Amazon & iRobot Pull Back from Merger Over EU Block

Amazon & iRobot Pull the Plug on a Big Deal

Amazon and iRobot, the home‑robot pioneer, have chosen to walk away from their planned merger. The decision follows pressure from the European Union, which flagged concerns that the deal could stifle competition in Amazon’s bustling marketplace.

What Went Down?

In August 2022, Amazon agreed to buy iRobot for a hefty £1.3 billion.
Fast forward to November: EU regulators did a quick skip‑through and concluded the acquisition might hurt buyers and rival sellers on Amazon.

Amazon’s Take

David Zapolsky, Amazon’s senior vice‑president and chief lawyer, said, “We’re disappointed that Amazon’s acquisition of iRobot couldn’t go through.” He added that the company remains enthusiastic about consumer robotics, calling iRobot’s products “delightful” and “problem‑solving.”
He also noted that the shutdown will deprive consumers of faster innovations and lower prices—outcomes he argued would have made life easier.

Zapolsky warned that “regulatory hurdles can chill entrepreneurs, even when acquisitions offer a clear pathway to success. This panic hurts both competition and the people they’re supposed to protect.”

iRobot’s Perspective

Founder Colin Angle described iRobot as an “innovation pioneer” and added, “The deal’s collapse is a setback, but we’re gearing up to keep creating smart robots that people everywhere love.”

What Lies Ahead?

While the merger is off, both companies remain committed to their own growth trajectories. Amazon will continue curating robotics on its platform, and iRobot looks to innovate outside of Amazon’s umbrella.