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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 13D
Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. 8)
----------
VENATOR GROUP, INC.
(formerly named Woolworth Corporation)
(Name of Issuer)
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share 980883 10 2
(Title of class of securities) (CUSIP number)
Gary K. Duberstein, Esq.
Greenway Partners, L.P.
277 Park Avenue, 27th Floor
New York, New York 10172
(212) 350-5100
(Name, address and telephone number of person authorized
to receive notices and communications)
March 12, 1999
(Date of event which requires filing of this statement)
If the filing person has previously filed a statement on Schedule 13G to report
the acquisition that is the subject of this Schedule 13D, and is filing this
schedule because of ss.ss. 240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the
following box [_].
Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five
copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See ss. 240.13d-7 for other
parties to whom copies are to be sent.
(Continued on following pages)
(Page 1 of 14 pages)
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NYFS11...:\92\56392\0003\1901\SCH3099U.53D
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 2 of 14 Pages
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GREENWAY PARTNERS, L.P.
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. 13-3714238
OF ABOVE PERSON
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x]
(b) [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: WC, OO
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Delaware
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 2,350,000
SHARES
------- --------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 0
OWNED BY
------- --------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 2,350,000
REPORTING
------- --------------------------------------------------
PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING
PERSON: 2,350,000
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES: [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 1.7%
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: PN
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 3 of 14 Pages
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GREENTREE PARTNERS, L.P.
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. 13-3752875
OF ABOVE PERSON
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x]
(b) [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: WC, OO
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Delaware
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 1,500,900
SHARES
------- --------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 0
OWNED BY
------- --------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 1,500,900
REPORTING
------- --------------------------------------------------
PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING
PERSON: 1,500,900
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES: [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 1.1%
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: PN
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 4 of 14 Pages
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GREENHOUSE PARTNERS, L.P.
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. 13-3793447
OF ABOVE PERSON
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x]
(b) [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: WC, AF, OO
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Delaware
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 0
SHARES
------- --------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 2,350,000
OWNED BY
------- --------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0
REPORTING
------- --------------------------------------------------
PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 2,350,000
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING
PERSON: 2,350,000
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES: [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 1.7%
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: PN
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 5 of 14 Pages
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GREENHUT, L.L.C.
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. 13-3793450
OF ABOVE PERSON
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x]
(b) [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: WC, AF, OO
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Delaware
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 0
SHARES
------- --------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 1,500,900
OWNED BY
------- --------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0
REPORTING
------- --------------------------------------------------
PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 1,500,900
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING
PERSON: 1,500,900
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES: [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 1.1%
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: OO
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 6 of 14 Pages
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GREENBELT CORP.
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. 13-3791931
OF ABOVE PERSON
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x]
(b) [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: OO
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Delaware
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 13,336,322
SHARES
------- --------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 0
OWNED BY
------- --------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 13,336,322
REPORTING
------- --------------------------------------------------
PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING
PERSON: 13,336,322
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES: [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 9.8%
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: CO
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 7 of 14 Pages
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GREENSEA OFFSHORE, L.P.
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO.
OF ABOVE PERSON
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x]
(b) [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: WC, OO
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Cayman Islands
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 2,250,000
SHARES
------- --------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 0
OWNED BY
------- --------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 2,250,000
REPORTING
------- --------------------------------------------------
PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING
PERSON: 2,250,000
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES: [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 1.7%
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: PN
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 8 of 14 Pages
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GREENHUT OVERSEAS, L.L.C.
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO. 13-3868906
OF ABOVE PERSON
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x]
(b) [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: WC, AF, OO
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: Delaware
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 0
SHARES
------- --------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 2,250,000
OWNED BY
------- --------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0
REPORTING
------- --------------------------------------------------
PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 2,250,000
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING
PERSON: 2,250,000
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES: [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 1.7%
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: OO
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 9 of 14 Pages
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON ALFRED D. KINGSLEY
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO.
OF ABOVE PERSON
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x]
(b) [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: PF, AF, OO
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: United States
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 541,800
SHARES
------- --------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 19,437,222
OWNED BY
------- --------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 541,800
REPORTING
------- --------------------------------------------------
PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 19,437,222
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING
PERSON: 19,979,022
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES: [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 14.7%
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: IN
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
CUSIP No. 980883 10 2 13D Page 10 of 14 Pages
- ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSON GARY K. DUBERSTEIN
S.S. OR I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NO.
OF ABOVE PERSON
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP: (a) [x]
(b) [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS: PF, AF, OO
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK BOX IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED
PURSUANT TO ITEM 2(d) OR 2(e): [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION: United States
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF 7 SOLE VOTING POWER: 0
SHARES
------- --------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER: 19,437,222
OWNED BY
------- --------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER: 0
REPORTING
------- --------------------------------------------------
PERSON WITH 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER: 19,437,222
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY REPORTING
PERSON: 19,437,222
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK BOX IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES
CERTAIN SHARES: [_]
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11): 14.3%
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON: IN
- ------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------
This Amendment No. 8 ("Amendment No. 8") amends the Statement on
Schedule 13D (the "Schedule 13D") filed on May 18, 1998, as amended by Amendment
No. 1 filed on June 5, 1998, Amendment No. 2 filed on July 7, 1998, Amendment
No. 3 filed on August 23, 1998, Amendment No. 4 filed on October 2, 1998,
Amendment No. 5 filed on December 1, 1998, Amendment No. 6 filed on January 6,
1999 and Amendment No. 7 filed on January 29, 1999 by and on behalf of Greenway
Partners, L.P. ("Greenway"), Greentree Partners, L.P. ("Greentree"), Greenhouse
Partners, L.P. ("Greenhouse"), Greenhut, L.L.C. ("Greenhut"), Greenbelt Corp.
("Greenbelt"), Greensea Offshore, L.P. ("Greensea"), Greenhut Overseas, L.L.C.
("Greenhut Overseas"), Alfred D. Kingsley and Gary K. Duberstein (collectively,
the "Reporting Persons"). Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein
have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Schedule 13D.
ITEM 3. SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION
Since the filing of Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D, accounts
managed by Greenbelt purchased an aggregate of 80,000 Shares for total
consideration (including brokerage commissions) of $368,652 derived from capital
in the managed accounts.
Since the filing of Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D, Mr.
Kingsley purchased an aggregate of 140,000 Shares for total consideration of
$495,673 (including brokerage commissions) derived from the personal funds of
Mr. Kingsley and margin indebtedness from Salomon Smith Barney and Daiwa
Securities America Inc.
ITEM 4. PURPOSE OF TRANSACTION
By letter dated March 12, 1999, that was delivered to the Company on
such date, Greenway notified the Company of the current intention of Greenway
and certain of its affiliates to present shareholder proposals at the Company's
1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "1999 Annual Meeting"), that will
recommend: (i) that the Company change its name back to Woolworth Corporation
and (ii) that the board of directors of the Company redeem the rights
distributed under the Rights Agreement dated as of March 11, 1998, terminate
such Rights Agreement and not adopt any new rights agreement unless approved by
the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares. A
copy of this letter is filed as Exhibit 14 hereto and incorporated herein by
reference.
The Reporting Persons currently intend to solicit proxies in favor
of the above-noted proposals. In addition, the Reporting Persons will continue
to monitor developments at the Company and may, among other things, in
connection with the 1999 Annual Meeting, put forth additional or different
shareholder proposals, urge shareholders to withhold votes from one or more
nominees for election as directors and/or nominate persons for election to the
Company's board of directors, and engage in the solicitation of proxies with
respect thereto. In addition, the Reporting Persons may, from time to time, (i)
acquire additional Shares (subject to availability at prices deemed favorable)
in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, or (ii)
dispose of Shares at prices deemed favorable in the open market, in privately
negotiated transactions or otherwise.
Although the foregoing represents the range of activities presently
contemplated by the Reporting Persons with respect to the Common Stock, it
should be noted that the possible activities of the Reporting Persons are
subject to change at any time.
11
Except as indicated above, the information set forth in Item 4 of
the Schedule 13D remains unchanged.
ITEM 5. INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER
(a) As of the date of this Statement, the Reporting Persons
beneficially owned in the aggregate 19,979,022 Shares constituting 14.7% of the
outstanding Shares (the percentage of Shares owned being based upon 135,614,566
Shares outstanding on November 27, 1998, as set forth in the Company's quarterly
report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 1998). The
Reporting Persons may be deemed to have direct beneficial ownership of Shares as
follows:
Approximate
Number of Percentage of
Name Shares Outstanding Shares
---- ------ ------------------
Greenway 2,350,000 1.7%
Greentree 1,500,900 1.1%
Greenbelt 13,336,322 9.8%
Greensea 2,250,000 1.7%
Kingsley 541,800 0.4%
Greenhouse, as the general partner of Greenway, may be deemed to own
beneficially (as that term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) Shares which Greenway may be deemed to possess direct
beneficial ownership. Each of Messrs. Kingsley and Duberstein, as general
partners of Greenhouse, may be deemed to beneficially own Shares which
Greenhouse may be deemed to beneficially own. Each of Messrs. Kingsley and
Duberstein disclaims beneficial ownership of such Shares for all other purposes.
Greenhut, as the general partner of Greentree, may be deemed to own
beneficially (as that term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) Shares which Greentree may be deemed to possess direct
beneficial ownership. Each of Messrs. Kingsley and Duberstein, as members of
Greenhut, may be deemed to beneficially own Shares which Greenhut may be deemed
to beneficially own. Each of Messrs. Kingsley and Duberstein disclaims
beneficial ownership of such Shares for all other purposes.
Greenhut Overseas, as the investment general partner of Greensea,
may be deemed to own beneficially (as that term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) Shares which Greensea may be deemed to
possess direct beneficial ownership. Each of Messrs. Kingsley and Duberstein, as
members of Greenhut Overseas, may be deemed to beneficially own Shares which
Greenhut Overseas may be deemed to beneficially own. Each of Messrs. Kingsley
and Duberstein disclaims beneficial ownership of such Shares for all other
purposes.
Greenbelt has direct beneficial ownership of the Shares in the
accounts which it manages. In addition, Greenbelt is the investment advisor for
Greenland Investment Company Limited, a Cayman Islands company ("Greenland"). In
such capacity, Greenbelt has the right to vote and direct the disposition of
Shares held by Greenland and, consequently, has direct beneficial ownership of
such Shares. Each of Messrs. Kingsley and Duberstein, as executive officers and
directors of Greenbelt, may be deemed to beneficially own Shares which Greenbelt
beneficially owns. Each of Messrs. Kingsley and Duberstein hereby disclaims
beneficial ownership of such Shares for all other purposes.
(b) Greenway has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of
2,350,000 Shares and the sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of
such Shares. Greenhouse and Messrs. Kingsley and Duberstein may be deemed to
12
share with Greenway the power to vote or to direct the vote and to dispose or to
direct the disposition of such Shares.
Greentree has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 1,500,900
Shares and the sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of such Shares.
Greenhut and Messrs. Kingsley and Duberstein may be deemed to share with
Greentree the power to vote or to direct the vote and to dispose or to direct
the disposition of such Shares.
Greensea has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 2,250,000
Shares and the sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of such Shares.
Greenhut Overseas and Messrs. Kingsley and Duberstein may be deemed to share
with Greensea the power to vote or to direct the vote and to dispose or to
direct the disposition of such Shares.
Greenbelt has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of
13,336,322 Shares and the sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of
such Shares. Messrs. Kingsley and Duberstein may be deemed to share with
Greenbelt the power to vote or to direct the vote and to dispose or to direct
the disposition of such Shares.
Mr. Kingsley has the sole power to vote or direct the vote of
541,800 Shares and the sole power to dispose or direct the disposition of such
Shares.
(c) Information concerning transactions in the Shares by the
Reporting Persons during the past sixty days or since the filing of Amendment
No. 7 to the Schedule 13D, whichever is less, is set forth in Exhibit 13
attached hereto, which is incorporated herein by reference.
(d) No other person is known to have the right to receive or the
power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of,
the Shares, except the dividends from, or proceeds from the sale of Shares in
each respective account managed by Greenbelt or held by Greenland will be
delivered into each such respective account or Greenland, as the case may be.
Neither any such individual account nor Greenland has an interest in more than
five percent of the class of outstanding Shares.
(e) Not applicable.
ITEM 7. MATERIAL TO BE FILED AS EXHIBITS
The following Exhibit is filed herewith:
13. Information concerning transactions in the Shares effected by
the Reporting Persons during the past sixty days or since the filing of
Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D, whichever is less.
14. Letter, dated March 12, 1999, from Greenway Partners, L.P. to
the Company.
[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank.]
13
SIGNATURES
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of their knowledge and
belief, the undersigned certify that the information contained in this Statement
is true, complete and correct.
Dated: March 12, 1999
GREENHOUSE PARTNERS, L.P. GREENWAY PARTNERS, L.P.
By: Greenhouse Partners, L.P., its
general partner
By: /s/ Gary K. Duberstein
------------------------------------
Gary K. Duberstein, general By: /s/ Gary K. Duberstein
partner -----------------------------------
Gary K. Duberstein, general
partner
GREENHUT, L.L.C. GREENTREE PARTNERS, L.P.
By: Greenhut, L.L.C., its general
partner
By: /s/ Gary K. Duberstein
------------------------------------
Gary K. Duberstein, Member By: /s/ Gary K. Duberstein
-----------------------------------
Gary K. Duberstein, Member
GREENHUT OVERSEAS, L.L.C. GREENSEA OFFSHORE, L.P.
By: Greenhut Overseas, L.L.C., its
investment general partner
By: /s/ Gary K. Duberstein
------------------------------------
Gary K. Duberstein, Member
By: /s/ Gary K. Duberstein
-----------------------------------
Gary K. Duberstein, Member
GREENBELT CORP.
By: /s/ Alfred D. Kingsley
-----------------------------------
Alfred D. Kingsley, President
/s/ Alfred D. Kingsley
--------------------------------------
Alfred D. Kingsley
/s/ Gary K. Duberstein
--------------------------------------
Gary K. Duberstein
14
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
----------- -----------
13. Information concerning transactions in the Shares effected by
the Reporting Persons during the past sixty days or since the
filing of Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D, whichever is
less.
14. Letter, dated March 12, 1999, from Greenway Partners, L.P. to
the Company.
15
Exhibit 13
TRANSACTIONS IN SHARES OF THE COMPANY
-------------------------------------
The Reporting Persons engaged in the following transactions in
Shares of the Company during the past 60 days or since the filing of Amendment
No. 7 to the Schedule 13D, whichever is less. All such transactions involved
purchases of Shares and all transactions were effected on The New York Stock
Exchange. In addition, on February 12, 1999, 600,000 Shares were transferred by
a client of Greenbelt from an account over which Greenbelt had no power to vote
or direct the disposition of such Shares into an account over which Greenbelt
does have such powers.
Reporting Person Price Per
With Direct Share
Beneficial Date of Number of (Excluding
Ownership Transaction Shares Commission)
- ---------------- ----------- -------- -----------
Greenbelt 02/09/99 40,000 4.6094
Greenbelt 02/10/99 40,000 4.5469
Kingsley 02/17/99 50,000 3.5625
Kingsley 02/17/99 50,000 3.5000
Kingsley 02/18/99 40,000 3.4687
16
Exhibit 14
GREENWAY
PARTNERS
March 12, 1999
By Fax and Hand Delivery
- ------------------------
Venator Group, Inc.
233 Broadway
New York, New York 10279
Attention: Secretary
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am writing on behalf of Greenway Partners, L.P., Alfred D. Kingsley,
Gary K. Duberstein and certain of their affiliates (collectively, the
"Proponents"). The Proponents hereby notify the Venator Group, Inc. (the
"Company") that they intend to present certain proposals for the approval of the
Company's shareholders at the Company's 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the
"1999 Annual Meeting").
The Proponents intend to present in substantially the forms annexed hereto
as Exhibit A (i) a proposal concerning a change in the Company's name (the
"Woolworth Proposal") and (ii) a proposal concerning the termination of
Company's Rights Agreement (the "Poison Pill Proposal"). The Woolworth Proposal
and the Poison Pill Proposal are referred to collectively as the "Proposals".
The Proponents intend to deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to
holders of at least the percentage of the Company's voting shares required under
applicable law to carry the Proposals. This letter constitutes notice of the
Proposals pursuant to Rule 14a-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
Please call the undersigned at (212) 350-5100 if you have any questions.
Very truly yours,
GREENWAY PARTNERS, L.P.
By: Greenhouse Partners, L.P.
General Partner
By: /s/ Gary K. Duberstein
------------------------------
Gary K. Duberstein
General Partner
cc: Roger N. Farah
Greenway Parnters, L.P. 277 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10172
Tel. (212) 350-5100 Fax (212) 350-5253
NYFS11...:\92\56392\0003\1901\NOT3049L.09C
Exhibit A
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RESOLVED, that it is hereby recommended that the Company change its
name from Venator Group, Inc. back to Woolworth Corporation.
RESOLVED, that it is hereby recommended that the Board of Directors
redeem the rights distributed under the Rights Agreement dated as of March 11,
1998, terminate such Rights Agreement, and that any new Rights Agreement shall
not be adopted unless approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding shares of the Company.