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iRobot Files Chapter 11 as Picea Moves to Take Full Ownership

A prepackaged bankruptcy plan would transfer iRobot’s equity to China-based Picea following the liquidation of common shares.

Overview

  • Shenzhen Picea Robotics, via Santrum Hong Kong, is slated to acquire 100% of iRobot under a Delaware Chapter 11 plan expected to conclude in early 2026.
  • iRobot says operations will continue during the process with no anticipated disruption to the app, partner programs, supply chains, or product support.
  • Picea became a key creditor and manufacturer prior to the filing, purchasing about $191 million of iRobot debt from Carlyle and being owed roughly $161 million.
  • The restructuring follows regulators’ opposition to Amazon’s proposed 2022 acquisition, which the companies abandoned in early 2024 after EU objections and FTC scrutiny.
  • Intensifying competition from Chinese robot-vacuum makers and higher U.S. tariffs on Vietnam-made products pressured iRobot’s finances as Chinese brands captured nearly 70% of 2025 shipments, according to IDC.