OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings has affirmed the two remaining classes of Merrill Lynch Floating Trust pass-through certificates, series 2006-1. The affirmations of the distressed ratings are due to continued credit risk associated with the outstanding loan.

KEY RATING DRIVERS
The affirmations are based on updated valuation as of July 2015, which is in line with recent historical values. As of the October 2015 remittance, the pool has paid down by 98% since issuance. The one remaining loan, The Royal Holiday Portfolio, is secured by six full-service hotels in Mexico. The properties are located within five distinct tourist markets, including Cancun, Cozumel, Ixtapa, Acapulco, and San Jose del Cabo.

Recently, the powerful Hurricane Patricia made landfall on the west coast of Mexico near Cuixmala, Jalisco. Fitch confirmed with the servicer that the collateral properties were not directly affected by the hurricane.

The loan has been in special servicing since February 2010 after the borrower amended certain operating leases without lender approval. The collateral's international location complicates the workout, as both the U.S. and Mexican legal systems are involved in the proceedings. Litigation surrounding the loan workout has led to a long resolution horizon.

RATING SENSITIVITIES
Based on recent value estimates, the ratings are expected to remain stable. Fitch does not foresee a positive or negative rating migration until there is progression in the litigation. Additionally, the Royal Holiday Portfolio workout is complicated by its international location (Mexico), as the resolution involves deliberation through the legal systems of both the U.S. and Mexico.

DUE DILIGENCE USAGE
No third-party due diligence was provided or reviewed in relation to this rating action.

Fitch affirms the following classes:

--$17.9 million class L at 'CCCsf'; RE 100%;
--$47.1 million class M at 'Dsf'; RE 90%.