NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) April 12, 2002--Standard&Poor's said today that it lowered its corporate credit rating on retail discounter Dollar General Corp. to double-'B'-plus from triple-'B'-minus based on the restatement of financial results, reduced financial flexibility, and the challenges management faces in improving its financial and operating controls while expanding rapidly within a highly competitive industry. The outlook is negative. Goodlettsville, Tenn.-based Dollar General had $735 million total debt outstanding as of Feb. 1, 2002. "Although the restatement did not materially impact cash flow for the restated years, it still points to inadequate financial controls. These issues are being addressed by the new financial management team," Standard&Poor's credit analyst Mary Lou Burde said. "Dollar General
