SCHEDULE 14A
                            SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
                    Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
                   of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934
                                (Amendment No. ___))

Filed by the Registrant  [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
  [ ]  Preliminary Proxy Statement
  [ ]  Confidential,  for  Use of the  Commission  Only  (as  permitted  by Rule
       14a-(e)14a-6(e)(2))
  [x][X]  Definitive Proxy  Statement
  [ ]  Definitive Additional Materials
  [ ]  Soliciting Material Pursuant to ss.240.14a-11(c) or ss.240.14a-12

                               Cintas Corporation
-------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                (Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)

  Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
  [X] No fee required.
  [ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.

     1)(1)  Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

     2)(2)  Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

     3)(3)  Per unit  price  or other  underlying  value of  transaction  computed
          pursuant to Exchange  Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
          filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined)

     4)(4)  Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:


 [ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
 [ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
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     previously.  Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
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     3)(3)  Filing Party:

     4)(4)  Date Filed:




                                  FRONT[CINTAS LOGO]


                  NOTICE OF CARD


CINTAS CORPORATION                                     PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING 6800 CINTAS BLVD., P.O. BOX 625737, CINCINNATI, OHIO 45262-5737

        The undersigned  hereby appoints RICHARD T. FARMER,  ROBERT J. KOHLHEPP,
and WILLIAM C. GALE, or any of them,  proxies of the undersigned,  each with the
power of substitution,AND PROXY STATEMENT




Dear Shareholder:

We invite you to vote all shares of Common Stock which the undersigned
would be  entitled  to vote at theattend our Annual Meeting of  Shareholders of Cintas
Corporation  to be heldon October 21,  1998,20, 1999,
at  9:10:00  a.m.  (Eastern  Time)  at The
Fifth Third Bank, 38 Fountain Square, Fifth Floor,the  Company's  Headquarters,  6800  Cintas
Boulevard, Cincinnati, Ohio 4520245040. At the meeting, you will hear a report on our
operations and have a chance to meet your directors and executives.

This booklet includes formal notice of the meeting and the proxy statement.  The
proxy  statement tells you more about the agenda and procedures for the meeting.
It also describes how the Board operates and gives  personal  information  about
our director candidates.

Even if you only own a few shares,  we want your shares to be represented at any adjournmentthe
meeting. I urge you to complete,  sign, date and return your proxy card promptly
in the enclosed envelope.

Sincerely,



Richard T. Farmer
Chairman of such Meeting as specified below.

THE BOARDthe Board

August 31, 1999




                              TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----



GENERAL INFORMATION                                                           1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS                                                         RECOMMENDS A VOTE2

PROPOSAL FOR THE FOLLOWING
PROPOSALS:

1.  Authority to establish  the number of Directors to be elected at the Meeting
at eight.
                      FOR           AGAINST               ABSTAIN

2. Authority to elect eight nominees listed below.
               FOR all nominees listed below           WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
               (except as marked to the contrary       to vote for all nominees
               below)                                  listed below

Richard T. Farmer; Robert J. Kohlhepp;  Gerald V. Dirvin; Scott D. Farmer; James
J. Gardner; Roger L. Howe; Donald P. Klekamp; John S. Lillard

WRITE THE NAME OF ANY NOMINEE(S) FOR                      ----------------------
WHOM AUTHORITY TO VOTE IS WITHHELD                        ----------------------


                            (Continued on other side)







BACK OF CARD

3.  Amendment  to Articles of  Incorporation  to increase  authorized  shares of
    Common Stock to 300 million shares.
                            FOR     AGAINST               ABSTAIN

4. In their  discretion  the  proxies  are  authorized  to vote upon such  other
business as may properly come before the Meeting.

THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED1999 STOCK OPTION PLAN                                       4

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION                                                         4

BOARD COMMITTEES                                                              4

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT                                                 5

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS                                                        7

DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE OFFICER STOCK OWNERSHIP                                8

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE                       9

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE                                                   10

OPTION GRANTS IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY
THE UNDERSIGNED  SHAREHOLDER.  IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED
FOR PROPOSALS 1, 2 AND 3.

___________________________, 1998          ------------------------------
                                           Important:  Please sign exactly
                                           as name appears hereon indicating,
                                           where proper, official position or
                                           representative capacity.  In the
                                           case of joint holders, all should
                                           sign.

          THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSLAST FISCAL YEAR                                            11

PERFORMANCE GRAPH                                                            12

QUESTIONS                                                                    13



         NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS Dear Shareholder:

    We are  pleased  to  invite  you to  attend  our 1998  Annual  Shareholders'
Meeting. The meeting will be held at 9:OF CINTAS CORPORATION


Time:     10:00 a.m., Eastern Time

at The Fifth Third
Bank, 38 Fountain Square, Fifth Floor,Date:     October 20, 1999

Place:    Cintas Corporate Headquarters
          6800 Cintas Boulevard
          Cincinnati, Ohio on Wednesday,  October
21, 1998.

    The purposes of this Annual Meeting are:45040

Purpose:

          1. To establish the number of Directors to be elected at eight;

          2. To elect eight Directors;

          3. To amendApproval of the Articles of Incorporation to increase  authorized shares
           of Common1999 Stock to 300 million shares;Option Plan;

          4. To  transact  suchConduct other business asif properly raised.



Only  shareholders  of record on August 20,  1999 may properly  come before the
           meeting or any adjournment thereof.

        Following the formal meeting,  we will discuss the Company's  operations
during  the last year and our plans for the future  and  answer  your  questions
regarding the Company. Board members and other officers of the Company will also
be available to discuss the Company's business with you.

                                                  Yours truly,



                                                  David T. Jeanmougin
                                                  Secretary

Dated:  August 31, 1998

WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING,  PLEASE  VOTE,  SIGN AND PROMPTLY
RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED  ENVELOPE.  PROXIES MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY
TIME PRIOR TO THE  MEETING  BY WRITTEN  NOTICE OF  REVOCATION  DELIVERED  TO THE
COMPANY'S SECRETARY, THE SUBMISSION OF A LATER PROXY OR BY ATTENDING THE MEETING
AND VOTING IN PERSON.






                               CINTAS CORPORATION
                              6800 CINTAS BOULEVARD
                                 P.O. BOX 625737
                           CINCINNATI, OHIO 45262-5737
                            TELEPHONE (513) 459-1200

                     --------------------------------------

                           P R O X Y S T A T E M E N T

                         ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                                OCTOBER 21, 1998


                                  INTRODUCTION

     The  enclosed  Proxy is  solicited  by the  Board of  Directors  of  Cintas
Corporation  for usevote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on October
21, 1998, and at any adjournment of the  meeting.  The
approximate  mailing date of the Proxy Statement and the accompanying  proxy cardProxy Card is
August 31, 1998.


                            VOTING AT ANNUAL MEETING1999.



Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting,  please complete,  sign, date and
promptly return your proxy card in the enclosed envelope.


David T. Jeanmougin
Secretary

August 31, 1999







GENERAL - -------

     ShareholdersINFORMATION

Who may vote

Shareholders  of Cintas,  recorded in person or by proxy at the  Shareholders'  Meeting.
Proxies givenour stock register on August 20, 1999, may be revoked at any time prior to the meeting by filing with the
Company's Secretary either a written revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing
a later date,  or by appearing  at the meeting and voting in person.  All shares
will be voted as  specified on each  properly  executed  proxy.  If no choice is
specified, the shares will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors.

     As of  August  21,  1998,  the  record  date for  determining  shareholders
entitled to notice of and to
vote at the meeting,meeting.  As of that date,  Cintas had 104,879,612111,055,880  shares of Common
Stock outstanding.

Each share is entitledHow to one vote

on each matter
to be  presentedYou may vote in person at the  meeting  or by proxy.  We  recommend  you vote by
proxy even if you plan to attend the meeting. Only  shareholders  of record at the close of
business on August 21, 1998,  will be entitled toYou can always change your vote at
the meeting.

A quorum
consistsHow proxies work

Cintas' Board of Directors is asking for your proxy.  Giving us your proxy means
you  authorize  us to vote your  shares at the meeting in the manner you direct.
You may vote for all, some or none of our director candidates. You may also vote
for or against the other proposals or abstain from voting.

If you sign and return the enclosed  proxy card, but do not specify how to vote,
we will vote your shares in favor of setting the number of  directors  at eight,
in favor of our director candidates and in favor of the presence1999 Stock Option Plan.

You may  receive  more than one proxy or voting card  depending  on how you hold
your shares. Shares registered in your name are covered by one card. If you hold
shares through  someone else,  such as a stockbroker,  you may get material from
them asking how you want to vote.

Revoking a proxy

You may revoke your proxy  before it is voted by  submitting  a new proxy with a
later date, by voting in person at the meeting or by notifying Cintas' Secretary
in writing at the address under "Questions?" on page 13.

Quorum

In order to carry on the  business of the meeting,  we must have a quorum.  This
means at least a majority  of the  outstanding  shares  eligible to vote must be
represented at the meeting, either by proxy or in person.

Votes needed

The eight director  candidates  receiving the most votes will be elected to fill
the seats on the Board.  Approval of the other proposals  requires the favorable
vote of a  majority  of all  shares
entitledthe votes  cast.  Only  votes for or  against a proposal
count.  Abstentions and broker non-votes count for quorum purposes,  but not for
voting purposes.  Broker non-votes occur when a broker returns a proxy, but does
not have authority to vote on a particular proposal.

Attending in person

Only  shareholders,  their  proxy  holders  and  Cintas'  guests  may attend the
meeting.

Other matters

Any other matters considered at the meeting.







                                       -2-




PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
- ----------------------

     The following persons aremeeting, including adjournment, will require
the only shareholders knownaffirmative vote of a majority of shares voting.

Voting by proxy

All proxies  properly signed will,  unless a different  choice is indicated,  be
voted "FOR"  establishing the Company to own
beneficially 5% or morenumber of its outstanding Common Stock as of the record date:

Name and Address of          Amount and Nature of                 Percent of
  Beneficial Owner           Beneficial Ownership                    Class
- --------------------         --------------------                 -----------

Richard T. Farmer(1)             25,505,4552                          24.3%

James J. Gardner(1)               7,663,9653                           7.3%

Joan A. Gardner(1)                7,663,9653                           7.3%

- ------------------

     (1) The address of Richard T. Farmer,  James J. Gardner and Joan A. Gardner
is Cintas Corporation,  6800 Cintas Boulevard, P.O. Box 625737, Cincinnati, Ohio
45262-5737.

     (2) Includes  53,560 shares owned by Mr.  Farmer's wife,  3,371,534  shares
held in trust for Mr.  Farmer's  children,  68,580 shares owned by a corporation
controlled  by Mr.  Farmer and 30,000  shares which may be acquired  pursuant to
stock options which are exercisable within 60 days.

     (3) Includes the following  shares  considereddirectors to be beneficially  ownedelected at eight,  "FOR"
the election of all nominees  for  Directors  proposed by
both Mr. & Mrs.  Gardner:  165,733 shares held by a charitable trust established
by Mr.  Gardner,  65,582 shares held by a corporation  that is controlled by Mr.
Gardner, 5,887,422 shares held by a family partnership,  850,000 shares owned by
Mrs. Gardner,  210,000 shares held in trust for Mr. Gardner's children and 4,500
shares which may be acquired  pursuant to stock  options  exercisable  within 60
days.






                                      - 3 -


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
- ------------------------------------------------------

     The following  table sets forth the  beneficial  ownership of the Company's
Common  Stock by its  directors,  the named  executive  officers  in the Summary
Compensation  Table of the  Proxy  Statement  and all  directors  and  executive
officers  as a group,  as of August 21,  1998:

                                  Amount and Nature of               Percent
Name of Beneficial Owner          Beneficial Ownership               of Class
- ------------------------          --------------------               --------

Richard T. Farmer                     25,505,455 (1)                   24.3%

Robert J. Kohlhepp                     2,436,862 (2)                    2.3%

Gerald V. Dirvin                          15,300 (3)                      *

James J. Gardner                       7,663,965 (1)                    7.3%

Roger L. Howe                            702,956 (3)(4)                   *

Donald P. Klekamp                        143,236 (3)(5)                   *

John S. Lillard                          131,408 (6)                      *

Scott D. Farmer                          458,454 (7)                      *

David T. Jeanmougin                       40,740 (8)                      *

Robert R. Buck                           126,424 (9)                      *

All Directors and Executive
Officers as a Group (13 persons)      37,354,220 (10)                   35.6%

*Less than 1%

(1)  See Principal Shareholders.

(2)  Includes 40,000 shares held in trust for members of Mr. Kohlhepp's  family,
     127,344  shares held by a corporation  that is controlled by Mr.  Kohlhepp,
     1,265,350 shares held by a family partnership and options for 44,500 shares
     which are exercisable within 60 days.

(3)  Includes options for 4,500 shares which are exercisable within 60 days.

(4)  Includes 107,648 shares owned by a limited partnership.

(5)  Includes 118,516 shares owned by Mr. Klekamp's wife.





                                      - 4 -



(6)   Includes  options for 3,500 shares which are  exercisable  within 60 days.
      Does not include 16,000 shares held in a charitable  foundation controlled
      by Mr. Lillard, of which Mr. Lillard disclaims beneficial ownership.

(7)   Includes 91,400 shares held in trust for members of Mr.  Farmer's  family,
      2,692  shares  owned by his  immediate  family,  55,920  held by a limited
      partnership and options for 60,200 shares which are exercisable  within 60
      days.

(8)  Includes options for 36,400 shares which are exercisable within 60 days.

(9)  Includes options for 6,800 shares which are exercisable within 60 days.

(10) Includes options for 215,200 shares which are exercisable within 60 days.


PROPOSAL NO. 1 AND NO. 2 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
- ------------------------------------------------

     The By-laws of the Company call for the Board of Directors
and "FOR" approval of the 1999 Stock Option Plan.

If any other matters come before the meeting or any adjournment, each proxy will
be voted in the discretion of the individuals named as proxies on the card.






ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(Item 1 and 2 on the Proxy Card)

The Board has nominated the director candidates named below.

The Board of Directors  oversees the management of Cintas'  long-term  strategic
plans and  exercises  direct  decision  making  authority in key areas,  such as
declaring  dividends.  Just as  important,  the Board  chooses the CEO, sets the
scope of his authority to havemanage the company's business day to day and evaluates
his  performance.  The Board also reviews  development and succession  plans for
Cintas' top executives.

The Company's  By-Laws  require that the Board of Directors  consist of at least
three members with the specificexact number to be  elected at the meeting  established  by  shareholders. Atshareholders  or the
present time, the Board of  Directors.  The Board  presently  consists of eight  Directors,directors and the
Board is recommending that this number be retained.

The Board is nominating  for reelectionelection all current  Directors,  namelyof the  following:  Richard T. Farmer,
Robert J. Kohlhepp,  Scott D. Farmer, Gerald V. Dirvin, Scott D. Farmer, James J. Gardner,  Roger
L. Howe,  Donald P. Klekamp and John S. Lillard.  Proxies solicited by the Board
will be voted for the election of the eight
nominees shown above.these nominees.  All Directorsdirectors  elected at the
Annual Shareholders' Meeting will be elected to hold office until the next Annual  Meeting or untilannual meeting.  In
voting to elect  directors,  shareholders  are not  entitled to  cumulate  their
successorsvotes.

Most Cintas  directors - including  five of our eight  nominees - are not Cintas
employees.  Only non-employee  directors serve on Cintas' Audit and Compensation
Committees.  All eight  directors  are  elected  and qualified.

     Should anyfor  one-year  terms.  Personal
information on each of theour nominees become  unable to serve,  proxies will be voted
for any substitute nominee designated by the Board. The Company has no reason to
believe  that any nominee for  election  will be unable or unwilling to serve if
elected.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- ----------------------------------------is given below.

The Board met six times last year.  Cintas' directors attended 100% of Directors  recommendsBoard and
committee meetings.

If a vote in favor of Proposal No.1 anddirector nominee becomes  unavailable before the election,  of the eight nominees proposed by the Board.

VOTE REQUIRED
- -------------

      THE AFFIRMATIVE  VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE SHARES VOTING AT THE MEETING IS
REQUIRED TO APPROVE  PROPOSAL NO. 1.  ABSTENTIONS AND BROKER NON-VOTES WILL HAVE
NO EFFECT ON THIS VOTE. THE EIGHT NOMINEES RECEIVING THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF VOTES
CAST FOR THE POSITIONS TO BE FILLED WILL BE ELECTED.






                                      - 5 -



PROPOSAL NO. 3 - AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO
                 INCREASE AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
- -----------------------------------------------------------

     The Board of Directors of the Company has approved,  and is recommending to
the  shareholders  for approval at the Annual  Meeting,  an amendment to Article
Five of the  Articles  of  Incorporation  to increase  the number of  authorized
shares of Common  Stock from 120  million to 300  million.  As of May 31,  1998,
104,610,716  shares were issued and  outstanding  and the Company had  1,210,700
additional shares reserved for issuance pursuant to stock option plans.

     At the current level of authorized shares, the Company is unable to declare
any meaningful stock split.  The Company has regularly  utilized Common Stock in
acquisitions  and  intends to continue  that  practice.  The Board of  Directors
believes that the increase in authorized  shares of Common Stock will enable the
Company to retain its flexibility in connection  with possible future  issuances
of stock.

     Holders of Common Stock have no preemptive or other rights to subscribe for
additional shares. Additional shares may be issued without shareholder approval.
Further  issuance  of  additional  shares of Common  Stock might  dilute,  under
certain  circumstances,  either  shareholders=  equity  or  voting  rights.  The
authorized  but unissued  shares of Common Stock could be used to  discourage or
make more difficult an attempt to effect a change of control of the Company.

VOTE REQUIRED
- -------------

     THE  AFFIRMATIVE  VOTE OF TWO-THIRDS OF THE SHARES  ELIGIBLE TO VOTE ON THE
PROPOSED  AMENDMENT IS REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL.  ABSTENTIONS AND BROKER  NON-VOTES
HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS A VOTE AGAINST THE PROPOSAL.

OTHER MATTERS
- -------------

     Any other matters  considered  at the meeting  including  adjournment  will
require the affirmative  vote of the majority of shares voting with  abstentions
and broker non-votes having no effect.

VOTING BY PROXY
- ---------------

     All proxies  properly signed will,  unless a different choice is indicated,
be voted "FOR" the establishment of the number of Directors at eight,  "FOR" the
election  of all eight  nominees  proposed  by the  Board  unless  authority  is
withheldyour proxy card
authorizes us to vote for some or alla replacement nominee if the Board names one.

The eight nominees  receiving the highest number of those  nominees,  and "FOR"votes cast for the amendmentpositions
to the Articles of Incorporation to increase the authorized shares of common stock.

    If any other matters come before the meeting or any adjournment,  each proxy
cardbe filled will be voted in the discretionelected.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Board recommends you vote FOR each of the proxies named therein.






                                      - 6 -

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
- ---------------------

     Shareholders  who desire to have  proposals  included in the Notice for the
1999  Shareholders'  Meeting must submit their proposals in writing to Cintas at
its offices on or before May 3, 1999.

     The form of Proxy for the Company's  Annual Meeting of Shareholders  grants
authority to the designated  proxies to vote in their  discretion on any matters
that come  before the  meeting  except  those set forth in the  Company's  Proxy
Statement  and except for matters as to which  adequate  notice is received.  In
order for a notice to be deemed adequate for the 1999 Shareholders'  Meeting, it
must be received prior to July 19, 1999.


APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
- -----------------------------------

     The Board of Directors  appointed Ernst & Young LLP as its certified public
accountants  for fiscal 1999.  Ernst & Young LLP has served as certified  public
accountants  for the Company in the past.  A member of Ernst & Young LLP will be
present at the meeting to make a statement if desired and to answer questions of
shareholders.







                                      - 7 -



                                   MANAGEMENT


DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
- --------------------------------

     The Directors and Executive Officers of Cintas Corporation are:


    Name and Age                                     Position
- -----------------------               --------------------------------------following candidates:

Richard  T.  Farmer(1)                  Chairman of the Board
     63

Robert J. Kohlhepp(1)                 Chief Executive Officer and Director
     54

Gerald V. Dirvin(3)                   Director
     61

James J. Gardner(1)(2)                Director
     65

Roger L. Howe(2)(3)                   Director
     63

Donald P. Klekamp(2)                  Director
     66

John S. Lillard(3)                    Director
     68

Scott D. Farmer President, Chief Operating Officer
     39                               and Director

Robert R. Buck                        Senior Vice President and
     50                               President - Uniform Rental Division

Karen L. Carnahan                     Vice President and Treasurer
     44

William C. Gale                       Vice President and Chief
     46                               Financial Officer

David T. Jeanmougin                   Senior Vice President and Secretary
     57

John S. Kean III                      Senior Vice President
     58


Ages are as of September 1 1998.

(1) Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
(2) Member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
(3) Member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.






                                      - 8 -   Richard  T.   Farmer  has  been  with   the CompanyCintas  and  its
64                      predecessors since 1957 and has served  in  his  present
                        position  with the Company since 1968. Prior to August 1, 1995, Mr. Farmer
                        also served as Chief Executive Officer. He is also a Director
                        of Fifth  Third  Bancorp,  a  NASDAQ  company,  and  its
                        subsidiary The Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio, a National Market (NASDAQ) company.Ohio. He is
                        also the Chairman of Summerhill,Summer Hill, Inc.

Robert J. Kohlhepp 1   Robert J.  Kohlhepp  has  been a Director of the CompanyCintas since
55                     1979. He has been  employed  by the CompanyCintas since 1967 serving
                       in  various executive capacities including Vice President -
                       Finance  until   1979  when   he  became  Executive  Vice
                       President.  He served in that capacity  until October 23,
                       1984,  when he was elected President,  a position he held
                       until July 1997. Mr. Kohlhepp was elected to his  present
                       position of Chief Executive Officer on August 1, 1995. He
                       is also a Director of The Mead Corporation, Dayton, Ohio,
                       a New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) company.

Scott D. Farmer       Scott D. Farmer joined Cintas in 1981.  He has  served  in
                      various management positions including President of Cintas
                      Sales  Corporation,  Vice  President -  National   Account
                      Division and Vice President - Marketing and Merchandising.
                      He was elected a Director of Cintas in 1994. In July 1997,
                      he was elected President and  Chief  Operating  Officer of
                      the Company.

Gerald V. Dirvin 3    Gerald V. Dirvin was elected a Director of Cintas in 1993.
62                    Mr.  Dirvin  joined  The  Procter  &  Gamble  Company,   a
                      Cincinnati-based consumer goods marketing  company  and  a
                      NYSENew  York  Stock Exchange company,  in  1959 and served in
                      various management positions. He retired as Executive Vice
                      President and as a Director  in 1994.  Mr.  Dirvin is also
                      a Director of Fifth Third  Bancorp, Cincinnati, Ohio, a NASDAQ company,  and
                      Northern Telecom Limited, Toronto, Canada, a NYSE company.its subsidiary the Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati, Ohio.

James J. Gardner 1&2  James J. Gardner served in  various  management  positions
66                    with  Cintas  from  1956 until his retirement in 1988. Mr.
                      Gardner  has  served  as  a  Director of the Company since
                      1969.

Roger L. Howe 2&3     Roger L. Howe has been a  Director of Cintas  since  1979.
64                    He was the Chairman of the Board of U.S.  Precision  Lens,
                      Inc.,  a   manufacturer  of  optics  for  the  instrument,
                      photographic  and   television   industries,   until   his
                      retirement  on  September  1,  1997.   Mr.  Howe had held that
                      position in the firm for over five years.   Mr. Howe  is a
                      Director of StarFirstar  Banc  Corporation,  Cincinnati, Ohio, a  NYSENew York Stock
                      Exchange  company,  and  its  subsidiary  StarFirstar    Bank,
                      National Association; Cincinnati Bell
Inc.,Convergys  Corporation,  a NYSENew  York
                      Stock  Exchange  company;  and  Baldwin  Piano  and  Organ
                      Company,  a  Loveland,Mason,  Ohio,  based  company  which is the largest  domestic  manufacturer  of keyboard  musical
instruments and  a  NASDAQ
                      company.

Donald P. Klekamp 2   Donald P. Klekamp  was  elected a  Director  of Cintas  in
67                    1984.  Mr. Klekamp is  a  senior partner in the Cincinnati
                      law firm of Keating,  Muething &  Klekamp,  P.L.L.,  which
                      serves as counsel for the Company.

John S.  Lillard 3    John  S. Lillard has been a Director of Cintas since 1978.
69                    He is Chairman of Wintrust Financial Corporation, a bank
                      holding  company in  Illinois.  He  wasis  a  Founder  of JMB
                      Institutional Realty Corporation, a registered  investment
                      advisor,  where he served as President  from 1978 to 1991.
                      In 1991,  he became Chairman-Founder until his  retirement
                      in  June   1996.  He  is  also  a   Director  of   Stryker
                      Corporation, a Kalamazoo, Michigan based medical equipment
                      company, and a New York Stock Exchange company. He is also
                      a Director of Lake Forest Bank and Trust Company, a bank holding company.

     Scott D. Farmer joined CintasCompany.

Ages are as of September 1, 1999.

1    Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
2    Member of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
3    Member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.





                     PROPOSAL FOR THE NEW STOCK OPTION PLAN

The Board is  recommending  that  shareholders  approve the Company's 1999 Stock
Option Plan. The Plan provides for the granting of options to purchase 6,000,000
shares of Common Stock.  There remains only 523,620  shares  available for grant
from the shares  previously  authorized  by  shareholders  in 1981. He has served in various  management
positions  including  President of Cintas Sales  Corporation,  Vice  President -
National Account Division and Vice President Marketing and Merchandising. He was
elected a Director of Cintas in 1994. In July 1997, he was elected President and
Chief Operating Officerother stock option
plans of the Company.  Robert R. Buck joinedWith the new option plan,  any shares  remaining from the
old plans will be  terminated.  The Board  considers it advisable  for Cintas in 1982. He served as Senior Vice  President -
Finance and Chief Financial Officer from 1982 to
1991, and Senior Vice President
- - Midwest  Region from 1991 to 1997.  In July 1997,  he was elected  President -
Uniform Rental Division.

     Karen L. Carnahan  joined Cintas in 1979.  She has held various  accounting
and finance positions with the Company. In March 1992, she was elected Treasurer
of the Company and was elected Vice President of the Company in July 1997.






                                      - 9 -


     William C. Gale joined  Cintas in April 1995.  He is presently  responsiblehave  additional  shares  available for the areasgrant of finance,  accountingoptions in order to provide
awards designed to attract and administration.  Prior to  joining
Cintas,  Mr. Gale was associated with  International  Paper, a forest  products,
paper and packaging  company and a NYSE company where he served as auditor since
February 1994. Mr. Gale also held various financial  executive positions between
1982 and1994 with Occidental Petroleum Corporation, an oil products and chemical
concern and a NYSE company.

     David T. Jeanmougin joined Cintas in August 1991 as Senior Vice President -
Finance  and  was  responsible   for  the  areas  of  finance,   accounting  and
administration.  He served in that capacity until April 1995,  when he was named
Secretary  of the  Company  and Senior Vice  President.  In this  capacity he is
responsible  for the area of acquisitions  and several otherretain key administrative
areas.

     John S. Kean III joined Cintas in August 1986 upon the  acquisition  of Red
Stick  Services  where he served as  President.  He was  appointed  Senior  Vice
President in 1986 and is responsible  for operations in Louisiana,  Mississippi,
Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee.

     James J.  Gardner is the  brother-in-law  of Richard  T.  Farmer.  Scott D.
Farmer is the son of Richard T. Farmer. None of the other Executive Officers and
Directors are related.

BOARD ACTIONS AND COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16 OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
- ----------------------------------------------------------------

     The Board of Directors met on four  occasions in fiscal 1998. The Executive
Committee is entitled  through  authorizationemployees.

A committee  established  by the Board of Directors  administers  the Plan.  The
Committee  evaluates  the duties of employees  and by
Washington  lawtheir  present and  potential
contributions  to perform  substantially  all of the  functions of the Board of
Directors between meetings of the Board. The Executive  Committee took action by
written consent on thirty-seven occasions in fiscal 1998.

     The Audit Committee reviews the Company's internal  accounting  operations,
monitors  relationships between the  Company  and such other  factors as it deems  relevant in
determining key persons to whom options will be granted and the number of shares
covered  by such  grants.  All  employees  of the  Company  are  eligible  to be
considered by the Committee for the grant of options.

The Plan provides that all options are to be granted with exercise prices of not
less than 100% of the last sale price for the Common Stock  reported on the date
of grant. Options may be granted for varying periods of up to ten years. Options
may be granted either as Incentive Stock Options designed to provide certain tax
benefits under the Internal  Revenue Code or as  Non-Qualified  Options  without
such  benefits.  However,  persons  who  beneficially  own  10% or  more  of the
Company's  outstanding  Common  Stock may not be granted  incentive  options for
terms  exceeding five years and their  exercise  prices must be at least 110% of
market  value at the time of grant.  The  closing  sale price for the  Company's
Common Stock on August 20, 1999 was $55.8125.

The right to exercise  options will vest  according to a schedule  determined at
the time of grant which  generally is at the rate of 20% per year  commencing on
the  fifth  anniversary  of the date of  grant,  with  this  right  to  exercise
cumulative  to the  extent not  utilized  in prior  periods.  The  committee  is
empowered to grant options with  different  vesting  provisions.  Options may be
exercised for cash or for the  Company's  common stock at its independent  accountants and
recommendsfair market value.
If the  employment of independent  auditors.a person  holding an option is  terminated  for any reason
other  than  death,  total  permanent  disability  or  retirement,   the  option
terminates.

Persons who receive options incur no federal income tax liability at the time of
grant.

Persons  exercising  Non-Qualified  Options  recognize  taxable  income  and the
Company  has a tax  deduction  at the  time of  exercise  to the  extent  of the
difference between market price on the day of exercise and the exercise price.

Persons exercising Incentive Stock Options do not recognize taxable income until
they sell the stock.  Sales within two years of the date of grant or one year of
the date of exercise  result in taxable income to the holder and a deduction for
the Company,  both  measured by the  difference  between the market price at the
time of sale and the  exercise  price.  Sales  after such  period are treated as
capital transactions to the holder and the Company receives no deductions.

The  Auditaffirmative  vote of a majority of votes cast at the meeting is required to
approve the Plan.

                              DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Directors who are not employees of the Company  receive  $9,200 annual  retainer
for  serving as a Director  plus  $1,625 for each  meeting  attended.  Committee
metmembers also receive $900 for each committee meeting attended. Directors who are
employees  of  the  Company  are  not  separately  compensated  for  serving  as
Directors.





                                BOARD COMMITTEES

The Board appoints committees to help carry out its duties. In particular, Board
committees  work on two occasionskey issues in fiscal 1998.greater  detail than would be possible at full
Board meetings. Each committee reviews the results of its meetings with the full
Board.  The Compensation   Committee  establishes   compensation  levels  for  all
executives and administers the Company's stock option plans.  This Committee met
on one  occasion and took action by written  consent on ten  occasions in fiscal
1998.

     The CompanyBoard of Directors does not have a nominating  committee.

Outside  directors  are paid an annual fee of $9,200  plus  $1,625The  Audit  Committee  is  responsible  for  each
Board meeting attended and $900 for each Committee meeting  attended.  Directors
who are executive  officers are not paid Directors' fees nor do they participate
in the 1994 Directors' Stock Option Plan.

     Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requiresreviewing  the  Company's  officers,  directorsinternal
accounting  operations.   It  also  recommends  the  employment  of  independent
accountants  and  persons who own more than ten percent of a  registered
class ofreviews the  Company's  equity  securities  to file  reports of  ownership  and
changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  These persons
are required by SEC regulation to furnishrelationship  between the Company with copies of all Section
16(a)  forms they file.  Based  solely onand its review of the copies of such forms
received by it, or written representation from certain reporting persons that no
Form 5's were required for those persons,  the Company  believes that during the
period of June 1, 1997,  through May 31, 1998, all filing  requirements  of such
persons were met.





                                     - 10 -


EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
- ----------------------

     The following table summarizes the annualoutside
accountants.

Committee members: James J. Gardner, Roger L. Howe (Chairman) and
                   long-term compensation of the
Company's  Chief  Executive  Officer and each of the  Company's  other four most
highly compensated Executive Officers for the years ended May 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996.




                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

Annual Long Term Compensation Compensation -------------------- ------------- Shares Other Annual Underlying All Other Name and Principal Salary Bonus Compensation Option Compensation Position Year ($) ($) ($) Grants (#) ($)(1) - ---------------------- ------- -------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------ Richard T. Farmer 1998 300,000 120,828 48,699(2) -- 179,562 Chairman of the 1997 286,867 188,759 48,522(2) 10,000 195,827 Board 1996 278,512 207,813 61,061(2) 20,000 209,340 Robert J. Kohlhepp 1998 300,000 246,667 58,650(3) -- 52,718 Chief Executive 1997 275,391 207,461 -- 10,000 55,454 Officer and Director 1996 267,370 174,202 -- 100,000 58,277 Scott D. Farmer 1998 250,000 165,556 -- 60,000 7,139 President, Chief 1997 180,000 32,563 -- 10,000 5,738 Operating Officer 1996 150,000 23,866 -- 10,000 6,183 and Director Robert R. Buck 1998 250,000 194,450 -- 40,000 7,019 Senior Vice President 1997 230,000 185,745 -- 10,000 6,210 and President - 1996 200,000 161,869 -- 10,000 6,699 Uniform Rental Division David T. Jeanmougin 1998 229,237 82,780 -- 10,000 6,976 Senior Vice President 1997 220,420 72,518 -- -- 6,068 and Secretary 1996 214,000 69,715 -- 10,000 6,571 (1) The Company maintains a split-dollar life insurance program for Messrs. R. Farmer and Kohlhepp. Under this program, the Company has purchased insurance policies on the lives of Mr. R. Farmer and his wife and Mr. Kohlhepp and his wife. Messrs. R. Farmer and Kohlhepp are responsible for a portion of the premiums and the Company pays the remainder. Upon the death of Messrs. R. Farmer or Kohlhepp and their spouses, the Company will receive that portion of the benefits paid that equals the premiums paid by the Company on that policy. The life insurance trust established by the decedent will receive the remainder of the death benefits. The actuarially projected current dollar value of the benefit to Messrs. R. Farmer and Kohlhepp of the premiums paid to the insurer under these policies for the fiscal years ended May 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 is $172,046, $189,185 and $202,007, respectively, for Mr. R. Farmer and $45,363, $49,483 and $51,348 respectively, for Mr. Kohlhepp. These amounts are included above. - 11 - The Cintas Partners' Plan is a non-contributory employee stock ownership plan and profit sharing plan with a 401(k) savings feature which covers substantially all employees. Included above are the dollars contributed by the Company pursuant to the Partners' Plan. (2)Represents compensation associated with the use of the Company's aircraft ($18,134, $20,078 and $52,766 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively), financial planning ($20,000 and $18,330 in 1998 and 1997 respectively) and other expense reimbursements. (3)Represents compensation associated with the use of the Company's aircraft ($33,202), financial planning ($15,000) and other expense reimbursements.
STOCK OPTIONS - ------------- The following table sets forth information regarding stock options granted to the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table during the fiscal year ended May 31, 1998: OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
Percent of Total Potential Realizable Options Value at Assumed Number of Granted Annual Rates of Stock Shares to Price Appreciation for Underlying Employees Exercise Option Term ($) Options In Fiscal Price Expiration ----------------------------- Name Granted 1997 ($/Sh.) Date 5% 10% - ------------ ----------- ---------- --------- ----------- ----------- ------ Richard T. __ N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Farmer Robert J. -- N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Kohlhepp Scott D. 60,000 5.5% 35.3125 07/28/07 1,332,470 3,376,742 Farmer Robert R. 40,000 3.7% 35.3125 07/28/07 888,314 2,251,161 Buck David T. 10,000 .9% 35.3125 07/28/07 222,078 562,790 Jeanmougin
- 12 - The following table sets forth information regarding stock options exercised by the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table during fiscal 1998 and the value of in-the-money unexercised options held by them as of May 31, 1998: AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
Number of Shares Value of Unexercised Underlying Unexercised In-the-Money Options at Shares Option at May 31, 1998 May 31, 1998($)(1) Acquired on Value --------------------------- --------------------------- Name Exercise(#) Realized($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable - -------------------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- Richard T. Farmer 20,000 665,000 20,000 20,000 537,344 490,781 Robert J. Kohlhepp 1,500 46,000 30,500 158,000 1,166,594 4,432,750 Scott D. Farmer 7,000 212,042 56,200 102,000 2,094,462 1,794,375 Robert R. Buck --- --- 3,200 74,800 110,200 1,372,175 David T. Jeanmougin --- --- 22,400 77,600 771,200 2,276,050 (1)Value is calculated as the difference between the fair market value of the Common Stock on May 31, 1998 ($45.6875 per share) and the exercise price of the options.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE - ------------------------------------Donald P. Klekamp. Meetings last year: One. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is composed of three independent, outside directors. The members of the Committeeresponsible for fiscal 1998 were Messrs. Dirvin, Howe and Lillard. The Committee has the overall responsibility of reviewing and recommending specificestablishing compensation levels for management. The committee's report on executive officerscompensation follows. Committee members: Gerald V. Dirvin, Roger L. Howe and key management to the full Board of Directors. The Committee is also charged with reviewing the performance of the executive officers in relation to overall Company performance. The Company's stock option plans are also administered by the Committee.John S. Lillard (Chairman). Meetings last year: Two. COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Executive Compensation decisions for fiscal 1998 followed the same pattern as fiscal 1997.Policies The Company's executive compensation policies are designed to support the corporate objective of maximizing the long termlong-term value of the Company to its shareholders and employees. To achieve this objective, the Committee believes it is important to provide competitive levels of compensation to attract and retain the most qualified executives, to recognize individuals who exceed expectations and to link closely overall corporate performance and executive pay. The methods by which the Committee believes the Company's long termlong-term objectives can be achieved are through incentive compensation plans and the issuance of options to purchase the Company's common stock. - 13 -Common Stock. The Committee has established three primary components of the Company's executive compensation plan. The three components are: - base compensationcompensation; - performance incentive compensationcompensation; - stock-based performance compensation through stock option grantsgrants. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 provides that compensation in excess of $1,000,000 per year paid to the chief executive officer of a company as well as the other executive officers listed in the compensation table will no longer be deductible unless the compensation is performance-based and approved by shareholders. This law was not considered by the Committee in determining fiscal 19981999 compensation since compensation levels were not in excess of the amounts deductible under the law. BASE COMPENSATIONBase Compensation - ----------------- The Committee annually reviews base salaries of executive officers. Factors which influence decisions made by the Committee regarding base salaries are levels of responsibility and potential for future responsibilities, salary levels offered by competitors and overall performance of the Company. The Committee's practice in establishing salary levels is based in part upon overall Company performance and is not based upon any specific objectives or policies, but reflects the subjective judgment of the Committee. However, specific annual performance goals are established for each executive officer. Based on the Committee's comparison of the Company's overall compensation levels as a percent of revenues and net income to comparable companies in the industry, the Committee believes its overall compensation levels are in the middle of the range. PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE COMPENSATIONPerformance Incentive Compensation - ---------------------------------- TheA performance incentive compensation component, which is paid out in the form of an annual cash bonus, was established by the Committee to provide a direct financial incentive to achieve corporate and operating goals. The basis for determining performance incentive compensation is strictly quantitative in nature. At the beginning of each fiscal year, the Committee establishes a target bonus for certain executives based on target levels of increases in earnings per share. Cash bonuses paid to other executives are based on a percentage of operating profits of the particular division served by that officer. Those percentages are not disclosed because they could be used to determine divisional operating profits which are otherwise not publicly available. STOCK OPTION GRANTS Stock Option Grants - ------------------- Executive compensation to reward past performance and to motivate future performance is also provided through stock options granted under the 1992Cintas' Stock Option Plan.Plans. The purpose of the plan is to encourage executive officers to maintain a long-term stock ownership position in the Company in order that their interests are aligned with those of the Company's shareholders. The Committee in its discretion has the authority to determine participants in the plan, the number of shares to be granted and the option price and term. The Committee has not established specific stock option target awards for participants. Consideration for stock option awards are evaluated on a subjective basis and granted to participants until an ownership position exists which is consistent with the participant's current responsibilities. Options granted to executive officers in Fiscal 19981999 can be found on page 11 under the Option Grants Table. - 14 - CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION11. Chief Executive Officer Compensation - ------------------------------------ The Committee establishesestablished Mr. Kohlhepp's base salary based primarily on a subjective evaluation of the Company's prior year's financial results, past salary levels and compensation paid to other chief executive officers in the Company's industry. Based on the Committee's comparison of the Company's overall compensation level for Mr. Kohlhepp as a percent of revenue and net income to comparable companies in the industry, the Committee believes his overall compensation level is in the middle of the range. The Committee also establishes at the beginning of each year a performance incentive bonus arrangement for Mr. Kohlhepp. Based on the Company's belief that shareholder value is best enhanced by increases in earnings per share, the Committee based this arrangement for fiscal 1999 on target levels of increases in earnings per share. The program provided for no bonus if earnings per share did not exceed a minimum threshold of a 10% increase over the prior year's earnings per share, which was $1.91 (prior to restatement for stock split).$1.16. The bonus potential ranged from 10% of base salary if earnings per share increased by nineteen cents$.12 over the prior year up to a maximum of 90% if earnings per share increased by forty-eight cents$.29 over the prior year. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE, John S. Lillard - Chairman(Chairman), Gerald V. Dirvin, and Roger L. Howe PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS The following persons are the only shareholders known by the Company to own beneficially 5% or more of its outstanding Common Stock as of August 20, 1999: Name of Amount and Nature of Percent of Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership Class - 15------------------ -------------------- ----------- Richard T. Farmer1 25,286,9542 22.8% James J. Gardner1 7,589,5863 6.8% Joan A. Gardner1 7,589,5863 6.8% - -------------------------- 1 The address of Richard T. Farmer, James J. Gardner and Joan A. Gardner is Cintas Corporation, 6800 Cintas Boulevard, P.O. Box 625737, Cincinnati, Ohio 45262-5737. 2 Includes 53,560 shares owned by Mr. Farmer's wife, 3,562,227 shares held in trust for Mr. Farmer's children, 73,380 shares owned by a corporation controlled by Mr. Farmer, 10,079,880 shares held by a family partnership and 7,500 shares which may be acquired pursuant to stock options which are exercisable within 60 days. 3 Includes the following shares considered to be beneficially owned by both Mr. & Mrs. Gardner: 159,027 shares held by a charitable trust established by Mr. Gardner, 65,582 shares held by a corporation that is controlled by Mr. Gardner, 6,303,600 shares held by a family partnership, 44,927 shares owned by Mrs. Gardner, 646,872 shares held in trust for Mr. Gardner's children and 6,000 shares which may be acquired pursuant to stock options exercisable within 60 days. DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE OFFICER STOCK OWNERSHIP These tables show how much Cintas Corporation common stock each executive officer named in the summary compensation table and each director of Cintas owned on August 20, 1999. Common Stock Beneficially Owned(1) Name and Age --------------------------------- Beneficial Amount and Nature of Percent Owner Position Beneficial Ownership of Class - ------------------ ------------------------ --------------------- -------- Richard T. Farmer Chairman of the Board 25,286,954(2) 22.8% 64 Robert J. Kohlhepp Chief Executive Officer 2,444,522(3) 2.2% 55 and Director Scott D. Farmer President, Chief 457,112(4) * 40 Operating Officer and Director Gerald V. Dirvin Director 16,800 * 62 James J. Gardner Director 7,589,586(2) 6.8% 66 Roger L. Howe Director 704,456(5) * 64 Donald P. Klekamp Director 142,611(6) * 67 John S. Lillard Director 132,908(7) * 69 David T. Jeanmougin Senior Vice President 56,745(8) * 58 and Secretary Robert R. Buck Senior Vice President 124,646(9) * 51 and President - Uniform Rental Division All Directors and 37,052,036(10) 33.4% Executive Officers as a Group (13 persons) *Less than 1% (1) Included in the amount of Common Stock beneficially owned are the following shares of common stock for options exercisable within 60 days: Mr. Kohlhepp - 26,000 shares; Mr. Dirvin - 6,000 shares; Mr. Howe 6,000 shares; Mr. Klekamp - 6,000 shares; Mr. Lillard - 5,000 shares; Mr. S. Farmer - 48,800 shares; Mr. Jeanmougin - 52,400 shares; and Mr. Buck - 453 shares. (2) See Principal Shareholders on page 7. (3) Includes 240,000 shares held in trust for members of Mr. Kohlhepp's family, 127,344 shares held by a corporation that is controlled by Mr. Kohlhepp and 1,265,350 shares held by a family partnership. (4) Includes 91,400 shares held in trust for members of Mr. Farmer's family, 2,692 shares owned by his immediate family and 55,920 shares held by a limited partnership. (5) Includes 107,648 shares owned by a limited partnership. (6) Includes 118,516 shares owned by Mr. Klekamp's wife. (7) Does not include 16,000 shares held in a charitable foundation controlled by Mr. Lillard of which Mr. Lillard disclaims beneficial ownership. (8) David T. Jeanmougin joined Cintas in August 1991 as Senior Vice President - Finance and was responsible for the areas of finance, accounting and administration. He served in that capacity until April 1995 when he was named Secretary of the Company and Senior Vice President. In this capacity he is responsible for the area of acquisitions and several other key administrative areas. (9) Robert R. Buck joined Cintas in 1982. He served as Senior Vice President - Finance and Chief Financial Officer from 1982 to 1991, and Senior Vice President - Midwest Region from 1991 to 1997. In July 1997, he was elected President - Uniform Rental Division. (10) Includes options for 173,953 shares which are exercisable within 60 days. The following is a description of our other executive officers: Karen L. Carnahan joined Cintas in 1979. She has held various accounting and finance positions with the Company. In March 1992, she was elected Treasurer of the Company and was elected Vice President of the Company in July 1997. William C. Gale joined Cintas in April 1995 as Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer. He is presently responsible for the areas of finance, accounting and administration. Prior to joining Cintas, Mr. Gale was associated with International Paper, a forest products, paper and packaging company and a New York Stock Exchange company where he served as auditor since February 1994. Mr. Gale also held various financial executive positions between 1982 and 1994 with Occidental Petroleum Corporation, an oil products and chemical concern and a New York Stock Exchange company. John S. Kean III joined Cintas in August 1986 upon the acquisition of Red Stick Services where he served as President. He was appointed Senior Vice President in 1986 and is responsible for operations in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee. SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's executive officers, directors and persons who own more than ten percent of the Company's Common Stock to file reports of ownership with the Commission and to furnish the Company with copies of these reports. Based solely upon its review of reports received by it, or upon written representation from certain reporting persons that no reports were required, Cintas believes that during fiscal 1999 all filing requirements were met, except that Forms 5 for Messrs. Dirvin, Howe, Klekamp and Lillard to report an option grant, of 1,000 shares each, exempt from the provisions of Section 16(b) were each filed late. SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE Annual Long-Term Compensation Compensation ----------------- ------------------- Other Shares All Annual Underlying Other Compen- Option Compen Name and Salary Bonus sation Grants -sation Principal Position Year ($) ($) ($) (#) ($)(1) - ------------------ ---- ------- ------- --------- ---------- ------- Richard T. Farmer 1999 345,000 172,500 58,856(2) -- 142,344 Chairman of the 1998 300,000 120,828 48,699(2) -- 179,562 Board 1997 286,867 188,759 48,522(2) 10,000 195,827 Robert J. Kohlhepp 1999 362,000 325,800 -- -- 47,072 Chief Executive 1998 300,000 246,667 58,650(3) -- 52,718 Officer and 1997 275,391 207,461 -- 10,000 55,454 Director Scott D. Farmer 1999 304,000 212,800 -- -- 8,154 President, Chief 1998 250,000 165,556 -- 60,000 7,139 Operating Officer 1997 80,000 32,563 -- 10,000 5,738 and Director Robert R. Buck 1999 270,000 225,207 -- -- 8,207 Senior Vice 1998 250,000 194,450 -- 40,000 7,019 President and 1997 230,000 185,745 -- 10,000 6,210 President - Uniform Rental Division David T. Jeanmougin 1999 250,000 100,000 -- -- 7,901 Senior Vice 1998 229,237 82,780 -- 10,000 6,976 President and 1997 220,420 72,518 -- -- 6,068 Secretary (1) The Company maintains a split-dollar life insurance program for Messrs. R. Farmer and Kohlhepp. Under this program, the Company has purchased insurance policies on the lives of Mr. R. Farmer and his wife, and Mr. Kohlhepp and his wife. Messrs. R. Farmer and Kohlhepp are responsible for a portion of the premiums and the Company pays the remainder. Upon the death of Messrs. R. Farmer or Kohlhepp and their spouses, the Company will receive that portion of the benefits paid that equals the premiums paid by the Company on that policy. The life insurance trust established by the decedent will receive the remainder of the death benefits. The actuarially projected current dollar value of the benefit to Messrs. R. Farmer and Kohlhepp of the premiums paid to the insurer under these policies for the fiscal years ended May 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997 is $133,612, $172,046 and $189,185, respectively, for Mr. R. Farmer and $38,529, $45,363 and $49,483, respectively, for Mr. Kohlhepp. These amounts are included above. The Cintas Partners' Plan is a non-contributory employee stock ownership plan and profit sharing plan with a 401(k) savings feature which covers substantially all employees. Included above are the dollars contributed by the Company pursuant to the Partners' Plan. (2) Represents compensation associated with the use of the Company's aircraft ($32,958, $18,134 and $20,078 in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively), financial planning ($15,000, $20,000 and $18,330 in 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively) and other expense reimbursements. (3) Represents compensation associated with the use of the Company's aircraft ($33,202), financial planning ($15,000) and other expense reimbursements. STOCK OPTIONS No Stock Options were granted to the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table during the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999. The following table sets forth information regarding stock options exercised by the executives named in the Summary Compensation Table during fiscal 1999 and the value of in-the-money unexercised options held by them as of May 31, 1999: AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
Number of Value of Unexercised In- Unexercised the-Money Options at Shares Value Options at May 31, 1999 May 31, 1999($)(1) Acquired on Realized -------------------------- --------------------------- Name Exercise (#) ($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable - ------------------- ------------ --------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- Richard T. Farmer 10,000 563,750 20,000 10,000 853,125 411,875 Robert J. Kohlhepp 28,500 1,923,125 16,000 144,000 828,000 6,492,625 Scott D. Farmer 10,200 566,525 50,000 98,000 2,711,250 3,409,875 Robert R. Buck 6,800 247,600 ---- 71,200 ---- 2,520,450 David T. Jeanmougin ---- ---- 36,400 63,600 1,896,150 2,932,350
(1) Value is calculated as the difference between the fair market value of the Common Stock on May 31, 1999 ($63.50 per share) and the exercise price of the options. COMMON STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH - ------------------------------ The following graph summarizes the cumulative return on $100 invested in the Company's Common Stock, the S & P 500 Stock Index and the common stocks of a representative group of companies in the uniform related industry (the "Peer Index"). The companies included in the Peer Index are Angelica Corporation, G & K Services, Inc., and UniFirst Corporation and Unitog Company. National Service Industries which is no longer in the same line of business as the peer group is no longer included in the peer group.Corporation. Total shareholder return was based on the increase in the price of the stock and assumed investmentreinvestment of all dividends. Further, total return was weighted according to market capitalization of each company. The companies in the Peer Index are not the same as those considered by the Compensation Committee. MEASUREMENT PERIOD CINTAS S&P 500 PEER PERIOD(QUARTER END) CORP 500 INDEX GROUP (QUARTER END) - ------------------------------- ------ ------- -------------- ------ MAY, 93 100 100 100 AUG, 93 106 104 105 NOV, 93 105 104 111 FEB, 94 115 106 116 MAY, 94 114 104 114 AUG, 94 116 109 115 NOV, 94 126 105 109 FEB, 95 139 114 110 MAY, 95 127 125 119 AUG, 95 139 133 133 NOV, 95 169 144 141 FEB, 96 178 153 155 MAY, 96 198 161 180 NOV, 96 224 184 185 FEB, 97 199 193 166 MAY, 97 230 208 169 AUG, 97 259 222 187 NOV, 97 289 237 197 FEB, 98 317 261 216 MAY, 98 341 272 203 AUG, 98 266 230 194 NOV, 98 359 281 203 FEB, 99 464 300 201 MAY, 99 416 316 184 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT YEAR Shareholders who desire to have proposals included in the Notice for the 2000 Shareholders' Meeting must submit their proposals in writing to Cintas at its offices on or before May 4, 2000. The form of Proxy for the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders grants authority to the designated proxies to vote in their discretion on any matters that come before the meeting except those set forth in the Company's Proxy Statement and except for matters as to which adequate notice is received. In order for a notice to be deemed adequate for the 2000 Shareholders' Meeting, it must be received prior to July 20, 2000. OTHER MATTERS Cintas knows of no other matters to be presented at the meeting other than those specified in the Notice. By order ofQUESTIONS? If you have questions or need more information about the Board of Directors.annual meeting, write to: David T. Jeanmougin, Secretary 6800 Cintas Blvd. P. O. Box 625737 Cincinnati, OH 45262-5737 or call (513) 459-1200. For information about your record holding call the Fifth Third Bank Shareholder Services at 1-800-837-2755. We also invite you to visit Cintas' Internet site at www.Cintas-corp.com. Internet site materials are for your general information and are not part of this proxy solicitation. FRONT OF CARD CINTAS CORPORATION PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING 6800 Cintas Blvd., P.O. Box 625737, Cincinnati, Ohio 45262-5737 The undersigned hereby appoints RICHARD T. FARMER, ROBERT J. KOHLHEPP, and WILLIAM C. GALE, or any of them, proxies of the undersigned, each with the power of substitution, to vote all shares of Common Stock which the undersigned would be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Cintas Corporation to be held October 20, 1999, at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) at the Company's Headquarters, 6800 Cintas Boulevard, Cincinnati, Ohio 45040 and at any adjournment of such Meeting as specified below. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS: 1. Authority to establish the number of Directors to be elected at the Meeting at eight. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 2. Authority to elect eight nominees listed below. FOR all nominees listed below (except as WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all marked to the contrary) nominees listed below Richard T. Farmer; Robert J. Kohlhepp; Scott D. Farmer; Gerald V. Dirvin; James J. Gardner; Roger L. Howe; Donald P. Klekamp; John S. Lillard WRITE THE NAME OF ANY NOMINEE(S) FOR WHOM AUTHORITY TO VOTE IS WITHHELD (Continued on other side) BACK OF CARD 3. Approval of the 1999 Stock Option Plan. FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 4. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Meeting. THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1, 2 AND 3. , 1999 _________________________________ Important: Please sign exactly as name appears hereon indicating, where proper, official position or representative capacity. In the case of joint holders, all should sign. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS