Will Enhance Water Quality in the Foodservice and Hospitality MarketsGOLDEN VALLEY, Minn., Feb 16, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Pentair
(NYSE: PNR) today announced the formation of a strategic alliance with Ecolab
Inc. (NYSE: ECL) to deliver market-leading water treatment and filtration
solutions to the foodservice and hospitality markets through Ecolab's world-
class sales-and-service organization.
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(R)
filtration systems through a co-branded replacement cartridge program and will
enhance its existing FresH2O(TM) 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."
About Pentair, Inc.
Pentair ( http://www.pentair.com ) is a diversified operating company
headquartered in Minnesota. Its Water Group is a global leader in providing
innovative products and systems used worldwide in the movement, treatment,
storage and enjoyment of water. Pentair's Enclosures Group is a leader in the
global enclosures market, designing and manufacturing standard, modified and
custom enclosures that house and protect sensitive electronics and electrical
components. With 2004 revenues of $2.28 billion, or $2.76 billion on a pro
forma basis, Pentair has approximately 13,000 employees worldwide.
Pentair Contacts:
Rachael Jarosh Mark Cain
Communications Investor Relations
Tel.: (763) 656-5280 Tel.: (763) 656-5278
E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
SOURCE Pentair, Inc.
Rachael Jarosh, Communications, +1-763-656-5280, [email protected] , or Mar
Cain, Investor Relations, +1-763-656-5278, [email protected] , both of Pentair,
Inc.
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