German engineering group Robert Bosch is weighing a bid for US appliances manufacturer Whirlpool, (WHR) according to three people familiar with the matter, a move that would boost its position in the household appliances market.

Bosch has been talking to potential advisers about the possibility of making an offer for Whirlpool, which has a market capitalisation of about $4.8 billion, one of the sources said.Bosch weighs offer for appliance maker Whirlpool,potential acquisition could significantly enhance Bosch’s position in the household appliance market, especially as competition with Asian rivals intensifies12. Whirlpool, founded in 1911, produces a wide range of home appliances, including refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, dryers, and small kitchen appliances. The company has undergone restructuring, folding its European business into a new company controlled by Turkish rival Arcelik and divesting its Middle Eastern and African operations.
While it remains uncertain whether Bosch will make an official offer, the move aligns with Bosch’s strategy to expand its unit that manufactures large home appliances. If successful, the acquisition could reshape the landscape of the industry and potentially impact Benton Harbor, where Whirlpool’s headquarters are located.