Amazon announced earlier this month that it will acquire iRobot, the makers of Roomba vacuum cleaners, for $1.7 billion (roughly Rs. 13,500 crores). According to recent reports, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is investigating this transaction for possible antitrust violations. Both companies are believed to be preparing for a lengthy investigation. Amazon is already the subject of an FTC investigation into monopolization. Furthermore, the antitrust regulator is investigating whether this transaction would illegally increase Amazon’s market share in the connected device and retail markets.
According to Politico, Amazon’s acquisition of Roomba vacuum cleaner maker iRobot is being investigated by the US FTC for possible antitrust violations.
The antitrust watchdog is believed to be investigating whether this deal will give Amazon an unfair advantage in the connected device and retail markets.
The FTC is reportedly investigating the impact of this deal on Amazon’s growing catalog of smart devices, such as the Ring security cameras.
The antitrust watchdog is concerned about whether data generated by iRobot’s Roomba vacuum cleaners from users’ homes could be used to gain an unfair advantage over other retailers. According to the report, Amazon and iRobot may face a lengthy and arduous investigation.
