ITW Reports 15.6 Percent Growth in Operating Revenues for Three Months Ended October 31, 2007; Acquisition Revenues Increased 9.9 Percent and Base Revenues Grew 2.2 Percent for the Three Month Period

GLENVIEW, Ill., Nov. 15, 2007 -- Illinois Tool Works Inc. today reported an operating revenue increase of 15.6 percent for the three months ended October 31, 2007. Total revenue growth was in line with company expectations. Operating revenues for the three month period consisted of a 9.9 percent increase from acquisitions net of divestitures, 2.2 percent growth from base revenues and a 3.5 percent contribution from translation and other items. The Company's strong acquisition pace over the past 12 months resulted in the continuing growth in acquisition revenues. Base revenues benefited from ongoing strength in a broad array of international end markets. International base revenues increased 6.2 percent while North American base revenues were essentially flat in the three month period.

On a manufacturing segment basis, the Company's three month moving average percentage change for operating revenues, comprised of base revenues and acquisitions net of divestitures, is provided below.

  (% change for 3 months ended October 31, 2007 versus prior year period)

  *Engineered Products/North America:       +     1.7%
  *Engineered Products/International:       +    24.9%
  *Specialty Systems/North America:         +     8.3%
  *Specialty Systems/International:         +    19.5%

The Company's forecasted earnings range is $0.86 to $0.90 in the 2007 fourth quarter and $3.36 to $3.40 for the full-year. The midpoints of these 2007 forecasted ranges would represent earnings growth of 14 percent for the fourth quarter and 12 percent for the full-year.

The statements regarding the Company's 2007 fourth quarter and full-year forecasts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are set forth in ITW's Form 10-Q for the 2007 third quarter.

ITW is a $14.1 billion in revenues diversified manufacturer of highly engineered components and industrial systems and consumables. The company consists of approximately 750 business units in 49 countries and employs some 55,000 people.