Amazon.com, Inc. has reportedly not made any concessions to the European Commission in its attempt to gain approval for its planned $1.7 billion acquisition of iRobot Corp., the maker of Roomba robot vacuum cleaners. The European Commission had set a deadline for Amazon to address its concerns about the deal, which include potential restrictions on competition in the European Economic Area and national markets for robot vacuum cleaners. The Commission has expressed worries that Amazon’s dominance in the online marketplace could lead to higher prices, lower quality, and less innovation for customers. Amazon now awaits the Commission’s final decision, which is expected by February 14.
The European Commission began an investigation into Amazon’s acquisition of iRobot in July 2023 to assess its potential impact on competition in the market for robot vacuum cleaners and online marketplace services. In response to the deal, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission requested additional information after receiving complaints that the acquisition could further solidify Amazon’s monopoly power in the digital economy. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority also conducted a probe but cleared the deal without any competition concerns.
In August 2022, Amazon agreed to acquire iRobot for $1.7 billion in a cash transaction. iRobot, known for its popular Roomba robot vacuums, has sold millions of robots worldwide since introducing its first model in 2002.