SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 19, 2000 ------------------------- ECOLAB INC. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 1-9328 41-0231510 - ----------------------------- ----------------------------- ----------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) 370 WABASHA STREET NORTH, ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA 55102 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, include area code: 651-293-2233 ------------------------ (NOT APPLICABLE) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Former name or former address, if changed from last report.) Item 5. OTHER EVENTS AND REGULATION FD DISCLOSURE. On October 19, 2000, the Company issued a News Release announcing financial results of its third quarter ended September 30, 2000. A copy of the News Release issued by the Company is attached as Exhibit (99). Item 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. (c) Exhibits (99) Ecolab Inc. News Release dated October 19, 2000. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. ECOLAB INC. By: /s/Lawrence T. Bell ------------------------------------- Lawrence T. Bell Vice President -Law and General Counsel Date: October 23, 2000 2 EXHIBIT INDEX EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION METHOD OF FILING - ----------- ----------- ---------------- (99) Ecolab Inc. News Release dated Filed herewith October 19, 2000. electronically.