Mississauga, Ont.-based Cott Corp. announced that it is evaluating strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value by either complementing its strategy of organic growth and growth through diversification, or pursuing another alternative. As a result, we are placing our ratings on Cott, including our 'B+' long-term corporate credit rating, on CreditWatch with developing implications. Developing implications mean that we could raise, lower, or affirm the ratings, depending on the outcome of Standard&Poor's review. We will likely resolve the CreditWatch placement within the next few months following our analysis of a potential transaction, including our evaluation of the business and financial strength of the surviving entity, be it Cott, an acquiring company, or a new company. On Feb. 13, 2014,
