Maytag, the appliance maker, on Friday declared an improved $1.68bn, or $21 a share, offer from Whirlpool, its larger rival, “superior” to a rival bid from a private equity group led by Ripplewood Holdings of $14 a share, or $1.13bn.

The shift in favour of Whirlpool, whose offer still faces scrutiny from US anti-trust regulators, leaves Ripplewood with five days to respond with an improved offer or see Whirlpool move towards a deal.