Top 5 Brands Owned by Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is a global powerhouse in home appliances, offering a diverse range of products such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, microwave ovens, and air conditioners.

Founded in 1908, Whirlpool's journey began when Lou Upton sold electric washing machines to Sears. By 1911, Upton and his uncle Emory secured funding to manufacture a patented electric motor-driven wringer washer, marking the birth of Upton Machine Co. The company was renamed Whirlpool Corporation in 1950, reflecting its expanding product lineup.

As of 2024, Whirlpool reported revenues of $16.6 billion despite a net loss of $305 million, with a market capitalization of $4.28 billion by May 2025. This growth is fueled by strategic acquisitions that broaden its appliance offerings and global market reach, sometimes stirring regulatory scrutiny.

Below is an overview of some of Whirlpool’s most significant acquisitions, which have helped shape its extensive brand portfolio:

Key Highlights

• Whirlpool markets products under several prominent brands including KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, and Consul.
• The company’s roots date back to 1908 with the first sale of electric washing machines to Sears.
• Whirlpool's market cap reached $4.28 billion as of May 2025.
• In 2005, Whirlpool acquired its competitor Maytag Corp. for $1.7 billion, expanding its product range significantly.
• The 2014 acquisition of Italy’s Indesit Co. strengthened Whirlpool’s presence in the European market.

Seeger Refrigerator Co. and R.C.A. Stoves & Air Conditioners

• Business areas: Refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners
• Acquisition details: Part of a three-company merger in July 1955

In 1955, Whirlpool took a major step by merging with Seeger Refrigerator Co., adding refrigerators to its product offerings. The deal also included acquiring R.C.A. Corp.’s stove and air conditioning divisions. This merger expanded Whirlpool’s portfolio beyond washing machines, positioning it as a comprehensive home appliance provider.

Maytag Corporation

• Business focus: Washers, dryers, kitchen and home appliances
• Acquisition cost: $1.7 billion in cash and stock
• Date completed: March 31, 2006

In August 2005, Whirlpool announced a $1.7 billion acquisition of Maytag, a leading appliance manufacturer founded in 1893. The total deal value, including Maytag’s $900 million debt, was $2.6 billion. This acquisition brought well-known brands like Jenn-Air and Amana under Whirlpool’s umbrella. Despite antitrust concerns, the U.S. Department of Justice cleared the merger, allowing Whirlpool to consolidate its leadership in the appliance sector.

KitchenAid

• Business area: Kitchen and home appliances
• Acquisition date: January 12, 1985

Whirlpool acquired KitchenAid from Hobart Corp., a Dart & Kraft subsidiary, in 1985. Though the purchase price was undisclosed, estimates suggest it was around $170 million. KitchenAid, established in 1919, is renowned for its ovens, refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, and food processors. The acquisition faced an initial antitrust challenge but was completed in 1986, excluding dishwasher and trash compactor lines, which were sold to Emerson Electric Co.

Hefei Rongshida Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.

• Business focus: Home appliances in China
• Acquisition price: Approximately $552 million for a 51% stake
• Date acquired: October 24, 2014

To strengthen its foothold in Asia, Whirlpool acquired a majority stake in Hefei Rongshida Sanyo Electric Co., a leading Chinese appliance manufacturer, in 2014. This move expanded Whirlpool’s reach into rural Chinese markets, rebranding the company as Whirlpool China Co. Ltd. and enhancing its presence beyond urban centers.

Indesit Company S.p.A.

• Business focus: European home appliances
• Acquisition price: About $1 billion for 60.4% ownership
• Date completed: October 14, 2014

In 2014, Whirlpool acquired a controlling stake in Italy’s Indesit Co., a well-established maker of washing machines, freezers, and ovens. This strategic acquisition bolstered Whirlpool’s European market position, complementing its simultaneous investment in China through Hefei Sanyo.

Commitment to Diversity and Transparency

Whirlpool demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and corporate social responsibility. The company transparently reports on the diversity of its leadership and workforce, reflecting its dedication to fostering an inclusive corporate culture.

Understanding Market Capitalization

Market capitalization, or market cap, represents the total value of a company's outstanding shares. Whirlpool's market cap of $4.28 billion as of May 2025 places it in the mid-cap category. Market cap is calculated by multiplying the current stock price by the total number of shares and is a key metric for comparing companies within the same industry.

2024 Whirlpool Lawsuit Overview

In February 2024, Whirlpool faced a class-action lawsuit filed by plaintiffs alleging that certain refrigerators under the Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, and Kenmore brands were defectively wired, posing risks of electrocution and fire hazards.

Leadership Spotlight: CEO Mark Bitzer

Mark Bitzer has led Whirlpool as CEO since October 2017. With a background that includes a vice presidency at Whirlpool Europe and prior experience at Boston Consulting Group, Bitzer brings extensive industry expertise to the company’s leadership.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings in 1908, Whirlpool Corporation has evolved into a global leader in home appliances. Through strategic acquisitions and innovation, it now markets a broad array of products under multiple renowned brands, maintaining a strong market presence with a valuation of $4.28 billion as of mid-2025.

Discover engaging topics and analytical content in Company Profiles as of 09-07-2024. The article titled " Top 5 Brands Owned by Whirlpool Corporation " provides new insights and practical guidance in the Company Profiles field. Each topic is meticulously analyzed to deliver actionable information to readers.

The topic " Top 5 Brands Owned by Whirlpool Corporation " helps you make smarter decisions within the Company Profiles category. All topics on our website are unique and offer valuable content for our audience.