Investor Relations:
Cintas Corporation Announces Strong Growth in Sales and Profits for the Second Quarter Ended November 30, 1998.

CINCINNATI, December 17, 1998 — Cintas Corporation announced that revenues for the second quarter were $367 million up 25% from $294 million last year. Income before income taxes increased 30% to $65 million. Net income was $40 million, an increase of 29% on a pro forma basis. Diluted earnings per share of $.37 increased 23% over the pro forma $.30 per share last year. Prior year numbers reflect the restatement of Cintas financial results to include the impact of the acquisition of Uniforms To You (UTY) in April 1998 which was accounted for as a pooling of interests. UTY had previously been a “Sub-Chapter S” Corporation and had not recognized federal or state income taxes in its results. All UTY income taxes were previously paid by the shareholders rather than the Corporation. The income statement for UTY prior to April 8, 1998 did not reflect a tax provision. In order to show comparable results, a pro forma calculation is made adding a tax provision to UTY results for prior periods.

For the first six months of the fiscal year, revenues of $722 million represent a 27% increase compared to $567 million reported last year. Net income of $74 million increased 28% over pro forma net income of $58 million last year. Diluted earnings per share for the first six months were $.69 versus the pro forma $.56 per share last year, a 23% increase.

Richard T. Farmer, Chairman and Founder of the Cincinnati-based uniform company commented, “We are pleased with our results for the second quarter. Our core business, the uniform rental business, continues to experience a healthy growth rate. Our other service revenues including catalog sales, national account sales, the First Aid and Safety business and our new Uniforms To You division contributed nicely to the Company’s performance. The remainder of fiscal year 1999 looks promising, and record sales and earnings are expected for the thirtieth consecutive year.”

Cintas is a leader in the corporate identity uniform business and also provides a wide range of ancillary services including entrance mats, sanitation supplies and first aid products and services. Cintas is publicly-held company traded over the Nasdaq under the symbol CTAS.

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor from civil litigation for forward-looking statements. This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current views as to future events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements are made based on management’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and therefore involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Management cautions that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.

For additional information, contact:
William C. Gale, Vice President-Finance & CFO, 513/573-4211
Karen L. Carnahan, Vice President & Treasurer, 513/573-4013