NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) April 9, 2002--Standard&Poor's said today it assigned its triple–'B' rating to Brinker International's $388.5 million zero coupon convertible senior debentures due in 2021 and $375 million bank credit facility that matures on Dec. 12, 2005. Brinker is the second-largest company in the casual dining restaurant sector based on sales. A triple–'B' corporate credit rating was also assigned to the company. The outlook is positive. Dallas, Texas-based Brinker had $393 million of debt outstanding as of Dec. 26, 2001. "The ratings on Brinker are based on the company's solid position in the casual dining industry, good track record as a restaurant operator, and satisfactory financial profile," Standard&Poor's credit analyst Diane Shand said.
