NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) May 23, 2002--Standard&Poor's said today that it assigned its 'A-2' rating to leading appliance maker Whirlpool Corp. and co-issuer, Whirlpool Finance B.V.'s proposed $500 million euro-commercial paper program. At the same time Standard&Poor's affirmed its other ratings on the company as well as its ratings for Whirlpool Financial Corp. "The ratings reflect Benton Harbor, M.I.-based Whirlpool Corp.'s global leadership position in the appliance industry offset by exposure to economic fluctuations in key international markets," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Jean C. Stout. She added, "If the company is unable to sustain an improved operating performance or if it leverages its financial profile, these factors could lead to a lower rating
