On Feb. 3, 2003, Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'B' corporate credit rating to houseware manufacturer and marketer WKI Holding Co. Inc. At the same time, Standard&Poor's assigned its 'B' senior secured debt rating to the company's proposed $315 million senior secured credit facilities and its 'CCC+' subordinated debt rating to the company's proposed $123 million senior subordinated notes due 2010. The ratings are based on preliminary documentation, and are subject to review once final documentation is received. Proceeds from the bank loan and subordinated notes will be used as part of the exit financing under the company's Nov. 15, 2002, proposed plan of reorganization. The outlook is stable. Pro forma for the reorganization, Reston, Va.-based
