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ITW Reports Operating Revenues For 3 Months Ended Nov 30, 2000

13 December 2000

ITW Reports 6 Percent Growth in Operating Revenues For Three Months Ended November 30, 2000; Slowdown in Base Business Results in Company Re-forecasting Earnings Per Share Ranges for 2000 Fourth Quarter and Full Year

    GLENVIEW, Ill., Dec. 13 Illinois Tool Works Inc.
today reported total company revenue growth of 6 percent for the
three months ended November 30, 2000.  The company's revenue increase was made
up of 10 percent growth from acquisitions, offset by zero percent performance
from base businesses and a -4 percent impact from currency translation.  The
slowing of growth for the three month period was directly attributable to a
continuing decline in November base business performance in a broad array of
businesses and related end markets, particularly in North America.
    On a segment basis, revenues were as follows:

    (% change for 3 months ended November 30, 2000 versus prior year period)
    *Engineered Products/North America: +1 percent
    *Engineered Products/International: +46 percent
    *Specialty Systems/North America: +6 percent
    *Specialty Systems/International: +20 percent
    *Consumer Products: -9 percent

    As a result of the zero percent base business performance for the three
months ended November 30th and projected declines in operating performance for
December, ITW is re-forecasting its 2000 earnings per share to be in the range
of 65 cents to 70 cents for the fourth quarter and $3.14 to $3.19 for the full
year.  Both these ranges include previously disclosed restructuring and other
charges associated with the Premark acquisition.