(Editor's note: This article, originally issued earlier today, has been republished to amend the net adjusted debt figure mentioned in the seventh paragraph, which was previously misstated. A corrected version follows.) On Sept. 14, 2004, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'BBB+/A-2' corporate credit rating on Finland-based energy company Fortum Oyj (Fortum). The outlook is stable. The rating affirmation follows the announcement that the company plans to demerge its oil business, Fortum Oil Oy, through a share dividend and the sale of shares to be carried out in spring 2005. The affirmation reflects the fact that Fortum's business risk will decrease, as the higher-risk oil operation will be fully separated from the group. The loss of about 15%-20% of
