Brazil-based beef producer Minerva has improved its capital structure and liquidity, and has generated positive discretionary cash flow. We are raising our global scale ratings to 'BB-' from 'B+' and our national scale rating to 'brA-' from 'brBBB+'. The stable outlook reflects our expectation that Minerva will use additional cash on hand and free operating cash flow to gradually reduce its debt. SAO PAULO (Standard&Poor's) April 30, 2013--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its global scale ratings on Minerva S.A. (Minerva) to 'BB-' from 'B+', and its national scale ratings to 'brA-' from 'brBBB+'. Is total outstanding rated debt is approximately $1.06 billion. The outlook is stable. "The upgrade reflects our expectation that Minerva will maintain its strong