Jefferson Smurfit’s credit rating is being closely monitored by international credit rating agency Standard & Poor's.
S&P said this follows Smurfit's confirmation it is in preliminary talks with Madison Dearborn Partners Inc regarding a bid for all or part of Jefferson Smurfit Group.
S&P has retained its BBB+ rating on Smurfit but has placed the stock on its creditwatch list which may lead to a downgrade. A downgrade of a company’s credit status makes it more expensive for the company to borrow money.
S&P's associate director Mr Alf Stenqvist said, "it is expected that a potential sale would result in a more aggressive financial profile."