NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) March 3, 2009--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it assigned its 'A+' senior unsecured debt rating to The Coca-Cola Co.'s (Coke) $900 million senior notes due 2014 and $1.35 billion senior notes due 2019. The company issued the notes under its Rule 415 shelf registration. "We expect that Atlanta, Ga.-based Coke will use the net proceeds from these debt issuances to repay commercial paper and for general corporate purposes," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Jean C. Stout. The 'A+' corporate credit rating on Coke reflects the company's position as the world's largest manufacturer of nonalcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as its geographic diversification, which has historically translated into strong profitability
