NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Aug. 8, 2006--On Aug. 8, 2006, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its preliminary 'BB' senior unsecured debt rating and preliminary 'B' preferred stock rating to Constellation Brands Inc.'s Rule 415 shelf registration. This filing falls under the SEC's well-known seasoned issuer (WKSI) rules, which do not require a dollar amount of securities or stock to be registered. "Net proceeds from any debt or stock issuances will be used for general corporate purposes including repaying existing debt, working capital, capital expenditures and acquisitions," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Jean C. Stout. The corporate credit rating on Constellation Brands is BB/Negative/--. The rating reflects the company's acquisitive growth strategy, highly leveraged financial profile, significant debt
