SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 21, 2001
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The Williams Companies, Inc.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 1-4174 73-0569878
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(State or other (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction of File Number) Identification No.)
incorporation)
One Williams Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74172
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 918/573-2000
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Not Applicable
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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Item 5. Other Events.
The Williams Companies, Inc. ("Williams") announced today that
international rating agencies Fitch, Inc., Standard & Poor's and Moody's
Investors Service have reaffirmed Williams' investment-grade ratings. The moves
follow Williams' announcement on Wednesday of its plan to strengthen its balance
sheet and liquidity profile. Williams' ratings for its senior unsecured debt
are: Fitch "BBB", Moody's "Baa2" and Standard & Poor's "BBB".
Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
Williams files the following exhibit as part of this report:
Exhibit 99.1 Copy of Williams' press release dated December 21, 2001,
publicly announcing the matters reported herein.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
Williams has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
THE WILLIAMS COMPANIES, INC.
Date: December 21, 2001 /s/ SUZANNE H. COSTIN
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Name: Suzanne H. Costin
Title: Corporate Secretary
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