TORONTO (Standard&Poor's) Dec. 9, 2002--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services today said it assigned its 'BBB+' senior unsecured debt rating to retailer Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd.'s (Canadian Tire) C$750 million medium-term note program. At the same time, the ratings outstanding on the Toronto, Ont.-based company, including the 'BBB+' long-term corporate credit rating, were affirmed. The outlook is stable. The ratings on Canadian Tire reflect its leading position in Canadian hard-goods retailing and a credit card operation that is a significant contributor to operating income. "The company has demonstrated resilient earnings in the context of a difficult economic and competitive environment, and improving credit protection measures and substantial liquidity in light of recent asset monetizations," said Standard&Poor's credit
