NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's CreditWire) Dec. 14, 2000--Standard&Poor's today affirmed its ratings on Weight Watchers International Inc. (see list of ratings below). The affirmation follows the company's announced plan to acquire certain franchised territories operated by Weighco Enterprises Inc., Weighco of Northwest Inc., and Weighco of Southwest Inc. (jointly referred to as Weighco) for $83.8 million. The outlook is positive. About $462 million of total debt was outstanding on Oct. 28, 2000. Weighco operates 750 meeting locations in the Southeastern, South central, and Northwestern U.S. The acquisition will be funded with about $50 million of debt; the balance will be funded with cash on hand. Weighco generates about $60 million in sales and the purchase price is
