TOKYO (Standard&Poor's) Nov. 15, 2011--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today it has assigned its 'A-' rating to Aeon Co. Ltd.'s (A-/Negative/--) ¥20.0 billion senior unsecured straight bonds due Nov. 21, 2018. The coupon rate is 1.01%. The 'A-' long-term rating on Aeon reflects the company's leading position and strong brand recognition in Japan's retail market; its strong managerial leadership, including a record of swift improvements to operations; and its strong performance in nonretail businesses such as shopping center development and financial services, which has somewhat eased the impact of volatile retail earnings. In our view, however, difficult conditions in the retail industry, reflecting intense competition and uncertainties over Japan's economy, and the prospect of debt increasing toward
