The path is clear for Amazon’s planned $1.7 billion acquisition of iRobot, the renowned maker of the Roomba vacuum cleaner, as the UK Competition and Markets Authority announced its approval on Friday.
The regulator stated that it had thoroughly assessed the deal and determined that it would not raise any competition concerns in the UK.
Amazon expressed its satisfaction with the CMA’s decision and emphasized its commitment to supporting regulatory bodies in their important work.
A spokesperson for the e-commerce giant stated, “We look forward to similar decisions from other regulators soon.”
On the other hand, iRobot has yet to respond to a request for comment from Reuters regarding the CMA’s clearance.
The acquisition, announced by Amazon in August of last year, aims to bolster the company’s range of smart-home devices.
Alongside the popular Alexa voice assistant, Amazon offers smart thermostats, security devices, wall-mounted smart displays, and even a dog-like robot called Astro.
By adding iRobot’s expertise in robotic vacuum cleaners, Amazon aims to enhance its presence in the rapidly growing smart-home market.
Regulators on both sides of the Atlantic have been closely monitoring major tech companies’ acquisitions of smaller competitors, especially those with access to substantial user data.
Such deals often face scrutiny, with regulators demanding remedies to ensure fair competition and protect consumer interests.
While the UK’s CMA has given its approval, EU antitrust regulators are set to make a decision on the deal by July 6.
Additionally, the US Federal Trade Commission is conducting its own examination of the acquisition.