On July 20, 2005, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'BBB' rating to $1.5 billion of notes to be issued in three tranches (see ratings list) by BAE Systems Holdings Inc., guaranteed by BAE Systems PLC. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its ratings, including the 'BBB/A-3' corporate credit ratings, on Farnborough, U.K.-based BAE Systems PLC. The outlook is negative. About £3 billion of debt is outstanding. The three tranches are expected to be of similar size in three, five and 10-year maturities. The proceeds will be used to repay drawings on the firm's $3 billion acquisition credit facility that were used to partially finance the recently completed acquisition of U.S.-based United Defense Industries Inc. The notes