NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Aug. 9, 2004--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that the ratings and outlook on The Scotts Co. (BB/Positive/--) would not be affected by the company's announcement that it will acquire Smith&Hawken Ltd., for approximately $72 million, including the assumption of $14 million of debt. Scotts will use its revolving credit facility to fund the transaction, which is expected to close after the company's 2004 fiscal year ending Sept. 30. Smith&Hawken participates in several categories of the garden lifestyle category, including garden tools, gardening containers, pottery, live goods, and high-end outdoor furniture, and its products are sold through 56 retail stores around the U.S. as well as through catalog and Internet
