ECOLAB INC. Form 8-K Summary
Business Context and Reporting Period
This Current Report on Form 8-K was filed by Ecolab Inc. on May 4, 2007, to report the results of its Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on the same date. The company is incorporated in Delaware and maintains its principal executive offices in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing text does not provide specific financial metrics such as revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. This report focuses exclusively on corporate governance events and voting results.
Material Changes and Voting Results
At the Annual Meeting, 92.17% of outstanding voting shares were represented. Two primary proposals were voted upon:
- Election of Directors: Four Class III Directors were elected for a term ending in 2009. All nominees received substantial support:
- Richard U. De Schutter: 226,837,186 votes For; 2,952,119 Withheld.
- Joel W. Johnson: 221,930,899 votes For; 7,858,406 Withheld.
- Beth M. Pritchard: 226,445,020 votes For; 3,344,285 Withheld.
- Hans Van Bylen: 222,771,951 votes For; 7,017,354 Withheld.
- Continuing Directors: Terms for Class I Directors (ending 2008) and Class II Directors (ending 2009) continued without new elections.
- Ratification of Auditors: The appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2007, was ratified.
- Votes: 223,187,739 For; 5,432,929 Against; 1,168,637 Abstain; 0 Broker Non-Votes.
Guidance, Outlook, and Risks
The filing text does not contain management commentary, financial guidance, outlook, or specific risk factors. A news release regarding the meeting is referenced as Exhibit 99.1 but its content is not included in this text.
Key Facts for Investor Verification
- Verify the full text of the News Release (Exhibit 99.1) for any additional management commentary or strategic updates not detailed in the 8-K body.
- Confirm the composition of the Board of Directors following the election of the four Class III members.
- Note the high level of shareholder participation (92.17%) and the strong approval for the auditor ratification.