TOKYO (Standard&Poor's) March 14, 2005--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today there would be no ratings impact on Aeon Co. Ltd. (A-/Stable/--) following the retailer's announcement that it has acquired all the shares of Carrefour Japan, which was a wholly owned subsidiary of French retailer Carrefour S.A. (A+/Stable/A-1). Following the share acquisition, announced March 10, 2005, Carrefour Japan was renamed Aeon Marche Co. Ltd., and Aeon will have the exclusive right to use the Carrefour brand in Japan. According to the deal, Aeon will take over Carrefour's eight stores and about 3,000 employees in Japan. The acquisition will have a limited effect on Aeon's financial profile, as the retailer will not take on any debt from Carrefour Japan.
