TORONTO (Standard&Poor's) April 16, 2007--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services today said that it placed its 'B+' long-term corporate credit and 'B-' subordinated debt ratings on Toronto-based Cott Corp. on CreditWatch with developing implications. Developing implications mean that the ratings could be raised, lowered, or affirmed, depending on the outcome of Standard&Poor's review. "The CreditWatch listing follows beverage provider Cott's decision to explore its possible participation in industry consolidation," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Lori Harris. Although a potential suitor for Cott has not been named, the company's announcement followed the recent statement by Cadbury Schweppes PLC (BBB/Watch Dev/A-2) regarding the separation of its confectionary and Americas Beverages businesses to maximize shareholder value. Even though the
