December 9, 2011—Nalco Holding Company has officially become an Ecolab Company through a recently approved merger. Through the merger, Ecolab stands as a global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services, offering premier product solutions, the industry’s largest and best-trained sales and service force, coverage in more than 160 countries, and combined 2011 annualized sales of more than $11 billion.
“We are extremely pleased by the shareholder approval of this merger with Nalco and are excited by the terrific opportunities it brings to our customers, shareholders and employees,” said Douglas M. Baker, Jr., Ecolab’s chairman and chief executive officer. “As one company, we will strengthen our opportunities and capabilities to provide customers with the most innovative, integrated and cost-effective solutions.
Upon completion of the merger, Erik Fyrwald, the chairman and chief executive officer of Nalco, will be named president of Ecolab, reporting to Baker. It was further announced that Ecolab’s global headquarters will remain in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the company will continue to have a significant presence in Naperville, Illinois.
