NEW YORK (S&P Global Ratings) Oct. 18, 2016--S&P Global Ratings said today that it assigned its 'AA-' issue-level rating to Beaverton, Ore.-based NIKE Inc.'s proposed $1 billion senior unsecured notes due in 2026 and $500 million senior unsecured notes due in 2046. We expect the company will use proceeds for IT infrastructure improvements, such as investments in its direct-to-consumer platform to enhance consumer engagement and the ability to meet consumers' buy anywhere/anytime purchasing preferences. We also believe it will be used to support improvements to its global distribution network to more efficiently move increasing volume through its platform, general corporate purposes, and transaction fees and expenses. Pro forma for the transactions, reported debt is approximately $3.55 billion. NIKE Inc., the
