Amazon’s recent $1.4 billion acquisition attempt of iRobot, a renowned robot vacuum manufacturer, faces a significant obstacle as EU antitrust regulators intensify their scrutiny of major tech deals.
Three individuals familiar with the matter revealed on Friday that the acquisition is likely to be blocked by European authorities.
This development comes after the U.S. online retail giant disregarded a warning issued by the European Commission, which had raised concerns about the potential adverse impact on competition within the robot vacuum cleaner market.
Amazon chose not to provide remedies to address these concerns in the preceding week.
Both the European Commission and Amazon have refrained from commenting on the situation.
The primary concern for regulators revolves around the possibility of Amazon using its marketplace dominance to disadvantage competitors of iRobot, particularly in key European countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.
While potential remedies could be explored under the newly implemented EU tech regulations known as the Digital Markets Act, the Commission remains cautious due to the lengthy enforcement process and the absence of legal challenges against the legislation.
Consequently, authorities are leaning toward blocking the deal at this juncture.
Should the acquisition be vetoed, it would set a formidable precedent for Amazon’s future endeavors to acquire online competitors, subjecting them to rigorous scrutiny by EU antitrust enforcers.
These enforcers are likely to demand substantial concessions in exchange for their approval. In response to this uncertainty, iRobot’s stock plummeted by 30% in late trading.
The standoff between Amazon and EU regulators underscores the growing tension between tech giants and governmental authorities worldwide.
As digital markets continue to expand and evolve, regulatory bodies are keen on preserving competition and preventing any potential monopolistic practices that could harm consumers and smaller market players.
The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of tech acquisitions within the European Union.
The decision is expected to be reached by February 14, and it will be closely watched by both industry stakeholders and legal experts.