From Nasdaq, Inc.:

Amazon did not provide concessions to the European Commission for its $1.7 billion deal to acquire iRobot. The Commission was concerned about the impact on competition in the European market for robot vacuum cleaners. Amazon’s deadline for offering a resolution to the Commission’s objections has passed.

The European Commission expressed concerns about Amazon potentially making more profit by selling more iRobot models than rivals, resulting in higher prices, lower quality, and less innovation for customers. This could lead Amazon to strengthen its position in the market for online marketplace services to third-party sellers.

The EU competition regulator has until February 14 to make a final decision on whether to clear the Amazon-iRobot deal or veto it. In July 6, 2023, an investigation was initiated to assess the potential impact of the acquisition on the market for the supply of robot vacuum cleaners and its impact on competition.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority have also looked into the deal, with the latter unconditionally clearing the acquisition. Amazon announced the $1.7 billion acquisition of iRobot in August 2022, valuing each iRobot share at $61 in an all-cash transaction, including net debt.



Read more: Amazon Not Offering Concessions To EU For IRobot Deal Approval