FRANKFURT (Standard&Poor's) Dec. 20, 2005--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today it raised its long-term corporate credit rating on Norway-based fertilizer company Yara International ASA (Yara) to 'BBB+' from 'BBB'. The 'A-2' short-term rating on Yara was affirmed. The outlook is stable. "The upgrade follows Yara's solid track record during its first year as an independent company after being spun off from Norsk Hydro ASA (A/Negative/A-1) and the increased weighting that Standard&Poor's gives to the company's financial profile," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Tobias Mock. "It also reflects Yara's continuously strong cost position as an ammonia producer as well as the ongoing strong conditions in the agrochemical markets." The ratings on Yara reflect its leading
