NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Oct. 27, 2003--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it assigned its 'BBB+' senior unsecured debt rating to Unitrin Inc.'s (NYSE:UTR) $200 million, 4.875% senior notes, which are due in 2010. The $200 million issue exhausts the $500 million universal shelf filed on May 9, 2002, in which the company initially issued $300 million of 5.75% senior notes due in 2007. The proceeds from the notes are expected to be used to pay down $140 million outstanding under the company's existing $360 million credit facility. The balance of $60 million is expected to be used for general corporate purposes. "Unitrin's operating performance in 2003 is expected to continue to improve," said Standard&Poor's
