Whirlpool Corporation Taps CombineNet for Advanced Sourcing

Whirlpool Corporation Signs Enterprise Agreement with CombineNet for Large Strategic Sourcing Projects Based on Previous Successes

PITTSBURGH, PA—January 18, 2006

CombineNet, the leading provider of advanced sourcing and optimization technologies, announced that Whirlpool has signed an Enterprise Agreement tapping CombineNet to host several strategic sourcing projects in 2006. The Enterprise Agreement includes two transportation sourcing events, one for global ocean freight and one for North American truckload shipping, as well as an undisclosed number of additional sourcing projects. The North American truckload project will take advantage of CombineNet Truckload, a self-service advanced sourcing tool released in October 2005. Whirlpool previously worked with CombineNet on three other sourcing projects.

Whirlpool is committed to deploying CombineNet's technology throughout 2006 based on the tremendous success we've achieved in our previous projects," said Steve Alsbro, Global Transportation Services Procurement Manager. "The ability to source and manage a very complex global shipping network, balancing value-based pricing with our customer expectations and meeting our business goals puts CombineNet in its own league, and that's a big reason why we use their software."

CombineNet's advanced sourcing tools allow Whirlpool to collect more expressive offers from more suppliers. With CombineNet's optimization technology, Whirlpool Procurement and Logistics personnel have the ability to build scenarios that analyze supplier proposals along with Whirlpool's internal business objectives, including service levels, capacity, and other typically intangible non-price considerations.

By using CombineNet's intuitive solutions, Whirlpool is able to minimize internal resources while significantly condensing the sourcing cycle. The tools give Whirlpool the ability to quickly review various award scenarios, comparing price and non-price constraints to identify the optimal mix of suppliers who meet Whirlpool's business objectives, allowing Whirlpool's sourcing team to establish a true basis for the optimal total cost of procuring goods and services.

At the end of the day, it's about getting the best value from your suppliers. Cost reduction is paramount, but you must be able to ensure that you can meet your overall business goals, and that includes whether or not your suppliers can provide your organization with the service levels you need," said CombineNet CEO Tony Bonidy.

Whirlpool Corporation has enhanced its commitment to utilize CombineNet technology by entering into this Enterprise Agreement with possible applications in Transportation, Indirect and Direct Procurement areas. For complex sourcing situations and high dollar managed spend there is no better process available to help identify implementable results that provide an optimal balance of price and value; results that exceed expectations and allow Whirlpool to achieve a competitive advantage while creating customer loyalty.

About CombineNet Truckload

CombineNet Truckload is available now for shippers, logistics teams, and supply chain consultants to configure and implement domestic truckload sourcing events.

For more information, visit www.combinenet.com/truckload/.

About CombineNet

CombineNet, the advanced sourcing technology company, helps companies achieve the absolute best value and lowest total cost of ownership for goods and services. CombineNet's Advanced Sourcing Application Platform enables companies to engage in Expressive Commerce™, the strategic sourcing initiative that allows buyers and sellers to communicate supply and demand more expressively, collaboratively and strategically. The result is a win-win for both buyer and supplier, where greater innovation and efficiency are driven into the supply chain. CombineNet's ASAP consistently produces 10, 15, even 20 percent greater actual cost savings than other e-sourcing solutions, and has delivered more than 45x ROI for the largest businesses in the world including General Mills, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Siemens and others. For more information, visit www.combinenet.com.

About Whirlpool Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation is a leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of more than $13 billion, 68,000 employees, and nearly 50 manufacturing and technology research centers around the globe. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Brastemp, Bauknecht, Consul, and other major brand names to consumers in more than 170 countries.

Additional information about the company can be found on the Internet at www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

Media Contacts:

Greg Holt
CombineNet Inc.
Director of Marketing
Phone: 412.471.8200
gholt@combinenet.com