...MELBOURNE (S&P Global Ratings) Aug. 14, 2017--S&P Global Ratings today said that Asciano Ltd.'s (###-/Stable) proposed acquisition of the Acacia Ridge intermodal terminal (ART) in Queensland and Aurizon Holdings Ltd.'s Queensland intermodal rail contracts and assets has no immediate impact on the issuer and issue credit ratings on Asciano. This is because the total acquisition price will only marginally weaken Asciano's credit metrics in 2018 and thereafter. Both sales are subject to approvals from the Foreign Investment Review Board and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which are likely to be completed by the end of the year ending June 30, 2018. The bulk of the acquisition cost relates to ART. Acquisition of ART supplements Asciano's network of rail infrastructure in Australia's capital cities. ART is strategically located close to the port of Brisbane and the city of Brisbane, and is well positioned for the future inland rail network between Melbourne and Brisbane. ART...
