U.S.-based Constellation Brands Inc. announced that it has signed a definitive agreement with Anheuser-Busch InBev N.V./S.A. to purchase the remaining 50% interest in Crown Imports LLC for $1.85 billion (representing about an 8.5x multiple of 50% of Crown's EBIT). We are affirming our 'BB+' corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on Constellation Brands. The stable outlook reflects our expectation that management is committed to credit quality. We believe the restoration of the company's financial profile and return to credit metrics closer to current levels will remain a higher priority than funding additional growth investments or shareholder friendly initiatives. On June 29, 2012, Standard&Poor's Rating Services affirmed its 'BB+' corporate credit and senior unsecured debt ratings on Constellation
