SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) December 7, 2000
CPI CORP.
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(exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 0-11227 43-1256674
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(State or other jurisdiction (Commission file (IRS Employer
of incorporation) Number) Identification No.)
1706 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-1790
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Registrants' telephone number, including area code (314) 231-1575
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_________________________________________________________________
(Former name or former address, if changes since last report.)
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ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS
A. On December 7, 2000, CPI Corp. issued the following press
release:
CPI CORP. TO RELEASE THIRD QUARTER FINANCIAL RESULTS ON
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12
ST. LOUIS, MO., DECEMBER 7, 2000 - CPI CORP. (NYSE - CPY)
announced today that the Company will host a conference
call and audio web cast, both open to the general public, at
2 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, December 12 to discuss the
financial results of its third quarter. The Company's third
quarter earnings will be released prior to the conference
call.
The conference call can be accessed (listen-only mode) by
dialing 703-871-3022. No passcode is required. A replay
of the call will be available through December 19, 2000
and can be accessed by dialing 703-925-2435, passcode
4792840. The Company will also web cast the call at
www.vcall.com and a link to the web cast will be available
on the Company's own site at www.cpicorp.com. A replay of
the web cast will be available for 30 days on both web sites.
CPI Corp. is a consumer services company with $319.1 million
in 1999 fiscal sales from continuing operations, operating
1,026 Sears Portrait Studios in the United States, Puerto
Rico and Canada.
For more information on CPI Corp. via facsimile at no cost,
simply dial 1-800-PRO-INFO and enter the company code CPY.
B. On December 8, 2000, CPI Corp. issued the following press
release:
CPI CORP. TO COMMENCE CEO SEARCH
ST. LOUIS, MO., DECEMBER 8, 2000 - THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF CPI CORP. (NYSE - CPY) announced today the commencement
of a search for a successor to Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer Alyn V. Essman, who expects to retire within the next
year. The search will be conducted by Herbert Mines
Associates, Inc. under the direction of the Company's
independent directors. Herbert Mines Associates is a leading
executive search firm specializing in retail and related
industries. Members of current management, as well as
candidates outside the Company and the photography industry,
will be considered.
"I am proud of my contribution to this outstanding
organization," said Mr. Essman. "I have enjoyed working with
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a creative and effective management team to reposition CPI as
the industry leader and design a new digital studio platform.
With those tasks well underway, I feel confident in turning
over the further development to an executive who can lead the
company in new directions. I will look forward to working
with the Board and its search committee to ensure a smooth
succession process."
Martin Sneider, speaking on behalf of the Board, said "We
are grateful to Alyn Essman for his more than 44 years of
valuable service, leadership and vision. We are at a key
point in the Company's long history and the selection of
CPI's next chief executive will be one of this Board's most
important decisions."
CPI Corp. is a consumer services company with $319.1 million
in fiscal 1999 sales from continuing operations, operating
1,030 Sears Portrait Studios in the United States, Puerto
Rico and Canada.
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SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
CPI CORP.
(Registrant)
/s/ Barry Arthur
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Barry Arthur
Authorized Officer and
Principal Financial Officer
Dated: December 11, 2000
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