ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec 04, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
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)
SOURCE: Ecolab Inc.
Ecolab Inc.
Michael J. Monahan, 651-293-2809
Copyright Business Wire 2008
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