SAO PAULO (Standard&Poor's) Oct. 27, 2006--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it assigned its 'B+' long-term corporate credit rating to Brazil-based beef processing company Marfrig Frigoríficos e Comércio de Alimentos Ltda. (Marfrig). At the same time, Standard&Poor's assigned its 'B+' issue credit rating to Marfrig's proposed 10-year $250-million senior unsecured notes. The outlook on the corporate credit rating is stable. Proceeds from the notes will be used to refinance existing bank loans and to fund the company's recent acquisitions and other investments. Marfrig's total debt outstanding at September 2006 amounted to $296 million. "The ratings reflect the company's operations in the volatile and highly competitive global meat industry, including potential trade restrictions and sanitary
