...- Apollo Global Management Inc. and Athene Holding Ltd. announced their intent to merge in an all-stock transaction. - Our view of the prospective group credit profile strengthened to 'a' after we raised our financial strength rating on Athene to 'A+' due to its improved competitive position. - We therefore revised our outlook on Apollo to positive from stable and affirmed our 'A-' issuer credit and unsecured debt ratings on the company, as well as our '###' ratings on the company's preferred stock and subordinated debt. - The positive outlook indicates our expectation that upon the close of the merger, we would consider raising our ratings on Apollo if we assess the group credit profile as 'a', if Apollo's stand-alone credit profile does not weaken, and if we view Apollo as core to the group....
