TOKYO (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) July 3, 2000--Standard&Poor's today affirmed its triple-'B' long-term counterparty credit rating on Orix Corp. The outlook on the rating is stable. The affirmation follows the announcement by the consortium comprised of Orix, SoftBank Corp., and Tokio Marine&Fire Insurance Co. Ltd., that it has reached final agreement with the government to acquire Nippon Credit Bank (NCB). The investment by Orix in NCB is relatively small and its shareholding of 14.9% has minority status. Nevertheless, depending on the credit standing of NCB, the ultimate impact on Orix's rating may be different. In assessing the credit standing of the new NCB, Standard&Poor's will review the bank's business plan, risk management policies, and
