2022 GMT [Dow Jones]--Standard & Poor's credit rating and outlook for Apache Corp. (APA) remains unchanged following the company's announcement that it is buying BP PLC's (BP, BP.LN) assets in North America and Egypt for $7 billion. "We believe that Apache's credit protection measures would remain at levels appropriate for the rating," S&P said. Apache's shares closed down 83 cents at $87.45, while BP's U.S.-listed shares closed up 2.64% up to $36.13. (EIO) Contact us in Houston at 713-547-2907 (END) Dow Jones Newswires July 21, 2010 16:22 ET (20:22 GMT)