NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) April 30, 2009--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services said today that it assigned its 'BBB-' senior unsecured debt rating to Whirlpool Corp.'s offerings of $500 million of 8.6% notes due May 1, 2014 and $350 million of 8% notes due May 1, 2012. These notes will be issued off Whirlpool's previously filed Rule 415 shelf registration for debt securities. The company will use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes. As of March 31, 2009, Benton Harbor, Mich.-based Whirlpool had about $3 billion in debt. The ratings on Whirlpool reflect its strong brand recognition, global leadership position in the mature and concentrated major appliance industry, and geographic diversity. We believe exposure to deteriorating economic conditions in
