<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Schedule 13D
Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No )*
Verdant Brands, Inc.
--------------------
(Name of Issuer)
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value
----------------------------
(Title of Class of Securities)
923366 10 8
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(CUSIP Number)
Thomas G. Lovett IV
Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P.
4200 IDS Center
80 South Eighth Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
Telephone: (612) 371-3270
Fax Number: (612) 371-3207
--------------------------
(Name, Address and Telephone Number of Person
Authorized to Receive Notices and Communications)
November 8, 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.240.13d-1(e), 240.13d-1(f) or 240.13d-1(g), check the
following box G. [ ]
Note: Schedules filed in paper format shall include a signed original and five
copies of the schedule, including all exhibits. See Rule 13d-7 for other parties
to whom copies are to be sent.
*The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting person's
initial filing on this form with respect to the subject class of securities, and
for any subsequent amendment containing information which would alter
disclosures provided in a prior cover page.
The information required in the remainder of this cover page shall not be deemed
to be "filed" for the purpose of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 ("Act") or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section of the Act
but shall be subject to all other provisions of the Act (however, see the
Notes).
(Continued on following page(s))
Page 1 of 13 Pages
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CUSIP No. 923366 10 8 13D Page 2 of 13 Pages
-- ---
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOs. OF ABOVE PERSONS (entities only)
Raymond A. Lipkin
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions)
(a) [ ]
(b) [ ]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions)
PF
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT
TO ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) [ ]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Raymond A. Lipkin is a citizen of the United States.
- ---------- ------------ --- ----------------------------------------------------
7 SOLE VOTING POWER
NUMBER OF 266,500
SHARES --- ----------------------------------------------------
BENEFICIALLY 8 SHARED VOTING POWER
OWNED BY 58,900
EACH --- ----------------------------------------------------
REPORTING 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
PERSON 266,500
WITH: --- ----------------------------------------------------
10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
58,900
- ---------- ------------ --- ----------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
325,400
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
(see instructions) [X]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
6.3%
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions)
IN
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
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- --------------------------- ------------------------------------
CUSIP No. 923366 10 8 13D Page 3 of 13 Pages
-- ---
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOs. OF ABOVE PERSONS (entities only)
Deborah A. Lipkin IRA
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions)
(a) [ ]
(b) [ ]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions)
PF
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) [ ]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Deborah A. Lipkin IRA was organized in the State of Minnesota.
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
7 SOLE VOTING POWER
500
NUMBER OF --- ----------------------------------------------------
SHARES 8 SHARED VOTING POWER
BENEFICIALLY -0-
OWNED BY --- ----------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
REPORTING 500
PERSON --- ----------------------------------------------------
WITH: 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
-0-
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
500
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
(see instructions) [X]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
.01%
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions)
OO
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
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CUSIP No. 923366 10 8 13D Page 4 of 13 Pages
-- ---
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOs. OF ABOVE PERSONS (entities only)
Katherine A. Kinnaman IRA
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions)
(a) [ ]
(b) [ ]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions)
PF
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) [ ]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Katherine A. Kinnaman IRA was organized in the State of Minnesota.
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
7 SOLE VOTING POWER
600
NUMBER OF --- ----------------------------------------------------
SHARES 8 SHARED VOTING POWER
BENEFICIALLY -0-
OWNED BY --- ----------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
REPORTING 600
PERSON --- ----------------------------------------------------
WITH: 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
-0-
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
600
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
(see instructions) [X]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
.01%
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions)
OO
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
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CUSIP No. 923366 10 8 13D Page 5 of 13 Pages
-- ---
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOs. OF ABOVE PERSONS (entities only)
Caroline M. Lipkin
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions)
(a) [ ]
(b) [ ]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions)
PF
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) [ ]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Caroline A. Lipkin is a citizen of the United States.
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
7 SOLE VOTING POWER
2,800
NUMBER OF --- ----------------------------------------------------
SHARES 8 SHARED VOTING POWER
BENEFICIALLY -0-
OWNED BY --- ----------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
REPORTING 2,800
PERSON --- ----------------------------------------------------
WITH: 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
-0-
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
2,800
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
(see instructions) [X]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
.05%
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions)
IN
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
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CUSIP No. 923366 10 8 13D Page 6 of 13 Pages
-- ---
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
1 NAME OF REPORTING PERSONS
I.R.S. IDENTIFICATION NOs. OF ABOVE PERSONS (entities only)
Koloa Limited Partnership
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
2 CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX IF A MEMBER OF A GROUP (see instructions)
(a) [ ]
(b) [ ]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SEC USE ONLY
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SOURCE OF FUNDS (see instructions)
PF
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
5 CHECK IF DISCLOSURE OF LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IS REQUIRED PURSUANT TO
ITEMS 2(d) or 2(e) [ ]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
6 CITIZENSHIP OR PLACE OF ORGANIZATION
Koloa Limited Partnership is an entity formed under the laws of the
State of Minnesota.
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
7 SOLE VOTING POWER
52,000
NUMBER OF --- ----------------------------------------------------
SHARES 8 SHARED VOTING POWER
BENEFICIALLY -0-
OWNED BY --- ----------------------------------------------------
EACH 9 SOLE DISPOSITIVE POWER
REPORTING 52,000
PERSON --- ----------------------------------------------------
WITH: 10 SHARED DISPOSITIVE POWER
-0-
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
11 AGGREGATE AMOUNT BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY EACH REPORTING PERSON
52,000
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
12 CHECK IF THE AGGREGATE AMOUNT IN ROW (11) EXCLUDES CERTAIN SHARES
(see instructions) [X]
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
13 PERCENT OF CLASS REPRESENTED BY AMOUNT IN ROW (11)
1.0%
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
14 TYPE OF REPORTING PERSON (see instructions)
PN
- ---------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
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ITEM 1. Security and Issuer
This statement relates to shares of the common stock, par value $0.01
per share (the "Common Stock"), of Verdant Brands, Inc., a Minnesota
Corporation formerly known as Ringer Corporation (the "Issuer"), whose
principal executive offices are located at 9555 James Avenue South,
Suite 200, Bloomington, Minnesota 55431-2543.
ITEM 2. Identity and Background
(a) Name: This statement is being filed by Raymond A. Lipkin.
(b) Residence Address: Mr. Lipkin's address is 161 Ferndale Avenue
South, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391.
(c) Principal Occupation: Mr. Lipkin is retired. He was previously
employed as an investment advisor.
(d) Criminal Convictions: During the last five years, Mr. Lipkin
has not been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding
traffic violations or similar misdemeanors)
(e) Civil Proceedings: During the last five years, Mr. Lipkin has
not been a party to any civil proceeding of a judicial or
administrative body of competent jurisdiction as a result of
which he was or is subject to a judgment, decree or final
order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or
mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities
laws or finding of any violation with respect to such laws.
(f) Citizenship: Mr. Lipkin is a citizen of the United States.
Identity and Background - Reporting Persons Holding Less than 5% of the
Issuer's Outstanding Shares
Deborah A. Lipkin IRA
(a) Name: Deborah A. Lipkin IRA.
(b) Residence Address: c/o Raymond A. Lipkin, 161 Ferndale Avenue
South, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391.
(c) Principal Occupation: N/A
(d) Criminal Convictions: None
(e) Civil Proceedings: None
(f) Citizenship: Deborah A. Lipkin IRA was organized in the State
of Minnesota.
Page 7 of 13 Pages
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Katherine A. Kinnaman IRA
(a) Name: Katherine A. Kinnaman IRA.
(b) Residence Address: c/o Raymond A. Lipkin, 161 Ferndale Avenue
South, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391.
(c) Principal Occupation: N/A
(d) Criminal Convictions: None
(e) Civil Proceedings: None
(f) Citizenship: Katherine A. Kinnaman IRA was organized in the
State of Minnesota.
Caroline M. Lipkin
(a) Name: Caroline M. Lipkin
(b) Residence Address: c/o Raymond A. Lipkin, 161 Ferndale Avenue
South, Wayzata, Minnesota 55391.
(c) Principal Occupation: Ms. Lipkin is a photographer.
(d) Criminal Convictions: None
(e) Civil Proceedings: None
(f) Citizenship: Ms. Lipkin is a citizen of the United States.
ITEM 3. Source And Amount of Funds or Other Consideration
The shares of Common Stock of the Issuer acquired by Mr. Lipkin during
the past sixty days, identified on Appendix A herein, were purchased
for cash in open market transactions using personal funds.
ITEM 4. Purpose of Transaction
All of the reporting persons named herein have acquired the securities
described in Items 1 and 5 for investment purposes.
All reporting persons hereunder may, from time to time, (1) acquire
addtional shares of Common Stock (subject to availability at prices
deemed favorable to such persons) in the open market, in privately
negotiated transactions, or otherwise, or (2) attempt to dispose of
shares of Common Stock in the open market, in privately negotiated
transactions or otherwise.
Page 8 of 13 Pages
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None of the reporting persons named herein have present plans or
intentions that would result in or relate to any of the transactions
described in subparagraphs (a) through (j) of Item 4 of Schedule 13D.
ITEM 5. Interest in Securities of the Issuer
(a) On November 8, 1999, Mr. Lipkin purchased 50,000 shares of
Common Stock of the Issuer, which caused his beneficial
ownership of shares of the Issuer to exceed 5%. As of the date
of this filing, Mr. Lipkin beneficially owns 325,400 shares of
Common Stock of the Issuer, representing approximately 6.3% of
the outstanding shares. This percentage is based upon
5,134,004 shares of Common Stock outstanding at November 12,
1999, as reported by Issuer's Chief Financial Officer.
(b) As of November 8, 1999, the reporting persons hereunder own
the following shares of Common Stock of the Issuer:
Shares Percentage of
Name Owned Outstanding Shares
---- ------ ------------------
Raymond A. Lipkin 269,500 5.20%
Koloa Limited Partnership 52,000 1.00%
Deborah A. Lipkin IRA 500 .01%
Katherine A. Kinnaman IRA 600 .01%
Caroline M. Lipkin 2,800 .05%
This report is being filed with respect to the foregoing
325,400 shares of Common Stock of the Issuer, of which (i)
266,500 shares are held by Mr. Lipkin directly, in his
Simplified Employee Pension ("SEP") account or in his
Individual Retirement Account ("IRA") and are subject to his
sole voting and dispositive power, (ii) 3,000 shares are held
jointly with Mr. Lipkin's spouse and with respect to which Mr.
Lipkin has shared voting and dispositive power, (iii) 52,000
shares are held by Koloa Limited Partnership, a family
partnership in which Mr. Lipkin and his spouse are general
partners and Mr. Lipkin is the managing partner with shared
voting and dispositive power, and (iv) 3,900 shares are held
by or on behalf of the family members other than Mr. Lipkin
identified above and with respect to which Mr. Lipkin has
management and shared voting power. Mr. Lipkin disclaims
beneficial ownership with respect to all but the 266,500
shares over which he has sole voting and dispositive power,
shares held jointly with Mrs. Lipkin and his proportionate
interest in the family partnership. With the exception of Mr.
Lipkin, all reporting persons hereunder disclaim beneficial
ownership of shares held by others.
Page 9 of 13 Pages
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(c) Transactions in the Common Stock of the Issuer effected by Mr.
Lipkin in the last 60 days are described on the attached
Appendix A and incorporated herein by reference. All such
transactions were purchases effected in the open market. Other
than as identified on Appendix A, the reporting persons
hereunder have not effected any transactions in the Common
Stock of the Issuer during the past sixty days.
(d) Not applicable.
(e) Not applicable.
ITEM 6. Contracts, Arrangements, Understandings or Relationships with Respect
to Securities of the Issuer
Mr. Lipkin has an understanding with certain family members described
in Items 5(b) and (d) above for management of their respective holdings
of the Common Stock of the Issuer. Other than these arrangements, Mr.
Lipkin does not have any contracts, arrangements, understandings or
relationships (legal or otherwise) with any person with respect to any
securities of the Issuer.
ITEM 7. Materials to be filed as Exhibits
Appendix A - Transactions in Securities of the Issuer
Exhibit 1 Joint Filing Agreement
Page 10 of 13 Pages
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SIGNATURES
----------
After reasonable inquiry and to the best of our knowledge and belief,
we certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete
and correct.
November 17, 1999
/s/Raymond A. Lipkin
-----------------------------------
Raymond A. Lipkin
November 17, 1999 Deborah A. Lipkin IRA
By: /s/Deborah A. Lipkin
-----------------------------------
Deborah A. Lipkin
November 17, 1999 Katherine A. Kinnaman IRA
By: /s/Katherine A. Kinnaman
-----------------------------------
Katherine A. Kinnaman
November 17, 1999
/s/Caroline M. Lipkin
-----------------------------------
Caroline M. Lipkin
November 17, 1999 Koloa Limited Partnership
By: /s/Raymond A. Lipkin
-----------------------------------
Raymond A. Lipkin, Managing Partner
Page 11 of 13 Pages
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APPENDIX A
Transactions in Securities of Verdant Brands, Inc.
(Shares of Common Stock of the Issuer purchased directly by Raymond A. Lipkin)
No. of Shares Purchased Total
Date in the Last Sixty Days Purchase Price
---- ---------------------- --------------
9/22/99 10,000 32,505
9/27/99 30,000 71,255
11/08/99 50,000 81,255
------ ------
Total 90,000 $ 185,015
Page 12 of 13 Pages
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EXHIBIT 1
TO SCHEDULE 13D
JOINT FILING AGREEMENT
The undersigned parties hereby agree that this Schedule 13D relating to
securities of Verdant Brands, Inc. shall be filed on behalf of each of them.
November 17, 1999
/s/Raymond A. Lipkin
----------------------------------------
Raymond A. Lipkin
November 17, 1999 Deborah A. Lipkin IRA
By: /s/Deborah A. Lipkin
----------------------------------------
Deborah A. Lipkin
November 17, 1999 Katherine A. Kinnaman IRA
By: /s/Katherine A. Kinnaman
----------------------------------------
Katherine A. Kinnaman
November 17, 1999
/s/Caroline M. Lipkin
----------------------------------------
Caroline M. Lipkin
November 17, 1999 Koloa Limited Partnership
By: /s/Raymond A. Lipkin
----------------------------------------
Raymond A. Lipkin, Managing Partner
Page 13 of 13 Pages
