Ecolab Raises Dividend 15 Percent.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The Board of Directors of Ecolab Inc. today increased the company's quarterly cash dividend by 15% to $0.115 per common share, to be paid January 16, 2007, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 19, 2006. This results in a new indicated annual cash dividend of a record $0.46 per share for 2007, and represents Ecolab's 15th consecutive annual dividend rate increase.

Commenting on the increase, Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, saying, "Ecolab will achieve another outstanding year in 2006 as we have made excellent progress in developing our businesses and building for our future. This dividend increase reflects our strong earnings progress, our solid financial position, and our commitment to developing superior shareholder returns."

Ecolab has paid cash dividends on its common stock for 70 consecutive years. Ecolab last increased its dividend in December 2005.

With 2005 sales of $4.5 billion, Ecolab is the leading global developer and marketer of premium cleaning, sanitizing, pest elimination, maintenance and repair products and services for the hospitality, foodservice, healthcare and industrial markets.

Ecolab news releases and other investor information are available on the Internet at www.ecolab.com.

(ECL-D)