PARIS (Standard&Poor's) July 26, 2002--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that the ratings and outlook on Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A. (A/Negative/A-1) remain unchanged following the company's release of its half-year results, and the announcement of a €100 pretax provision for asbestos liabilities for the full year. The six-month figures reflect the group's solid business profile, which translates into a proven ability to consistently generate healthy free cash flows, despite challenging global economic conditions. Sales were €15.3 billion, down 0.3% like-for-like, and free cash flow was €786 million, down 6% on the comparable 2001 period. Net debt stood at €8 billion. Standard&Poor's continues to view the group's exposure to asbestos liabilities as being manageable, and generating
