Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On October 23, 2008, Ecolab Inc. ("Ecolab") announced earnings for the third quarter ended September 30, 2008. A copy of the News Release issued by Ecolab in connection with this report under Item 2.02 is attached as Exhibit (99) and incorporated by reference herein. Ecolab also will publish the News Release on its website located at www.ecolab.com.

In the News Release dated October 23, 2008, Ecolab discloses the impact on comparative reported diluted earnings per share of certain discrete tax items and special gains and charges recorded in the third quarter of 2008 and 2007. Ecolab's management believes that disclosing this information is useful for investors because it facilitates the comparison of current and prior period operating results by eliminating the effect of non-recurring items.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

The following exhibit is furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 of Form 8-K and should not be deemed to be "filed" under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

(99) Ecolab Inc. News Release dated October 23, 2008.