France-based chemicals producer Arkema has significantly increased its through-the-cycle EBITDA thanks to capacity additions, restructuring, acquisitions, and divestments. The company has also maintained a conservative financial policy and posted strong financial ratios which provide an ample cushion in case industry conditions markedly weaken in 2012 or 2013. We are raising our long- and short-term corporate credit ratings on Arkema to 'BBB/A-2' from 'BBB-/A-3'. The stable outlook reflects our expectation that Arkema will maintain its conservative financial policy and financial headroom to protect against the uncertain European economic environment. PARIS (Standard&Poor's) May 23, 2012--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today it raised the long-term and short-term corporate credit ratings on France-based chemicals producer Arkema S.A. to 'BBB/A-2' from 'BBB-/A-3'.
