NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Oct. 23, 2007--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that there will not be an immediate effect on the ratings or outlook on NIKE Inc. (A+/Stable/A-1) as a result of the company's announcement that it will acquire Umbro PLC, a U.K.-based global soccer supplier, for about $582 million (£285 million). The acquisition is in line with NIKE's strategy to expand its presence in the soccer market, having grown soccer revenues from $40 million in the 1990's to about $1.5 billion in fiscal 2007. Umbro designs and sells soccer-related apparel and uniforms, footwear, and equipment, to more than 90 countries, and it has marketing relationships with many top soccer players, teams, and leagues. Umbro's strong market
