EU Regulators Raise Objections to Amazon's iRobot Acquisition

Concerns Over Potential Restriction of Competition in Robot Vacuum Cleaner Market

Amazon's proposed $1.4 billion acquisition of iRobot, the maker of Roomba, is facing objections from the European Commission, which has warned that the deal could restrict competition in the robot vacuum cleaner market.
The Commission is concerned that Amazon could use its online marketplace to disadvantage iRobot's rivals, for example by reducing their visibility or limiting their access to certain labels such as 'Amazon's choice'.
iRobot's shares fell by 18% following the announcement of the Commission's objections.
Amazon has until February 14, 2024, to respond to the objections and the Commission will then make a final decision on the deal.
The acquisition is also under review by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, while the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority has already cleared the deal.