OVERVIEW We have observed deterioration in the performance of the underlying mortgage loan portfolio and an increasing amount of unpaid PDL, driven by a higher-than-expected amount of default. As a result, we have lowered our ratings on Sestante series 2's class C1 and C2 notes. Our ratings on the class A and B notes remain unaffected. Sestante series 2 is a segregated RMBS transaction that securitizes a pool of residential mortgage loans originated in Italy by Meliorbanca. MILAN (Standard&Poor's) Dec. 31, 2010--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services today lowered and removed from CreditWatch negative its credit ratings on Sestante Finance S.r.l.'s class C1 and C2 notes series 2. Our ratings on the class A and B notes remain unaffected