Angelica Signs Sole Source Partnership with Ecolab's Textile Care Division

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
MAY 30, 2006
 

Angelica Signs Sole Source Partnership with Ecolab’s Textile Care Division

ST. LOUIS (May 30, 2006) - Angelica Corporation (NYSE: AGL), a leading provider of healthcare linen management services, has signed a sole source agreement with Ecolab Textile Care, a division of Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL), to provide laundry chemicals and service to all of its service centers across the country.

A variety of chemical products and unique services designed to support and add value to Angelica in executing its operational strategy will be provided by Ecolab during the course of the five year agreement.

 “We are focused on delighting our customers through innovation and strive to identify ways to improve the service we provide our customers.  Partnering with Ecolab allows us to execute a nationwide program and more easily provide consistent quality and service in every market that we serve,” said Scott Novak, Angelica’s Vice President of Operations. “Additionally, Ecolab’s expertise and technical capabilities will allow us to further improve our overall operational efficiency and reduce our water and energy usage.”

“We are extremely excited to partner with Angelica,” said Ken Dowdy, Assistant Vice President Corporate Accounts for Ecolab.  “As a company looking to grow and willing to make changes to better serve their customers, they understand the value in working together with Ecolab towards common objectives. With our global tunnel washing expertise and technology, it’s a perfect fit to help Angelica continue to excel in the growing healthcare linen market.  This is truly a win-win partnership.”

Angelica Corporation, traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AGL, is a leading provider of textile rental and linen management services to the U.S. healthcare market. More information about Angelica is available on its website, www.angelica.com.

Ecolab’s Textile Care Division is a leading provider of wash aisle chemistry and service in the textile care industry.  With 2005 sales of $4.5 billion, Ecolab is the leading global developer and marketer of premium cleaning, sanitizing, pest elimination, maintenance and repair products and services for the hospitality, foodservice, healthcare and industrial markets. Ecolab shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ECL.  Ecolab news releases and other investor information are available on the Internet at http://www.ecolab.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any forward-looking statements made in this document reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and financial performance and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in these statements. These potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, competitive and general economic conditions, the ability to retain current customers and to add new customers in competitive market environments, competitive pricing in the marketplace, delays in the shipment of orders, availability of labor at appropriate rates, availability and cost of energy and water supplies, the cost of workers' compensation and healthcare benefits, the ability to attract and retain key personnel, the ability of the Company to recover its seller note and avoid future lease obligations as part of its sale of Life Uniform, the ability of the Company to accomplish its strategy of redirecting its resources to its healthcare linen management business in a timely and financially advantageous manner, unusual or unexpected cash needs for operations or capital transactions, the effectiveness of certain expense reduction initiatives, the ability to obtain financing in required amounts and at appropriate rates and terms, the ability to identify, negotiate, fund, consummate and integrate acquisitions, and other factors which may be identified in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For additional information contact: