On Oct. 6, 2008, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services placed on CreditWatch with positive implications the 'A/A-1' long- and short-term counterparty credit ratings on Fortis Bank SA/NV (Fortis Bank Belgium; FBB) and its subsidiary Fortis Banque Luxembourg S.A.(FBL) following purchases of a controlling stake in FBB by BNP Paribas (AA+/Negative/A-1+). At the same time, we also placed on CreditWatch with developing implications the 'A/A-1' long- and short-term counterparty credit ratings on Fortis Bank Nederland (Holding) N.V., following its purchase by the Dutch government. Meanwhile, we lowered the long- and short-term counterparty credit ratings to 'BBB-/A-3' from 'A-/A-2' on Fortis group's two holding companies, Fortis SA/NV and Fortis N.V. We placed the ratings on CreditWatch with negative implications. In addition, we:
