NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Jan. 16, 2008--Standard&Poor Ratings Services said today that its rating and outlook on graphite electrodes manufacturer Graftech International Ltd. (B+/Positive/--) are not affected at this time by the company's announcement that it will redeem $125 million of its outstanding 10.25% senior notes due 2012. The company expects to carry out the optional redemption on or about Feb. 15, 2008. It will be funded through the combination of cash flow from operations and other financing activities. Upon completion of the planned redemption, $75 million in principal amount of the senior notes will be outstanding. While the expected debt reduction further strengthens the company's consolidated financial profile, we remain concerned about rising raw material costs,
