EXHIBIT 99.1
COTT TO APPOINT SHEPPARD C.E.O. 9/1/04;
WEISE TO REMAIN IN ACTIVE ROLE AS CHAIRMAN;
COMPANY ANNOUNCES DATE FOR Q1 EARNINGS RELEASE AND AGM
(All information in U.S. dollars)
Toronto - March 18th, 2004 - Cott Corporation (NYSE:COT; TSX:BCB) today
announced the appointment of John K. Sheppard as chief executive officer,
effective September 1, 2004. Sheppard currently serves as president and chief
operating officer. Frank E. Weise, the company's chief executive officer since
1998, will remain chairman with an active role in assisting management in
long-term strategy, customer relations and investor relations.
"John's new leadership brings fresh vitality to Cott's ambitious plans for
growth in the coming decade." Weise said. "His extensive experience in the
beverage industry, his passion for the business and his proven performance in
top management at Cott make this transfer of responsibilities both deserved and
virtually seamless."
Weise added, "With the company delivering record results, now is the time for
John's promotion. I am enthused to move forward and to concentrate in areas that
will help keep the company on the successful course that our team has driven for
six years. I am personally delighted to continue working with John as he assumes
the chief executive role and as he takes our great company to the next level."
Sheppard joined Cott in February 2002 as president of the company's U.S.
business unit. Under his direction, this unit saw accelerated sales growth while
posting record earnings. In July 2003, he was named Cott president and chief
operating officer and a member of the board of directors. Prior to joining Cott,
he held a series of executive positions at Coca-Cola Company ranging across
sales, marketing, finance, strategic planning and international operations.
"Clearly, this is an exciting time in Cott's history," Sheppard said. "Thanks to
Frank's leadership, we are poised for ongoing success. We have a sound strategy
in place, strong relationships with our customers and, perhaps most importantly,
an exceptional team of retailer-brand beverage professionals. We are ready to
seize the future and to keep our momentum going."
Cott's lead independent director, Serge Gouin, commented on the executive
change, "We have the fullest confidence in John's ability to lead the company
forward. These moves are a logical progression for the management team. Frank
and John will continue to work together in fulfilling Cott's potential as the
world's largest retailer-branded beverage company. Their personal partnership is
a cornerstone in a very solid future for our company."
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Weise joined Cott in July 1998, following major management assignments at
Procter & Gamble, Campbell Soup and Confab. He orchestrated and led Cott's
successful turnaround by refocusing the Company on its core soft drink business
in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. He then set a strategic
growth vision that led to five consecutive years of expanded sales and
profitable performance. He was named "Executive of Year" by Beverage Industry
magazine in 2002 and then top CEO in Canada in 2003 by Report on Business
magazine.
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The company also announced today that it will release its first quarter
financial results before the markets open on Tuesday, April 20th.Weise, Sheppard
and Raymond P. Silcock, executive vice president and chief financial officer,
will host a conference call on the same date to discuss these results.
FIRST QUARTER RESULTS CONFERENCE CALL
Cott Corporation will host a conference call on Tuesday, April 20th at
approximately 10:30 AM ET to discuss first quarter financial results.
For those who wish to listen to the presentation, there is a listen-only dial-in
telephone line, which can be accessed as follows:
North America: (800)-814-4860
International: (416)-640-1907
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Cott Corporation's annual general meeting of shareowners will take place on
Tuesday, April 27, 2004 at 8:30 AM ET at the Glenn Gould Studio, CBC Building,
250 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario.
WEBCAST
To access the conference call on April 20th and the Annual General Meeting on
April 27th over the Internet, please visit Cott's website at http://www.cott.com
on both dates at least fifteen minutes early to register, download, and install
any necessary audio/video software. For those who are unable to access the live
broadcasts, a replay will be available at Cott's website following these events
until May 11th, 2004.
ABOUT COTT CORPORATION
Cott Corporation is the world's largest retailer brand soft drink supplier, with
the leading take home carbonated soft drink market shares in this segment in its
core markets of the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements reflecting management's
current expectations regarding future results of operations, economic
performance, financial condition and achievements of the Company.
Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance,
are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ
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materially. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the
Company's filings with the appropriate securities commissions, and include,
without limitation, stability of procurement costs for raw and packaging
materials, adverse weather conditions, competitive activities by national,
regional and retailer brand beverage manufacturers, the Company's ability to
develop new products that appeal to consumer tastes, the Company's ability to
identify acquisition candidates, successfully consummate acquisitions and
integrate acquired businesses into its operations, fluctuations in currency
versus the U.S. dollar, the uncertainties of litigation, loss of key customers
and retailers' continued commitment to their retailer brand beverage programs.
The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The Company undertakes no
obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
COTT CONTACTS
Media Relations
Rod Jimenez Tel: (416) 203-5606
Investor Relations
Edmund O'Keeffe Tel: (416) 203-5617
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