The ratings on St. Paul, Minn.-based Ecolab Inc. reflect its strong business profile as a global leader in a service-intensive specialty chemical business, and its modest financial profile. Ecolab develops and markets cleaning, sanitizing, and maintenance products and services for the commercial food and health care sectors. Customers include food and beverage processors, health care facilities, restaurants, and lodging providers. The company manufactures and distributes many of its products and equipment through a global sales force and a network of facilities. Revenues for the 12 months ended Sept. 30, 2010, were about $6 billion. The company's large direct sales force, and access to a distribution network around the world, are a considerable competitive advantage and have contributed to Ecolab's well
