive positions of Foodcor Corporation, where he played a role in engineering the successful acquisition of Foodcor Corporation by Pepsi/Seven-up, Toronto/Canada.  From 1989 through 2006, Mr. Benadiba held a number of senior executive positions with the Issuer.  Mr. Benadiba most recently served as Executive Vice-President, North American Operations, of the Issuer from 2005 until 2006.   Prior to joining the Issuer in 1989, Mr. Benadiba was a senior executive and owner of Pepsi/Seven-up, Toronto/Canada.  Beginning in 1994, Mr. Pilozzi served in a variety of executive positions with Wal-Mart Canada.  In September 2000, Mr. Pilozzi was promoted to head up the Canadian Wal-Mart Operation as Chief Operating Officer and was further promoted to President and CEO in January 2002.  Prior to joining Wal-Mart Canada in 1994, Mr. Pilozzi held a broad range of positions with Woolworth Canada over a period of more than 30 years.  Mr. Pilozzi recently retired from serving as President and CEO of Wal-Mart Canada.

On May 23, 2008, Crescendo Partners and Mr. Reider signed a letter agreement (the “Reider Letter”) setting forth the terms upon which Mr. Reider would be willing to act as Chief Executive Officer of the Issuer and which Crescendo Partners would be willing to propose and support in the event that Crescendo Partners were to receive representation on the Board of Directors of the Issuer and the Board of Directors were to subsequently agree to appoint Mr. Reider to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Issuer.

On May 23, 2008, Crescendo Partners and Mr. Benadiba signed a letter agreement (the “Benadiba Letter”) setting forth the terms upon which Mr. Benadiba would be willing to act as Chairman of the Issuer and which Crescendo Partners would be willing to propose and support in the event that Crescendo Partners were to receive representation on the Board of Directors of the Issuer and the Board of Directors were to subsequently agree to appoint Mr. Benadiba to serve as Chairman of the Issuer.

No Reporting Person has any present plan or proposal which would relate to or result in any of the matters set forth in subparagraphs (a) - (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D except as set forth in this Schedule 13D or such as would occur upon completion of any of the actions discussed above.  The Reporting Persons intend to review their investment in the Issuer on a continuing basis and engage in discussions with management, the Board of the Issuer and other stockholders of the Issuer concerning the business, operations and future plans of the Issuer.  Depending on various factors including, without limitation, the Issuer’s financial position and investment strategy, the price levels of the Shares, conditions in the securities markets and general economic and industry conditions, the Reporting Persons may in the future take such actions with respect to their investment in the Issuer as they deem appropriate including, without limitation, seeking Board representation, requisitioning the Board of Directors of the Issuer to call a meeting of shareholders for purposes relating to any or all of the matters referred to in Item 4, making proposals to the Issuer concerning changes to the capitalization, ownership structure or operations of the Issuer, purchasing additional Shares, selling some or all of their Shares, engaging in short selling of or any hedging or similar transaction with respect to the Shares or changing their intention with respect to any and all matters referred to in Item 4.
 
12

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
Item 5.
Interest in Securities of the Issuer.

(a)           The aggregate percentage of Shares reported owned by each person named herein is based upon 71,871,330 Shares outstanding, which is the total number of Shares reported to be outstanding as of March 29, 2008, in the Issuer’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2008.

As of the date hereof, the Reporting Persons collectively own an aggregate of 6,224,566 Shares, constituting approximately 8.7% of the Shares outstanding.

As of the date hereof, Crescendo Partners II beneficially owns 5,419,055 Shares, constituting approximately 7.5% of the Shares outstanding.  As the general partner of Crescendo Partners II, Crescendo Investments II may be deemed to beneficially own the 5,419,055 Shares owned by Crescendo Partners II, constituting approximately 7.5% of the Shares outstanding.  As the managing member of Crescendo Investments II, which in turn is the general partner of Crescendo Partners II, Mr. Rosenfeld may be deemed to beneficially own the 5,419,055 Shares owned by Crescendo Partners II, constituting approximately 7.5% of the Shares outstanding.  Mr. Rosenfeld has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the 5,419,055 Shares owned by Crescendo Partners II by virtue of his authority to vote and dispose of such Shares.  Crescendo Investments II and Mr. Rosenfeld disclaim beneficial ownership of the Shares held by Crescendo Partners II, except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein.

As of the date hereof, Crescendo Partners III beneficially owns 528,545 Shares, constituting less than one percent of the Shares outstanding.  As the general partner of Crescendo Partners III, Crescendo Investments III may be deemed to beneficially own the 528,545 Shares owned by Crescendo Partners II, constituting less than one percent of the Shares outstanding.  As the managing member of Crescendo Investments III, the general partner of Crescendo Partners III, Mr. Rosenfeld may be deemed to beneficially own the 528,545 Shares owned by Crescendo Partners III, constituting less than one percent of the Shares outstanding.  Mr. Rosenfeld has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to the 528,545 Shares owned by Crescendo Partners III by virtue of his authority to vote and dispose of such Shares.  Crescendo Investments III and Mr. Rosenfeld disclaim beneficial ownership of the Shares held by Crescendo Partners III, except to the extent of their pecuniary interest therein.

Each of Crescendo Partners II, Crescendo Investments II, Crescendo Partners III, Crescendo Investments III and Mr. Rosenfeld, as members of a “group” for the purposes of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is deemed to beneficially own the Shares beneficially owned by the other members of the Group.  Each of Crescendo Partners II, Crescendo Investments II, Crescendo Partners III, Crescendo Investments III and Mr. Rosenfeld disclaims beneficial ownership of the Shares owned in the aggregate by the other members of the Group.
 
 
13

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
As of the date hereof, Mr. Benadiba beneficially owns 100,000 Shares, constituting less than one percent of the Shares outstanding.  Mr. Benadiba, as a member of a “group” for the purposes of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is deemed to beneficially own the Shares beneficially owned by the other members of the Group.  Mr. Benadiba disclaims beneficial ownership of the Shares owned in the aggregate by the other members of the Group.

As of the date hereof, Mr. Pilozzi does not directly own any Shares and has not entered into any transactions in the Shares in the last sixty days.  Mr. Pilozzi, as a member of a “group” for the purposes of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is deemed to beneficially own the Shares beneficially owned by the other members of the Group.  Mr. Pilozzi disclaims beneficial ownership of the Shares owned in the aggregate by the other members of the Group.

As of the date hereof, Mr. Reider beneficially owns 176,966 Shares, constituting less than one percent of the Shares outstanding.  Mr. Reider, as a member of a “group” for the purposes of Rule 13d-5(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is deemed to beneficially own the Shares beneficially owned by the other members of the Group.  Mr. Reider disclaims beneficial ownership of the Shares owned in the aggregate by the other members of the Group.

(b)           By virtue of his position with Crescendo Investments II and Crescendo Investments III, Mr. Rosenfeld has the sole power to vote and dispose of the Shares beneficially owned by Crescendo Partners II and Crescendo Partners III reported in this Schedule 13D.

(c)           Schedule A annexed hereto lists all transactions in the Shares during the past sixty days by the Reporting Persons. All of such transactions were effected in the open market, unless otherwise noted.

(d)           No person other than the Reporting Persons is known to have the right to receive, or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or proceeds from the sale of, the Shares.

(e)           Not applicable.

Item 6.
Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships With Respect to Securities of the Issuer.

On May 23, 2008, Crescendo Partners II, Crescendo Investments II, Crescendo Partners III, Crescendo Investments III, and Messrs. Rosenfeld, Benadiba, Pilozzi, and Reider entered into a Joint Filing Agreement  (the “Joint Filing Agreement”) in which the parties agreed to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of statements on Schedule 13D with respect to the securities of the Issuer to the extent required by applicable law. The Joint Filing Agreement is attached as an exhibit hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
14

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
On May 23, 2008, Crescendo Partners and Mr. Reider signed the Reider Letter defined and described in Item 4 above.  The Reider Letter is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated herein by reference.

On May 23, 2008, Crescendo Partners and Mr. Benadiba signed the Benadiba Letter defined and described in Item 4 above.  The Benadiba Letter is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.3 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Other than as described herein, there are no contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships among the Reporting Persons, or between the Reporting Persons and any other person, with respect to the securities of the Issuer.

Item 7.
Material to be Filed as Exhibits.

99.1.  
Joint Filing Agreement by and among Crescendo Partners II, L.P., Series I, Crescendo Investments II, LLC, Crescendo Partners III, L.P., Crescendo Investments III, LLC, Eric Rosenfeld, Mark Benadiba, Mario Pilozzi, and Csaba Reider, dated May 23, 2008.

99.2.  
Letter Agreement between Crescendo Partners and Csaba Reider, dated May 23, 2008.

99.3.  
Letter Agreement between Crescendo Partners and Mark Benadiba, dated May 23, 2008.

 
15

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
SIGNATURES

After reasonable inquiry and to the best of his knowledge and belief, each of the undersigned certifies that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct.

Dated: May 23, 2008
CRESCENDO PARTNERS II, L.P., SERIES I
   
 
By:
Crescendo Investments II, LLC
General Partner
   
 
By:
/s/ Eric Rosenfeld
   
Name:
Eric Rosenfeld
   
Title:
Managing Member


 
CRESCENDO INVESTMENTS II, LLC
   
 
By:
/s/ Eric Rosenfeld
   
Name:
Eric Rosenfeld
   
Title:
Managing Member


 
CRESCENDO PARTNERS III, L.P.
   
 
By:
Crescendo Investments III, LLC
General Partner
   
 
By:
/s/ Eric Rosenfeld
   
Name:
Eric Rosenfeld
   
Title:
Managing Member


 
CRESCENDO INVESTMENTS III, LLC
   
 
By:
/s/ Eric Rosenfeld
   
Name:
Eric Rosenfeld
   
Title:
Managing Member


 
/s/ Eric Rosenfeld
 
ERIC ROSENFELD


 
/s/ Mark Benadiba
 
MARK BENADIBA


 
/s/ Mario Pilozzi
 
MARIO PILOZZI


 
/s/ Csaba Reider
 
CSABA REIDER
 
16

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
SCHEDULE A
Transactions in the Shares During the Past 60 Days

Shares of Common Shares
Purchased /(Sold)
Price Per
Share
Date of
Purchase /Sale
Stock
Exchange

CRESCENDO PARTNERS II, L.P., SERIES I
68,544
 
2.8952
03/27/2008
TSX
621,111
 
2.8252
03/27/2008
NYSE
100,000
 
3.3965
03/28/2008
TSX
516,900
 
3.3202
03/28/2008
NYSE
90,000
 
3.5850
03/31/2008
TSX
182,200
 
3.4960
03/31/2008
NYSE
25,000
 
3.3100
04/01/2008
TSX
125,000
 
3.2482
04/01/2008
NYSE
64,300
 
2.7914
04/21/2008
NYSE
35,300
 
2.7700
04/22/2008
TSX
88,000
 
2.7487
04/22/2008
NYSE
293,200
 
2.7576
04/28/2008
NYSE
264,800
 
2.8336
04/29/2008
NYSE
100,000
 
2.8000
05/02/2008
NYSE
100,000
 
2.8000
05/05/2008
NYSE
150,000
 
2.7653
05/06/2008
NYSE
118,000
 
2.7127
05/07/2008
NYSE
1,040,000
 
2.4400
05/13/2008
TSX
359,608
 
2.6002
05/16/2008
TSX
73,392
 
2.6034
05/16/2008
NYSE
(6,150)
 
2.6140
05/19/2008
NYFX
285,500
 
2.6926
05/19/2008
NYSE
46,911
 
2.9682
05/20/2008
TSX
677,439
 
2.9304
05/20/2008
NYSE

CRESCENDO INVESTMENTS II, LLC
None
 
17

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
CRESCENDO PARTNERS III, L.P.
32,256
 
2.8952
03/27/2008
TSX
296,289
 
2.8252
03/27/2008
NYSE
50,392
 
2.6002
05/16/2008
TSX
10,008
 
2.6034
05/16/2008
NYSE
(850)
 
2.6140
05/19/2008
NYFX
39,800
 
2.6926
05/19/2008
NYSE
6,518
 
2.9682
05/20/2008
TSX
94,132
 
2.9304
05/20/2008
NYSE

CRESCENDO INVESTMENTS III, LLC
None

ERIC ROSENFELD
None

MARK BENADIBA
30,000
 
3.1298
03/28/2008
TSX
(16,000)
 
3.1298
04/17/2008
TSX
(14,000)
 
3.1663
04/17/2008
TSX
100,000
 
2.6100
05/14/2008
TSX

MARIO PILOZZI
None

CSABA REIDER
22,500
 
2.4800
05/13/2008
TSX
50,000
 
2.5000
05/13/2008
TSX
2,500
 
2.4700
05/15/2008
TSX
 
18

CUSIP NO. 22163N106
 
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit                      
 
1.     Joint Filing Agreement by and among Crescendo Partners II, L.P., Series I, Crescendo Investments II, LLC, Crescendo Partners III, L.P., Crescendo Investments III, LLC, Eric Rosenfeld, Mark Benadiba, Mario Pilozzi, and Csaba Reider, dated May 23, 2008.
 
2.    Letter Agreement between Crescendo Partners and Csaba Reider, dated May 23, 2008.
 
3.    Letter Agreement between Crescendo Partners and Mark Benadiba, dated May 23, 2008.
 
 
19
EX-99.1 2 ex991sc13d07275002_051308.htm JOINT FILING AGREEMENT ex991sc13d07275002_051308.htm
Exhibit 99.1
 
JOINT FILING AGREEMENT
 
In accordance with Rule 13d-1(k)(1)(iii) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the persons named below agree to the joint filing on behalf of each of them of a Statement on Schedule 13D filed on May 23, 2008 (including additional amendments thereto) with respect to the shares of Common Shares, no par value per share, of the Cott Corporation.  This Joint Filing Agreement shall be filed as an Exhibit to such Statement.
 
Dated: May 23, 2008
CRESCENDO PARTNERS II, L.P., SERIES I
   
 
By:
Crescendo Investments II, LLC
General Partner
   
 
By:
/s/ Eric Rosenfeld
   
Name:
Eric Rosenfeld
   
Title:
Managing Member


 
CRESCENDO INVESTMENTS II, LLC
   
 
By:
/s/ Eric Rosenfeld
   
Name:
Eric Rosenfeld
   
Title:
Managing Member


 
CRESCENDO PARTNERS III, L.P.
   
 
By:
Crescendo Investments III, LLC
General Partner
   
 
By:
/s/ Eric Rosenfeld
   
Name:
Eric Rosenfeld
   
Title:
Managing Member


 
CRESCENDO INVESTMENTS III, LLC
   
 
By:
/s/ Eric Rosenfeld
   
Name:
Eric Rosenfeld
   
Title:
Managing Member


 
/s/ Eric Rosenfeld
 
ERIC ROSENFELD


 
/s/ Mark Benadiba
 
MARK BENADIBA


 
/s/ Mario Pilozzi
 
MARIO PILOZZI


 
/s/ Csaba Reider
 
CSABA REIDER
 
EX-99.2 3 ex992sc13d07275002_051308.htm REIDER LETTER , DATED MAY 23, 2008 ex992sc13d07275002_051308.htm
Exhibit 99.2
 
CRESCENDO PARTNERS
 
825 Third Avenue, 40th Floor
 
New York, New York 10022
 
May 23, 2008
 
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
 
Csaba Reider
9 Country Estates Drive
Markham, Ontario, L6C1A4, Canada
 
Dear Csaba:
 
Further to our recent discussions concerning Crescendo Partners’ initiatives at Cott Corporation (the “Corporation”), we have summarized below the terms upon which you have indicated that you are willing to act as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, which terms we agree to propose and support.
 
Expected Date:
Promptly following Crescendo Partners receiving board representation, including your appointment as a director of the Corporation, and assuming that the board of directors appoints you as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.
   
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
   
Base Salary:
$625,000 per annum
   
Bonus:
Subject to the successful achievement of performance targets as established by the board of directors from time to time, you will be eligible for an annual target bonus of up to $312,500 in 2008 and an annual target bonus of up to 100% of Base Salary in 2009.
   
Options
Options to purchase 1 million common shares of the Corporation (the “Options”) issued to you on the date of your appointment as Chief Executive Officer.  Each Option will be granted at an exercise price equal to the market price on the date prior to issuance.  The Options will vest in 3 equal tranches at the end of year 1, year 2 and year 3, respectively. These options will be granted under the terms of the Corporation’s existing option plan and accordingly will fully vest upon a change of control in accordance with those terms.
   
Benefits
During your employment, you will be eligible to participate in the Corporation’s group insurance benefits plan.
 
 
 
 

-2-
 
Expenses:
The Corporation will reimburse you for all reasonable out-of-pocket business-related expenses incurred during your tenure as Chief Executive Officer (in accordance with the Corporation’s policies in effect from time to time).

 
This letter only summarizes the terms and conditions upon which you are willing to act as the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and which we agree to propose and support in connection with our initiatives at the Corporation.  This letter does not purport to be and should not be construed as an employment agreement between you and the Corporation or between you and Crescendo Partners.  There can be no assurance that you will be appointed by the Board of the Corporation to act as Chief Executive Officer in connection with Crescendo Partners’ initiatives at the Corporation.
 
If the foregoing accurately reflects the terms and conditions upon which you are willing to act as Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, please sign one copy of this letter and return to us.
 
Sincerely,
 
Crescendo Partners
 

 
Eric Rosenfeld
 
President & CEO
 

 
* * * * *
 

 
I agree that the contents of this letter accurately reflect the terms and conditions upon which I am willing to act as Chief Executive Officer of Cott Corporation.
 

 
     
Witness Name:
 
Csaba Reider

 

 

 
EX-99.3 4 ex993sc13d07275002_051308.htm BENADIBA LETTER, DATED MAY 23, 2008 ex993sc13d07275002_051308.htm
Exhibit 99.3
 
CRESCENDO PARTNERS
 
825 Third Avenue, 40th Floor
 
New York, New York 10022
 
May 23, 2008
 
PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL
 
Mark Benadiba
25 Parkwood ave
Toronto Ontario Canada m4v 2w9
 
Dear Mark:
 
Further to our recent discussions concerning Crescendo Partners’ initiatives at Cott Corporation (the “Corporation”), we have summarized below the terms upon which you have indicated that you are willing to act as Chairman of the board of directors of the Corporation (the “Board”), which terms we agree to propose and support.
 
Expected Date:
Promptly following Crescendo Partners receiving board representation, including your appointment as a director of the Corporation, and assuming that the board of directors appoints you as Chairman of the board of directors
   
Title:
Chairman
   
Base Salary:
$150,000 per annum
   
Options
Options to purchase 500,000 common shares of the Corporation (the “Options”) issued to you on the date of your appointment as Chairman.  Each Option will be granted at an exercise price equal to the market price on the date prior to issuance.  The Options will vest in 3 equal tranches at the end of year 1, year 2 and year 3, respectively. These options will be granted under the terms of the Corporation’s existing option plan and accordingly will fully vest upon a change of control in accordance with those terms.
   
Benefits:
During your employment and for three years thereafter, you will be eligible to participate in the Corporation’s group insurance benefits plan.
 
 
 
 

-2-
 
Expenses:
The Corporation will reimburse you for all reasonable out-of-pocket business-related expenses incurred during your tenure as Chairman (in accordance with the Corporation’s policies in effect from time to time).
In addition, you will be reimbursed for up to $15,000 (CDN) of legal expenses incurred in connection with your appointment as Chairman.
   
Office:
An office and administrative support at the Corporation’s premises in Toronto will be provided to you.

 
This letter only summarizes the terms and conditions upon which you are willing to act as Chairman of the Corporation and which we agree to propose and support in connection with our initiatives at the Corporation.  This letter does not purport to be and should not be construed as an employment agreement between you and the Corporation or between you and Crescendo Partners.  There can be no assurance that you will be appointed by the Board of the Corporation to act as Chairman in connection with Crescendo Partners’ initiatives at the Corporation.
 
If the foregoing accurately reflects the terms and conditions upon which you are willing to act as Chairman of the Board, please sign one copy of this letter and return to us.
 
Sincerely,
 
Crescendo Partners
 

 
Eric Rosenfeld
 
President & CEO
 

 
* * * * *
 

 
I agree that the contents of this letter accurately reflect the terms and conditions upon which I am willing to act as Chairman of the board of directors of Cott Corporation.
 

 
     
Witness Name:
 
Mark Benadiba

 

 

 
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