NEW YORK (AP) — Fitch Ratings warned Monday that it could lower Whirlpool Corp.’s credit rating after the appliance maker announced a plan to buy Italian rival Indesit for more than $1 billion.

Whirlpool, which owns the Maytag, KitchenAid and other brands, said last week that the deal to buy Indesit will help it expand in Europe. Indesit makes washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ovens and other appliances. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the year.