Interfax reported that Fitch Ratings assigned Lukoil International Finance BV's forthcoming note issue an expected rating of 'BBB-'

Fitch Ratings said "Under the terms of the transaction, the notes will constitute senior unsecured obligations of the issuer. The noteholders will rely on a senior unsecured guarantee from Lukoil for repayment. Lukoil International Finance BV is the financing subsidiary of OAO Lukoil."

The issue amount of the notes will be disclosed at a future date.

The final rating is contingent upon the receipt of final documents conforming to information already received.

Fitch affirmed OAO Lukoil Long term foreign currency and local currency Issuer Default Ratings of 'BBB-'and Short term foreign currency rating of 'F3' on October 16th 2009. The Outlooks on the Long term IDR are Stable.

(Sourced from Interfax)