OREANDA-NEWS. November 30, 2011. HMS Group (LSE: HMSG) today announces that Standard & Poor's Ratings Services affirmed the long-term corporate rating of the Group at BB- with a stable outlook. This reflects agency`s view that HMS Group should continue to benefit from strong market demand in Russia, renew its order backlog, and maintain its adjusted EBITDA margin at the mid-teens level. By confirming the existing rating the agency acknowledges that the HMS Group would retain the technological advantage and customer relationships that support its leading position in the Russian pump market.

At the same time S&P assigned 'B+' issue rating and 'ruA+' Russia national scale rating to proposed Russian ruble (RUB) 3 billion bond, to be issued by one of the Group`s subsidiaries- CJSC Hydromashservice. Bonds issue of 'B+' rating level could be included in the Lombard list of CBR and used as collateral for REPO transactions.

The proceeds of the prospective issuance could be used by the Group to finance its ambitious business expansion program.