S&P's Cuts Pacific & Atlantic Ratings

Standard & Poor's lowered its corporate credit ratings on Pacific & Atlantic Holdings Inc. to 'SD' (selective default) from double-'C'. At the same time, the ratings on the company's 11.5% $128 million first preferred mortgage notes, due 2008, were lowered to 'D' (default) from double-'C'. All ratings are removed from CreditWatch, where they were placed on March 2, 1999, with negative implications. The rating actions took place at the end of an extended grace period for the payment of the half-yearly interest installment on Pacific & Atlantic's first preferred mortgage notes. The company did not make the coupon payment due on Nov. 30, 1999. Pacific & Atlantic has reached the final stage of negotiations in a restructuring agreement with bondholders, which will involve a swap of debt for equity. The company's corporate credit rating has been placed on 'SD' as it is still current on some of its other senior secured obligations. Standard & Poor's will meet with management in the coming months to review the company's new financial structure, and assign a new rating as appropriate.