TORONTO (Standard&Poor's) Aug. 3, 2010--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services today said that its ratings on Calgary, Alta.-based Talisman Energy Inc. (BBB/Stable/--) are unaffected by the company's announced acquisition of a 49% interest in BP Exploration Co. (Colombia) Ltd. for US$858 million plus a share of working capital adjustment (Ecopetrol S.A. [BB+/Positive/--] will acquire the remaining 51%). Talisman expects the transaction to close by the end of 2010, subject to regulatory approval and other customary conditions. We believe the acquisition will marginally enhance Talisman's geographic diversity by adding about 12,000 barrels of oil equivalent liquid-focused daily production as well as some growth opportunities in Colombia. In our opinion, the all-cash transaction will not meaningfully affect the company's financial risk
