Bangkok--17 Jul--Standard & Poor's NEW YORK July 13, 2007--Across the globe, 26 issuers have entered the investment-grade arena from speculative grade so far this year, according to an article published today by Standard & Poor's. The article, which is titled "Global Potential Rising Stars," says that this is an increase of two entities since last month, affecting debt worth US$55 (?39.9) billion. "Financials led the charge with seven entities," said Diane Vazza, head of Standard & Poor's Global Fixed Income Research Group. "Regionally, nine of the 26 rising-star actions were recorded in emerging markets. The U.S. led with 10 rising stars, accounting for 38.4% of the total." Both the additions this month--U.K.-based British Airways PLC and U.S.-based Waste Connections Inc.--were part of our potential rising star list last month. The entities were upgraded primarily because of their improved business profiles. As of July 10, 2007, 29 globally rated entities are well-positioned to ascend to investment grade, one fewer than the number reported in June but as many as reported a year ago. Together, these 29 entities account for a total of US$136.5 (?99.23) billion in rated debt, of which US$86.8 (?63) billion was attributable to sovereigns. The report is available to subscribers of RatingsDirect, the real-time Web-based source for Standard & Poor's credit ratings, research, and risk analysis, at you are not a RatingsDirect subscriber, you may purchase a copy of the report by calling (1) 212-438-9823 or sending an e-mail to .Ratingsinformation can also be found on Standard & Poor's public Web site at www.standardandpoors.com;underCredit Ratings in the left navigation bar, select Find a Rating, then Credit Ratings Search. Members of the media may request a copy of this report by contacting the media representative provided. Media Contact: Mimi Barker, New York (1) 212-438-5054 mini [email protected] Analyst Contacts: Diane Vazza, New York (1) 212-438-2760 Mimi Barker, New York (1) 212-438-5054 Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP), is the world's foremost provider of financial market intelligence, including independent credit ratings, indices, risk evaluation, investment research and data. With approximately 8,500 employees, including wholly owned affiliates, located in 21 countries. Standard & Poor's is an essential part of the world's financial infrastructure and has played a leading role for more than 140 years in providing investors with the independent benchmarks they need to feel more confident about their investment and financial decisions. For more information, visit . Key Contacts: Americas Media Relations: (1) 212-438-6667 media_ [email protected] Americas Customer Service: (1) 212-438-7280 [email protected]