Xstrata expects to retain credit rating after buy

LONDON, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Mining group Xstrata (XTA.L: Quote, Profile, Research) expects to retain its current credit rating even if its proposed $10 billion cash takeover bid for Lonmin Plc (LMI.L: Quote, Profile, Research) is successful, Chief Financial Officer Trevor Reid said on Wednesday.

Xstrata's debt would rise to around $26 billion, but after conversations with credit agencies, the firm was confident about keeping its credit rating, he told a conference call. (Reporting by Eric Onstad, editing by Will Waterman)