NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fitch Ratings affirms and withdraws the Long-term Issuer Default Rating (LT IDR) of 'BB' for DFL Caribbean Holdings Limited and its subsidiary, Development Finance Limited. A complete list of ratings follows this release.
The affirmation of the IDR reflects Fitch's view that there continues to be a moderate probability of support, reflected in the '3' Support rating, from its existing ownership base in the event of need. The government of Trinidad and Tobago currently owns 28% of the shares.
In addition, the Individual and Viability ratings, which measure standalone financial strength, are placed on Rating Watch Negative. This action reflects Fitch's belief that financial pressure has significantly increased, given the firm's large exposure concentrations, impaired loans and operations in riskier markets.
Fitch's ratings are being withdrawn due to a lack of information.
Established in 1970, the group converted to a holding company structure in 2007 under parent company, DFL Caribbean Holdings Limited. The group focuses on SMEs (small to medium enterprises) and microfinance. The largest subsidiary is Development Finance Limited.
Fitch affirms and withdraws the following ratings:
DFL Caribbean Holdings Limited
--Long-term IDR at 'BB';
--Short-Term IDR at 'B';
--Support rating at '3'.
Development Finance Limited
--Long-term IDR at 'BB';
--Short-term IDR at 'B';
--Support rating at '3'.
Fitch places the following ratings on Rating Watch Negative and subsequently withdraws them:
DFL Caribbean Holdings Limited
--Individual rating 'D';
--Viability rating of 'bb';
--Preferred Stock rating 'B-'.
Development Finance Limited
--Individual rating 'D';
--Viability rating of 'bb'.
Additional information is available at www.fitchratings.com
Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
--'Global Financial Institutions Rating Criteria' (Aug. 16, 2010);
--'Rating Hybrid Securities' (Dec. 29, 2009).
Applicable Criteria and Related Research:
Global Financial Institutions Rating Criteria
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=547685
Rating Hybrid Securities
http://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=647091
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