The proposed merger is currently being reviewed by the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice

Maytag Corporation stockholders approved the proposed merger with Whirlpool Corporation at the Special Meeting held Thursday. Based on the preliminary vote total announced at the meeting, the merger was approved by 68.5 percent of the shares outstanding and 97.8 percent of those shares voting. The proposal only required an approval of more than 50 percent of the shares outstanding.

The proposed merger is currently being reviewed by the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice. In order to facilitate the review, Whirlpool and Maytag have agreed not to close the proposed merger before February 27, 2006, without the Antitrust Division's concurrence, although the Antitrust Division may request additional time for review. Whirlpool and Maytag continue to expect the transaction to close as early as the first quarter of 2006.

"We are very pleased that Maytag's shareholders have fully endorsed the merger," said Jeff M. Fettig, Whirlpool's chairman and CEO. "The combination of Whirlpool and Maytag will create very substantial benefits for consumers, trade customers and our shareholders. We believe this transaction will result in better products, quality and service, as well as efficiencies, which will enhance our ability to succeed in the increasingly competitive global home- appliance industry."