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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">UNITED STATES</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Washington, D.C.&#160; 20549</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">FORM&nbsp;8-K</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">CURRENT REPORT</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="3" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:12.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or 15(d)&nbsp;of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934</font></b></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)&nbsp;&nbsp;<b>April&nbsp;30, 2013</b></font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="5" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:18.0pt;font-weight:bold;">ECOLAB INC.</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Delaware</font></b></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">1-9328</font></b></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">41-0231510</font></b></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(State or other jurisdiction<br>   of incorporation)</font></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Commission<br>   File Number)</font></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(IRS Employer<br>   Identification No.)</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">370   Wabasha Street North, Saint Paul, Minnesota</font></b></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">55102</font></b></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Zip Code)</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Registrant&#146;s telephone number, including area code&nbsp;&nbsp;<b>1-800-232-6522</b></font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">(Not applicable)</font></b></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Check the appropriate box below if the Form&nbsp;8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Written communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;14d-2(b)&nbsp;under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .2in;text-indent:-.2in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .25in;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Wingdings" style="font-size:10.0pt;">o</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule&nbsp;13e-4(c)&nbsp;under the Exchange Act (17 CRF 240.13e-4(c))</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 1.0in;text-indent:-1.0in;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition</font></u><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">.</font></p>
<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">On April&nbsp;30, 2013, Ecolab Inc. (&#147;Ecolab&#148;) announced earnings for the first quarter ended March&nbsp;31, 2013.&#160; A copy of the News Release issued by Ecolab in connection with this report under Item 2.02 is attached as Exhibit&nbsp;(99) and incorporated by reference herein.&#160; Ecolab also will publish the News Release on its website located at www.ecolab.com.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Item 2.05 Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities</font></u><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">On April&nbsp;30, 2013, Ecolab announced that it plans to undertake restructuring and other cost-saving actions to realize its Champion acquisition-related cost synergies as well as streamline and strengthen the Company&#146;s position in the fast-growing energy market. It is anticipated that the restructuring actions will be completed by the end of 2015 and will result in total pre-tax charges of approximately $80 million ($55 million after tax), with approximately $50 million ($30 million after tax) in 2013.&nbsp;&nbsp;Approximately $45 million of the total restructuring charges are expected to be related to a reduction of the company&#146;s global workforce in connection with the Champion integration.&nbsp; The remaining expected charges are related to the optimization of the company&#146;s supply chain, including the planned reduction of plant and distribution center locations and the rationalization of sales offices and other redundant facilities.&nbsp; The company anticipates that approximately $60 million of the restructuring charges represent cash expenditures.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits</font></u><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 54.75pt;text-indent:-18.75pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(d)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Exhibits.</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 54.75pt;text-indent:-18.75pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 54.75pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The following exhibit is furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 of Form&nbsp;8-K and should not be deemed to be &#147;filed&#148; under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 125.25pt;text-indent:-53.25pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(99)</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Ecolab Inc. News Release dated April&nbsp;30, 2013.</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">SIGNATURE</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">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.</font></p>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">ECOLAB   INC.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Date:   April&nbsp;30, 2013</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">By:   </font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/Michael   C. McCormick </font></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Michael   C. McCormick <br>   Assistant Secretary</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2<a name="PB_2_092759_7056"></a></font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">EXHIBIT&nbsp;INDEX</font></p>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Description</font></b></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;font-weight:bold;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>    </td>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="1" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:8.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Method&nbsp;Of&nbsp;Filing</font></b></p>    </td>   </tr>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">(99)</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Ecolab   Inc. News Release dated April&nbsp;30, 2013.</font></p>    </td>
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<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Filed   herewith electronically.</font></p>    </td>   </tr>  </table>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "ECOLAB INC", "cik": "0000031462", "assigned-sic": "2840", "irs-number": "410231510", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "8-K", "act": "34", "file-number": "001-09328", "film-number": "13794519"}, "business-address": {"street1": "ECOLAB CORPORATE CENTER", "street2": "370 WABASHA STREET NORTH", "city": "ST PAUL", "state": "MN", "zip": "55102", "phone": "6512932233"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "ECOLAB CORPORATE CENTER", "street2": "370 WABASHA STREET NORTH", "city": "ST. PAUL", "state": "MN", "zip": "55102"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "ECONOMICS LABORATORY INC", "date-changed": "19861203"}}
UNITED STATES
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)
April 30, 2013
ECOLAB INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
1-9328
41-0231510
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
370   Wabasha Street North, Saint Paul, Minnesota
55102
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
1-800-232-6522
(Not applicable)
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
o
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
o
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
o
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CRF 240.13e-4(c))
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition
.
On April 30, 2013, Ecolab Inc. ("Ecolab") announced earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013.  A copy of the News Release issued by Ecolab in connection with this report under Item 2.02 is attached as Exhibit (99) and incorporated by reference herein.  Ecolab also will publish the News Release on its website located at www.ecolab.com.
Item 2.05 Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities
.
On April 30, 2013, Ecolab announced that it plans to undertake restructuring and other cost-saving actions to realize its Champion acquisition-related cost synergies as well as streamline and strengthen the Company's position in the fast-growing energy market. It is anticipated that the restructuring actions will be completed by the end of 2015 and will result in total pre-tax charges of approximately $80 million ($55 million after tax), with approximately $50 million ($30 million after tax) in 2013.  Approximately $45 million of the total restructuring charges are expected to be related to a reduction of the company's global workforce in connection with the Champion integration.  The remaining expected charges are related to the optimization of the company's supply chain, including the planned reduction of plant and distribution center locations and the rationalization of sales offices and other redundant facilities.  The company anticipates that approximately $60 million of the restructuring charges represent cash expenditures.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
.
(d)
Exhibits.
The following exhibit is furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 of Form 8-K and should not be deemed to be "filed" under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
(99)
Ecolab Inc. News Release dated April 30, 2013.
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.
Date:   April 30, 2013
By:
/s/Michael   C. McCormick
Michael   C. McCormick
Assistant Secretary
2
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Description
Method Of Filing
(99)
Ecolab   Inc. News Release dated April 30, 2013.
Filed   herewith electronically.
3