On April 27, 2006, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its long-term 'AAA' and short-term 'A-1+' issuer credit ratings on Austria-based state motorway operator Autobahnen- und Schnellstrassen-Finanzierungs-Aktiengesellschaft (ASFINAG). The ratings on ASFINAG reflect its monopoly position as constructor and operator of the Austrian motorway and high-speed road network, strong explicit and implicit government support ensured by the company's strategic importance to the Republic of Austria (AAA/Stable/A-1+), its sole shareholder, and a tight legal framework defining the government's role in ASFINAG's operations. ASFINAG is responsible for the financing, construction, maintenance, and operation of the entire Austrian network of motorways and high-speed roads. Although the motorway network remains the property of the republic, ASFINAG has been granted the usufruct over the network.
