In a significant turn of events in the global M&A landscape, talks between U.S. appliance giant Whirlpool Corporation and private equity powerhouse Advent International regarding the sale of Whirlpool’s India unit have reportedly collapsed. According to sources cited by Reuters, the deal—valued at up to $1 billion—was derailed due to disagreements over valuation.
Advent International had emerged as the leading contender to acquire a 31% stake in Whirlpool of India Ltd (NSE: WHIR.NS), a move that would have triggered a mandatory open offer for a controlling stake under Indian securities regulations. The acquisition was seen as a strategic play by Advent to deepen its footprint in the Indian consumer durables market, leveraging Whirlpool’s established brand presence and distribution network.
However, despite advanced negotiations, the two parties were unable to bridge the valuation gap. The breakdown underscores the challenges global investors face in aligning expectations with multinational corporations, especially in high-growth but price-sensitive markets like India.
Whirlpool of India, a subsidiary of Michigan-based Whirlpool Corp (NYSE: WHR), has been a prominent player in the Indian home appliance sector, known for its refrigerators, washing machines, and kitchen appliances. The potential divestment was part of Whirlpool’s broader strategy to streamline its global operations and focus on core markets.
While this deal may have faltered, industry watchers suggest that interest in India’s consumer appliance sector remains robust, driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and a growing appetite for premium home solutions. It remains to be seen whether Whirlpool will seek other suitors or recalibrate its strategy for the Indian market.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
Tag Archives: Whirlpool
Whirlpool Tops Q3 Expectations with Solid Earnings
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR), maker of Maytag and KitchenAid appliances, beat Wall Street forecasts in its third-quarter report released Monday.
The company posted net income of $73 million, or $1.29 per share. Adjusted earnings came in at $2.09 per share, well above the $1.41 estimate from analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research.
Revenue also impressed, reaching $4.03 billion, surpassing the expected $3.92 billion.
Looking ahead, Whirlpool reaffirmed its full-year earnings guidance of $7 per share, signaling continued confidence in its performance.
Whirlpool Corporation Announces $300 Million Investment
The Michigan-based manufacturer, which started in the U.S. in 1911 and has stayed in the U.S. throughout its history, is preparing to ramp up production at two Ohio facilities.
Whirlpool Corporation today announced a planned $300 million investment in its U.S. laundry manufacturing facilities, one in a series of strategic commitments to grow its American manufacturing footprint. This investment is expected to create between 400 and 600 new jobs across the company’s operations in Clyde and Marion, Ohio, positioning Whirlpool Corp. for increased production of its next generation of washers and dryers, while also supporting approximately 5,000 additional jobs outside the company.
Whirlpool seeks investigation into alleged tariff evasion by competitors
A dramatic drop in the price of imported washing machines from South Korea has sparked concern among U.S. appliance giant Whirlpool. Recent data reveals that units once priced at nearly $840 are now entering the market at just $73—a staggering decline that has Whirlpool questioning the fairness of global competition.
🗣️ In a statement released Monday, Whirlpool confirmed it has “shared its concerns about this data with the administration at various levels.” The company has also taken its grievances directly to foreign competitors, including Samsung, LG, and the owner of GE Appliances. Whirlpool emphasized that “recent trade policies can only help level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers if foreign-owned companies play by the rules.”
🇺🇸 With more than a century of manufacturing history in the U.S., Whirlpool says it remains committed to defending its workforce of approximately 20,000 American employees. The company’s message is clear: fair trade isn’t just about policy—it’s about accountability.
Whirlpool India: A Strategic Tug-of-War Amid Global Appliance Shifts
Investor AB, the powerful Swedish holding company behind Electrolux and other industrial giants, is backing EQT in a potential takeover of Whirlpool India. While EQT remains the only serious bidder, Whirlpool CEO Marc Bitzer is asking $550–600 million for a 31% stake—an amount that led Bain Capital to walk away.
Despite interest, Whirlpool India faces stiff competition from Chinese and Japanese-Korean brands and lacks presence in premium segments. Tariff protections haven’t delivered results, adding pressure to the deal.
Electrolux may not be changing hands just yet—but the appliance sector is clearly heating up.
Whirlpool Accuses Samsung and LG of Dodging Tariffs via Transfer Pricing
Whirlpool has filed a complaint with U.S. authorities, alleging that Samsung and LG’s American subsidiaries manipulated internal “transfer pricing” to lower tariffs on imported appliances. By undervaluing goods shipped from overseas units, Whirlpool claims the companies reduced their tax burden unfairly.
The complaint was submitted to the White House and U.S. Customs in August, reigniting tensions in a market where Samsung and LG now hold a combined 36% share, compared to Whirlpool’s 20%.
Both Korean firms deny wrongdoing, citing compliance with U.S. tax laws and highlighting their investments in domestic manufacturing.
Whirlpool’s move could influence future tariff policies and intensify scrutiny of multinational pricing strategies.
Midea Strengthens UK & Ireland Sales Leadership with Jack Green Appointment
Midea, a global leader in home appliances and white goods, has appointed Jack Green as its new Head of Sales for the UK and Ireland, reinforcing its commitment to regional growth and market expansion.
Green brings over 10 years of senior commercial experience from Whirlpool, where he held leadership roles across sales, marketing, and finance—most recently serving as Commercial Director for Hotpoint and Indesit. His career also includes roles at Next and Nestlé, with a strong track record in both UK and Swiss markets.
🗣️ “Joining Midea in June has been an exciting step,” said Green. “I’ve spent the past few months diving into our product portfolio and identifying growth opportunities. The team here is talented, driven, and aligned in our ambition to expand Midea’s footprint across the UK and Ireland.”
With Green’s appointment, Midea is poised to accelerate its presence in the UK white goods sector, leveraging his expertise to drive sales strategy, retailer partnerships, and brand visibility
Change in the top management line of Electrolux Group
Vincent Rotger , long experience at Whirlpool and Haier, will take over from Henrik Dagberg as Chief Strategy Officer, and will lead the Business Development area. Rotger, a graduate in France, held the same function at Haier Europe before becoming CEO of Ever Ever, a French start-up dedicated to the design of durable and sustainable home appliances
Whirlpool Expands U.S. Investment and Manufacturing
Whirlpool CEO Marc Bitzer reaffirmed the company’s commitment to domestic production, crediting supportive trade policies for encouraging new investments. The brand is launching products that affect 30% of its range, with a focus on U.S.-based manufacturing. Despite missing Q1 2025 forecasts, Bitzer remains confident that boosting factory output will drive profitability
Whirlpool to issue $1.2 billion in bonds following junk status downgrade
Whirlpool Corp a global leader in home appliances, is making a bold financial move by issuing $1.2 billion in bonds following its recent downgrade to junk status Whirlpool, a global manufacturer of major home appliances, aims to use the proceeds from this bond sale to pay off debt under its current term-loan facility,
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