Business Finance's rating revised to stable from negative

At the same time Standard & Poor's affirmed Business Finance's 'BB' long-term and 'B' short-term counterparty credit ratings.

Standard & Poor's credit analyst Peter Sikora said the outlook revision recognises its view of the good and stable operating performance of Australia-based Liberty Financial, being Business Finance's 50% shareholder and guarantor.

"It also reflects our view that Liberty will remain successful in effectively managing its business position, asset quality, operational performance, and capital adequacy position as a niche-based financier and at a level supportive of a ‘BB' rating.

"Critical to the stable outlook is our expectation that Liberty will maintain good access to, and support from, wholesale and bank lending markets, with the benefit of its good operating performance."