Ecolab Inc. announced today it has issued $250 million of 4.875% senior unsecured notes due 2015 in an underwritten public offering. Ecolab intends to use the proceeds to refinance outstanding commercial paper and for general corporate and working capital purposes.

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 foodservice, food and beverage processing, healthcare, and hospitality markets in more than 160 countries. More news and information is available at www.ecolab.com.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the notes or any other security. Any such offers, or solicitations to buy, will be made solely by means of a prospectus and related prospectus supplements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

(ECL-C)