Leadership in casual dining and long history of success in the restaurant industry; Sound financial position and consistent profitability; and Consistent cash flows and improved credit protection measures. Participation in the highly competitive restaurant industry. The ratings on Darden Restaurants Inc. reflect the company's relatively good position in the casual-dining industry, geographic and concept diversity, and the good cash flow and profitability of its restaurants. The company's participation in the intensely competitive casual-dining sector of the restaurant industry partially offset these strengths. Darden is the largest full-service casual-dining restaurant company in the U.S., operating more than 1,700 units. Standard&Poor's Ratings Services believes the October 2007 acquisition of RARE Hospitality International Inc. could have some strategic value to Darden's
