OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings expects to withdraw its ratings for Highwoods Properties, Inc. and its operating partnership Highwoods Realty, L.P. (collectively, HIW) at the end of a 30-day period beginning today. Fitch will continue to maintain coverage of HIW prior to withdrawal. This advance notice is provided for the benefit of users in managing their use of Fitch's ratings.

Fitch has decided to discontinue the ratings in 30 days, which are uncompensated.

Fitch currently rates HIW as follows:

Highwoods Properties, Inc.
--IDR at 'BBB';
--Preferred stock at 'BB+'.

Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership
--IDR 'BBB';
--Senior unsecured lines of credit 'BBB';
--Senior unsecured term loans 'BBB';
--Senior unsecured notes 'BBB'.

The Rating Outlook is Stable.