NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Dec. 3, 2004-- Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that the announcement that Adecco S.A. (BBB-/Stable/A-3) and Manpower Inc. (BBB-/Stable/--) are under investigation by French authorities for alleged anticompetitive practices in the French staffing market does not affect the companies' ratings and outlooks at this stage. France, the largest market for both companies, represents a significant earnings concentration. The exact nature and scope of this investigation have not yet been made public. Also, the timing for the investigation's completion and its potential impact on Adecco's and Manpower's business and financial positions are highly uncertain. In particular, the final outcome and timing relating to potential penalty payments, if Adecco and Manpower are found guilty of
