Amazon takeover of iRobot to be blocked by EU

Amazon's takeover of vacuum cleaner maker iRobot is set to be blocked by the European Union's competition watchdog, the BBC understands. It's a blow to the tech giant, which was previously given the all-clear for the purchase by the UK government's competition watchdog. The online giant moved to buy iRobot, maker of the Roomba cleaner, in August 2022 in a takeover deal set to cost $1.7bn. It was looking to expand its footprint in the market for smart home appliances. Regulators are worried that iRobot's tie-up with Amazon could make it difficult for other vacuum-makers to compete, especially if Amazon were to give the Roomba benefits over rivals on its e-commerce site. The European Commission, which serves as the EU's competition watchdog, opened an investigation into the purchase last July.

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