FRANKFURT (Standard&Poor's) April 27, 2006--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today it affirmed its long-term 'AAA' and short-term 'A-1+' issuer credit ratings on Austria-based state motorway operator Autobahnen- und Schnellstrassen-Finanzierungs-Aktiengesellschaft (ASFINAG). "The ratings on ASFINAG reflect its monopoly position as constructor and operator of the Austrian motorway and high-speed road network, strong explicit and implicit government support ensured by the company's strategic importance to its sole shareholder, the Republic of Austria, which is rated AAA/Stable/A-1+," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Kai Stukenbrock. "They also reflect a tight legal framework defining the government's role in ASFINAG's operations." ASFINAG is responsible for the financing, construction, maintenance, and operation of the entire Austrian network of motorways and high-speed roads. Although
