Amazon’s $1.7 billion deal to buy iRobot is running into some objections
European Union regulators have sent a statement of objections to Amazon about the company’s proposed $1.7 billion acquisition of Roomba maker iRobot. In a press release, the European Commission says that it “has informed Amazon of its preliminary view that its proposed acquisition of iRobot may restrict competition in the market for robot vacuum cleaners.”
The European Commission’s statement of objections comes as somewhat of a surprise, as Reuters reported last week that the deal was set to win unconditional approval.
In its statement of objections, the European Commission also says that Amazon may have the “ability and the incentive to foreclose iRobot’s rivals” by doing things like delisting rival robot vacuum cleaners or reducing their visibility on the Amazon marketplace. Amazon can now reply to the statement of objections and request an oral hearing. The Commission will make a final decision about the deal by February 14th, 2024.
“We continue to work through the process with the European Commission and are focused on addressing its questions and any identified concerns at this stage,” Amazon spokesperson Alexandra Miller says in a statement to The Verge. “iRobot, which faces intense competition from other vacuum cleaner suppliers, offers practical and inventive products. We believe Amazon can offer a company like iRobot the resources to accelerate innovation and invest in critical features while lowering prices for consumers.”
European Union regulators have sent a statement of objections to Amazon about the company’s proposed $1.7 billion acquisition of Roomba maker iRobot. In a press release, the European Commission says that it “has informed Amazon of its preliminary view that its proposed acquisition of iRobot may restrict competition in the…
Recent Posts
- I rode in a self-driving powered wheelchair that avoids obstacles and people, and can be summoned when you need it — it’s like Tesla’s Autopilot for personal mobility
- This $75 Philips 24-inch 100Hz monitor deal is the ultimate WFH upgrade for Labor Day
- I tested the DJI Osmo 360 II against the Insta360 X6 — the X6 is still the 360 camera king, but not by much
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro review: The best gets better as we put Garmin’s new flagship through its paces in the French Alps
- How to watch Sydney vs Brisbane for FREE: Live streams & TV channels for AFL 2026 Qualifying Final
Archives
- September 2026
- August 2026
- July 2026
- June 2026
- May 2026
- April 2026
- March 2026
- February 2026
- January 2026
- December 2025
- November 2025
- October 2025
- September 2025
- August 2025
- July 2025
- June 2025
- May 2025
- April 2025
- March 2025
- February 2025
- January 2025
- December 2024
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
- May 2024
- April 2024
- March 2024
- February 2024
- January 2024
- December 2023
- November 2023
- October 2023
- September 2023