Investing.com -- Following the completion of International Paper Co (NYSE:IP).’s acquisition of DS Smith PLC, S&P Global (NYSE:SPGI) Ratings has upgraded its long- and short-term issuer credit ratings (ICR) on DS Smith PLC and its rated subsidiary, DS Smith Ireland Treasury DAC. The ratings are now on par with the long- and short-term ICRs (BBB/A-2) of International Paper Co., indicating a stable outlook.
S&P Global Ratings also equalized the ratings on DS Smith PLC’s senior unsecured debt to match the ratings on the senior unsecured debt (BBB) of International Paper Co. These actions were taken on Feb. 13, 2025.
The ratings upgrade comes on the heels of International Paper Co.’s announcement on Jan. 31, 2025, that it had successfully acquired DS Smith PLC. S&P Global Ratings anticipates that International Paper Co. will assume DS Smith PLC’s debt as part of the takeover. This expectation has influenced the decision to equalize the credit ratings of both companies.
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