LONDON (Standard&Poor's) March 20, 2007--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that its ratings on Barclays Bank PLC (AA/Stable/A-1+) and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (AA-/Stable/A-1+) and their related entities are not immediately affected by the announcement that the banks are in exploratory discussions about a potential combination. Standard&Poor's notes that the talks are at an early stage, with a variety of possible outcomes, and will continue to comment as more details emerge. In determining possible rating actions, we will pay close attention to the proposed financial structure of any deal, the integration program and targeted synergies, and any plans for disposals. In Standard&Poor's view, a combined group would face considerable challenges in integrating the
