CINCINNATI, March, 17 -- Cintas Corporation announced revenues for the quarter were $263 million up 25% from $210 million last year. Net income was $27.7 million, up 23% from $22.5 million last year. Basic earnings per share increased 22% to $.28 versus $.23 a year ago. Diluted earnings per share of $.27 compares to $.23 last year.

For the first nine months, revenues of $750 million increased 23% compared to $611 million reported last year. Net income of $80 million increased 23% over net income of $65 million last year. Basic earnings per share for the first nine months were $.82 versus $.68 last year, a 21% increase. Diluted earnings of $.80 per share increased from $.67 per share a year ago.

Richard T. Farmer, Chairman and Founder of the Cincinnati-based uniform company, commented, "We are pleased to report strong third quarter results for our Company. During the quarter, our core rental business grew at a healthy 18% rate which reflects the strength of our industry and the impact of an aggressive sales plan that we implemented last year. Other service revenues which include national account sales, catalog revenues and first aid and safety revenues increased 80% for the quarter. Our strategy of providing additional products and services for our customers through these other types of services is working well."

During the quarter, Cintas completed the acquisition of Apparelmaster USA, a textile rental company with annual revenues of $20 million. This acquisition increases Cintas' market share in ten cities in the United States and enhances the profitability of Cintas' operations.

On March 5, 1998, Cintas also announced an agreement contingent upon completion of due diligence to acquire Uniforms To You, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, who designs, manufactures and provides uniforms for the rapidly growing food and hospitality, transportation and entertainment industries. The acquisition will be accounted as a pooling of interests and add approximately $150 million in annual revenues. The acquisition is expected to be completed in April 1998.

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 a publicly-held company traded over NASDAQ under the symbol CTAS.