TOKYO (Standard&Poor's) Aug. 3, 2012--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services today said that it had assigned its 'A-' issue rating to the 17th and 18th series of senior unsecured straight bonds issued by Japan-based retailer Aeon Co. Ltd. (A-/Negative/--). The issue amount of the series 17 bonds is ¥20 billion, due on Aug. 9, 2019, with a coupon rate of 0.72%; and that of the series 18 bonds is ¥20 billion, due on Aug. 9, 2022, with a coupon rate of 1.15%. The rating on Aeon reflects the company's leading position and strong brand recognition in Japan's retail market; its strong managerial leadership and ability to make swift improvements to operations; and its strong performance in nonretail businesses such