Standard&Poor's Ratings Services perceives no immediate effect on DTE Energy Co.'s (BBB+/Stable/A-2) credit quality regarding the company's announcement that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its electricity transmission business subsidiary, International Transmission Co., to affiliates of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts&Co. and Trimaran Capital Partners L.L.C. for about $610 million in cash. Standard&Poor's believes ratings will not be affected because although the sale of the company's most stable asset increases the company's consolidated risk profile, a portion of the proceeds will be used to reduce debt, which will improve the company's financial profile.
