ECL Ecolab Inc

The Board of Directors of Ecolab Inc. today increased the company�s quarterly cash dividend by 8% to $0.14 per common share, to be paid January 15, 2009, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 16, 2008. This results in a new indicated annual cash dividend of a record $0.56 per share for 2009, and represents Ecolab�s 17th consecutive annual dividend rate increase. Commenting on the increase, Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab�s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, saying, �This dividend increase reflects our solid performance in 2008, our strong financial position and cash flows, and our commitment to delivering superior returns for our shareholders through both our business progress and dividend growth.� Ecolab has paid cash dividends on its common stock for 72 consecutive years. Ecolab last increased its dividend in December 2007. With sales of $5.5 billion and more than 26,000 associates, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL) is the global leader in cleaning, sanitizing, food safety and infection prevention products and services. Ecolab delivers comprehensive programs and services to foodservice, food and beverage processing, healthcare, and hospitality markets in more than 160 countries. More news and information is available at www.ecolab.com. (ECL-D)