NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) May 8, 2007--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today it assigned its 'BB-' senior unsecured debt rating to Constellation Brands Inc.'s proposed $700 million note offering due 2017, issued under Rule 144A with registration rights. Net proceeds will be used to reduce outstanding borrowings under the company's senior secured revolving credit facility. Constellation Brands' ratings reflect the company's acquisitive growth strategy, highly leveraged financial profile, significant debt burden, and participation in the highly competitive beverage alcohol markets. Constellation Brands' highly leveraged financial profile is somewhat offset by its historically strong cash generation from a diverse portfolio of consumer brands. (For latest corporate credit rating rationale on Constellation Brands, see Standard&Poor's research update published
