Strong business profile as the global leader in a service-intensive segment of the chemical sector; Significant international presence; Low-cost operations, which support solid and stable profitability; and Strong credit measures. A growth strategy that includes moderate-size acquisitions; and An ongoing share repurchase program that has in past years resulted in meaningful cash outflows. Standard&Poor's Ratings Services' ratings on St. Paul, Minn.-based Ecolab Inc. reflect the company's strong business profile and modest financial risk, including a generally conservative financial policy. The company is the global leader in the institutional and industrial commercial cleaning, food safety, infection control, and sanitizing business, a service-intensive segment of the chemical sector. Ecolab serves a wide range of markets, including food and beverage, hospitality,
