Whirlpool-Maytag merger approved

U.S. antitrust regulators today approved Whirlpool Corp.'s proposed acquisition of rival appliance maker Maytag Corp.

Following its months-long investigation, the Justice Department said it would not oppose the deal. The department said, "This transaction is not likely to harm consumer welfare," and noted that at least five other companies are well-established in U.S. markets.

According to analysts who had believed the Justice Department would object to the merger, the deal would result in a single company producing half of the dishwashers in the U.S. and more than 70 percent of the washers and dryers.