Fitch Ratings, the international rating agency, has assigned 'A-' long-term foreign currency (Rating Outlook Stable), 'F2' short-term foreign currency and 'B/C' individual ratings to Chile's Banco de Chile. The '2T' support rating has been affirmed. The ratings assigned to Banco de Chile reflect its established track record of sound financial performance as well as its importance to the system and strong franchise in Chile, which has been further strengthened by its merger with Banco de A Edwards (Edwards) in January 2002. The individual rating also reflects the slight deterioration in its asset quality indicators and impact on profitability of the post-merger restructuring process as well as its adequate equity base. Edwards' long-term 'A-', short-term 'F2' foreign currency ratings, long-term 'A-', short-term 'F2' local currency ratings, individual 'C' and support '2' ratings have been withdrawn as a result of its integration into Banco de Chile.
