NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) May 24, 2011--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it has assigned its 'A' issue-level rating to Caterpillar Inc.' s proposed senior unsecured note offering. The term notes will be issued under the company's WKSI shelf registration statement, with various maturities. Caterpillar will use the proceeds from the notes to fund a portion of its planned acquisition of Bucyrus International Inc. The U.S. Dept of Justice recently gave clearance for the transaction to proceed. The ratings on Peoria, Ill.-based construction equipment and diesel engine manufacturer Caterpillar reflect the company's strong competitive business position in the cyclical global construction equipment market, its solid cash flow generation, and its demonstrated ability to remain profitable even at
