MOODY'S PLACES UNDER REVIEW FOR POSSIBLE DOWNGRADE THE A2/PRIME-1 DEPOSIT AND C FINANCIAL STRENGTH RATINGS OF BACOB BANK S.C. FOLLOWING THE GROUP'S ANNOUNCEMENT OF A LARGE-SCALE RESTRUCTURING
London, 01-30-98 -- Moody's Investors Service placed under review for possible downgrade the A2/Prime-1 deposit ratings and C financial strength rating of BACOB Bank S.C.. According to Moody's, this rating action follows the announcement yesterday of a large-scale restructuring of the BACOB group which notably entails the creation of a new retail bank subsidiary alongside BACOB's existing specialized subsidiaries. The new entity will keep the name BACOB while the head bank (which is the legal entity currently rated) will be renamed ARTESIA Banking Corporation.
While the group's reorganization plans may not affect its overall creditworthiness, its breakup into various component parts could have negative rating implications for the head bank, to be renamed ARTESIA Banking Corporation. Moody's review will focus on the support mechanisms which will be put in place in order to ensure solidarity among group members. In addition, the review will look at (i) the strategic goals motivating the restructuring, (ii) the ensuing reallocation of assets, liabilities and capital among group members, and (iii) the possible impact of the restructuring on the group's financial profile and profitability.
The following ratings were placed under review for possible downgrade:
BACOB Bank S.C. – long-term and short-term bank deposits at A2/Prime-1, bank financial strength at C and counterparty at A2;
BACOB Delaware Inc. – commercial paper guaranteed by BACOB Bank at Prime-1;
BACOB Finance N.V. – senior debt guaranteed by BACOB Bank at A2;
BACOB Overseas Limited – senior debt at A2 and subordinated debt at A3, both guaranteed by BACOB Bank.
BACOB Bank S.C., headquartered in Brussels, had consolidated assets of BEF 1,523 billion (approx. US$ 44 billion) at end-December 1996.
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