TORONTO, April 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cott Corporation (NYSE:COT; TSX:BCB), the world's largest retailer brand soft drink provider, issued the following statement in response to speculation in media reports issued today, concerning a possible strategic or financial transaction. "Cott is focused on driving our organic business forward and is making good progress to deliver superior, sustainable, and profitable growth. Following the recent announcement by Cadbury Schweppes plc regarding the separation of its confectionery and Americas Beverage business, Cott has responded to interested parties that have approached the Company, and is exploring the potential benefits of participating in possible industry consolidation. The Company is also consulting with outside legal and financial advisors. While the Board of Directors of Cott is supportive of these exploratory discussions, there has been no decision regarding a change in strategy. Our goal has always been to profitably grow our business and enhance shareowner value and that continues to be our focus." About Cott Corporation ---------------------- Cott Corporation is one of the world's largest non-alcoholic beverage companies and the world's largest retailer brand soft drink provider. The Company commercializes its business in over 60 countries worldwide, with its principal markets being the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Mexico. Cott markets or supplies over 200 retailer and licensed brands, and Company-owned brands including Cott, RC, Vintage, Vess and So Clear. Its products include carbonated soft drinks, sparkling and flavored waters, energy drinks, sports drinks, juices, juice drinks and smoothies, ready-to-drink teas, and other non-carbonated beverages. The Company's website is http://www.cott.com/. The brand names referenced in this press release are trademarks of Cott Corporation, its affiliated companies, our customers, or other third parties. 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. The forward-looking statements are based on the assumption that volume and revenue will be consistent with historical trends, that margins will improve through a balance of revenue realization and cost containment, and that interest rates will remain constant and debt levels will decline. Management believes these assumptions to be reasonable but there is no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements, specifically those concerning future performance such as those relating to the success of the Company's measures to increase volume and revenue, reduce costs and increase operating income, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ 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, the Company's ability to restore plant efficiencies and reduce logistics and other costs, adverse weather conditions, competitive activities by other 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 and regulatory review, loss of key customers and retailers' continued commitment to their Company-supplied beverage programs. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. DATASOURCE: Cott Corporation CONTACT: COTT CONTACTS: Media Relations, Kerry Morgan, Tel: (416) 203-5613; Investor Relations, Edmund O'Keeffe, Tel: (416) 203-5617

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