MIAMI, FL and BENTON HARBOR, MI — Watsco, Inc. (Miami) has signed a multi-year license agreement with Whirlpool Corp. (Benton Harbor), to be the exclusive national distributor for a new line of central a/c and heating equipment carrying the Whirlpool brand name. Terms were not disclosed.

The residential/light commercial line will be jointly marketed to the replacement and new construction markets. Products are expected to be available by early 2003 following the selection of manufacturers.

“We believe that an extensive product offering, matched with great service and the strong consumer appeal of the Whirlpool brand, will enable us to build market share and provide a meaningful source of revenue and profit,” said Albert Nahmad, Watsco president and ceo.

“This agreement expands the Whirlpool brand presence in air treatment,” said Marise Kumar, Whirlpool vice president for value brands and developing categories.

The companies said that “Joint efforts will be made to utilize Watsco’s contractor network to open new hvac sales channels in the retailing and home-remodeling markets.” Watsco also said it will establish resources that link to Whirlpool’s existing customer call center.

Publication date: 01/21/2002