NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Feb. 16, 2006--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it revised its outlook on Ecolab Inc. to positive from stable to reflect improvement in the company's financial profile including a strengthening of credit measures, and continuing strength in its business profile. All ratings, including the 'A' and 'A-1' corporate credit ratings, are affirmed. "The positive outlook recognizes the increasing likelihood that a strengthening financial profile will support somewhat higher ratings within the next two years while factoring in a growth strategy that includes possible acquisitions," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Paul Kurias. As of Sept. 30, 2005, Ecolab had about $940 million of debt outstanding, adjusted for underfunded postretirement benefits and the present
