NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Dec. 2, 2003--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that the ratings and outlook on Weight Watchers International Inc. (BB/Stable/--) would not be affected by the firm's announcement that it has paid $27.2 million to acquire two Weight Watchers franchises. The acquisitions expand the geographic footprint of company-owned operations and do not materially affect credit protection measures. Liquidity remains strong, and Standard&Poor's expects that Weight Watchers will continue to prudently manage its cash flow for required debt amortization payments, acquisition opportunities, and stock repurchases to maintain the current ratings and outlook.
