Ecolab, Nalco Shareholders Approve Merger

Shareholders from both Ecolab

and Nalco Holding

overwhelmingly approved the merger of the two companies today. The merger will create the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services, offering premier product solutions, the industry's largest and best-trained sales and service force, coverage in more than 160 countries, and combined 2011 annualized sales of more than $11 billion. “We are extremely pleased by the shareholder approval of this merger with Nalco and are excited by the terrific opportunities it brings to our customers, shareholders and employees,” said Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab chairman and chief executive officer. “As one company, we will strengthen our opportunities and capabilities to provide customers with the most innovative, integrated and cost-effective solutions.