The Board of Directors of Ecolab Inc. today increased the company’s quarterly cash dividend by 13% to $0.13 per common share, to be paid January 15, 2008, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 18, 2007. This results in a new indicated annual cash dividend of a record $0.52 per share for 2008, and represents Ecolab’s 16th 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 the continued growth and development we achieved in 2007, our solid financial position and cash flows, and our confidence in the ongoing strength of our business for the years ahead. We remain committed to developing superior returns for our shareholders through our business progress and dividend growth.”

Ecolab has paid cash dividends on its common stock for 71 consecutive years. Ecolab last increased its dividend in December 2006.

With sales of $5 billion and more than 13,000 sales-and-service 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 the 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)