Cott provisionally cleared to acquire Macaw

31/03/06 Cott Corporation has announced that its acquisition of Macaw (Soft Drinks) Ltd. has received provisional clearance from the U.K.'s Competition Commission.

Cott acquired Macaw Soft Drinks, then a privately owned manufacturer of retailer brand soft drinks, on August 10, 2005 for approximately $135 million USD (75.7 million pounds sterling). Macaw's assets include production lines for carbonated soft drinks, dilute-to-taste and aseptic beverages in manufacturing plants located in Nelson, Lancashire.

The Competition Commission is expected to issue its final report by May 15, 2006.

Cott Corporation is one of the world's largest retailer brand beverage suppliers whose principal markets are the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Mexico.

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