(Editor's note: This release, originally published on Oct. 7, 2004, has been republished to clarify information about the notes, including the law under which the notes will be issued and use of the alternative coupon payment method. A corrected version follows.) PARIS (Standard&Poor's) Oct. 7, 2004--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it had assigned its 'A' subordinated debt rating to the proposed €1 billion perpetual junior subordinated notes to be issued by Belgium-based Fortis Bank (AA-/Stable/A-1+). "The two-notch differential between the long-term counterparty credit rating on Fortis Bank and the subordinated debt rating assigned to the issue reflects the subordinated nature of the instrument and the possibility of a cash coupon suspension," said Standard&Poor's
