NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Sept. 25, 2003--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it assigned its 'AA-' senior unsecured debt rating to pharmaceutical firm Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.'s $1 billion senior unsecured convertible notes offering, which is due 2023, based on the company's strong presence in the worldwide pharmaceutical industry, diverse product portfolio, and solid financials, partially offset by uncertain prospects of the company's new product launches. The notes are issued under Rule 144A with registration rights. Standard&Poor's also said that it affirmed its 'AA-/A-1+' corporate credit, 'AA-' senior unsecured debt, and 'A-1+' commercial paper ratings on Bristol-Myers. The outlook on Bristol-Myers is negative. "The current ratings depend on the continued sales growth of core products Pravachol,
