Strategic Alliance to Market Filtration Solutions

Under the terms of the agreement, Pentair will become Ecolab's strategic partner for filtration and water conditioning product solutions. Ecolab will immediately offer replacement cartridge services for Pentair-Everpure^® filtration systems through a co-branded replacement cartridge program and will enhance its existing FresH2O^™ water filtration program with Pentair technologies. The agreement also establishes the framework under which Pentair and Ecolab will develop the next generation of innovative new product solutions for the foodservice and hospitality markets.

Richard J. Cathcart, Pentair vice chairman, said, "This alliance highlights the need for safe clean water solutions in these attractive markets. Ecolab's worldwide service leadership and expertise are instrumental factors that make them our partner of choice." With sales of $4.2 billion, Ecolab is the leading global developer and marketer of premium cleaning, sanitizing, pest elimination, maintenance and repair products for the hospitality, foodservice, institutional and industrial markets.

According to Tracy Crocker, Ecolab's vice president of Emerging Businesses, "The strength of Pentair's knowledge, research and development for the water industry is unprecedented in the marketplace. By combining the breadth and depth of Pentair's product lines with Ecolab's sales, marketing and service capabilities, as well as our existing water business, we can offer the best water solutions for our customers."

"Pentair's ability to deliver a wide breadth and depth of integrated water solutions highlights our leadership position and makes this alliance possible," said John Abbott, president of the filtration division of Pentair's Water Group. "Through the agreement, Pentair will benefit from the frequency with which Ecolab's premier service network makes service visits, and will strengthen our position and increase our volume in foodservice markets."

Abbott continued: "Water quality is a critical issue for foodservice operators. Properly conditioned water increases the efficiency and life of equipment, minimizes downtime, reduces energy use and most importantly has a direct effect on the odor, taste, appearance and consistency of foodservice providers' offerings. We have great respect for Ecolab's service network, and we are pleased that we will provide them with leading technologies to better serve their customers."