TORONTO (Standard & Poor's) Jan. 23, 2002--Standard & Poor's today assigned its triple-'B'-plus senior unsecured debt rating to Talisman Energy Inc.'s C$325 million 5.80% medium-term notes maturing in 2007. At the same time, the ratings outstanding on the company, including the triple-'B'-plus long-term corporate credit rating, were affirmed. The outlook is positive. (A complete list of ratings is available on RatingsDirect Canada, Standard & Poor's Web-based credit analysis system, or by calling the Toronto Ratings Desk at (1) 800-258-9418.) As this MTN issue and other near-term debt issuances are expected to focus on debt refinancing rather than the issuance of incremental debt to fund the company's operations or acquisitions, Standard & Poor's expects Talisman's leverage will remain at or near
