Whirlpool has made an offer to purchase Maytag for $17 per share. Maytag said that it would consider the proposal, though the company said that it’s board of directors hasn’t changed its recommendation of the existing Ripplewood-led transaction.

“This transaction will provide Maytag shareholders with superior value compared to the current offer,” said Jeff M. Fettig, Whirlpool’s chairman, president and CEO.

“Equally important, the combination fits Whirlpool’s strategy and capabilities, will create strong value for our shareholders and provide direct benefits to consumers and trade customers,” continued Fettig.

Earlier this year, Best Buy stopped selling Maytag’s washing machines and refrigerators, and this hurt the company’s profits significantly. Profits from the company’s Hoover unit have also fallen.

Whirlpool is however, the third party to show interest in acquiring Maytag. Aside from Ripplewood, Haier Group of China has had talks with the company. AP reports:

On May 19, Maytag agreed to be acquired by Triton, an entity organized by the New York investment company Ripplewood Holdings LLC, for $14 a share, in a deal valued at about $1.13 billion.

But on June 20, Maytag said it was considering a preliminary $1.28 billion bid from Bain Capital, Blackstone Group and China’s Haier America that valued Maytag at $16 per share.

Whirlpool expects its full-year 2005 earnings per share to be between $5.90 and $6.10. The company also expects cash provided by operating activities to be about $860 million, and free cash flow to be in the $250 to $300 million range.

Maytag shares went up 8.7% in premarket trading today, reaching $16.80 on the Inet electronic brokerage system according to Reuters.

Chris is a staff writer for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest ebusiness news.