Whirlpool and WC Woods Snuggle

Whirlpool and WC Woods have reached an agreement effective Feb 1, in which Woods will be licensed to sell all Whirlpool branded freezers (upright, vertical, and Sidekick pairs).  This is not a change in product or production as WC Woods has been Whirlpool's freezer supplier for decades.  By removing Whirlpool from the distribution stream; cost, paperwork, and time should be reduced.  Is this really a good thing for Woods?  How will Woods serve the dealer network and who will cover after-sales service?
Frankly we are supposed to care, but the only thing about the freezer industry that sparks our interest is the occasional discovery of a pad locked unit holding a spouse with freezer burn.  After that, not so much.