Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On February 12, 2009, Ecolab Inc. ("Ecolab") announced earnings for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 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 February 12, 2009, Ecolab discloses non-GAAP pro forma diluted earnings per share, which exclude special gains and charges and discrete tax items for the fourth quarter and years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007. Ecolab's management believes that disclosing this non-GAAP financial measure helps investors understand underlying business performance 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 February 12, 2009.