ITW Reports 8.8 Percent Growth in Operating Revenues for Three Months Ended October 31, 2008

Illinois Tool Works Inc. reported an operating revenue increase of 8.8 percent for the three months ended October 31, 2008. The increase in revenue growth for the three months was due to contributions from acquisitions and translation. Base revenues were negative for the three month period as North American and international end markets continued to weaken.

On a segment basis, the Company’s three month moving average percentage change for operating revenues, comprised of base revenues, acquisitions/divestitures and currency translation, is provided below.

(% change for 3 months ended October 31, 2008 versus prior year period)

*Industrial Packaging: +10.6 %
*Power Systems and Electronics: + 3.4 %
*Transportation: +11.0 %
*Construction Products: – 4.5 %
*Food Equipment: + 6.9 %
*Polymers and Fluids: +52.2 %
*All Other: + 6.0 %

The Company is forecasting the fourth quarter 2008 diluted income per share from continuing operations to be in a range of $0.74 to $0.82. The 2008 fourth quarter forecast assumes a total company growth range of 6 percent to 9 percent. For the full year, the Company is forecasting diluted income per share from continuing operations to be in a range of $3.24 to $3.32. The full-year forecast assumes a total Company revenue growth range of 10 percent to 11 percent.

With $14.9 billion in revenues, ITW is a diversified and value-added manufacturer of highly engineered components and industrial systems and consumables. The Company consists of approximately 825 business units in 52 countries and employs some 60,000 people.