America's Federal Trade Commission is investigating Amazon's proposed acquisition of iRobot, the Roomba robot vacuum cleaner maker, and has asked for more information about the deal from the technology pair.to absorb iRobot last month in an all-cash deal worth $1.7 billion. The acquisition isn't surprising given the ecommerce giant has been steadily expanding its home electronics empire, offering gear from Amazon Alexa smart speakers to Ring security doorbell cameras.
The iRobot takeover, however, is being scrutinized by the FTC. The regulator this week asked Amazon and its target to had over more details about the planned merger, a move that could stall the deal for months and months as FTC staff pore over the filings. The takeover is subject to the watchdog's approval.
This is after pro-privacy campaigners sent a public letter to the watchdog urging officials to block the deal. "In connection with the merger, iRobot and Amazon filed notification and report forms under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 with the US Federal Trade Commission (and the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice on August 19, 2022," iRobot"On September 19, 2022, iRobot and Amazon each received a request for additional information and documentary materials from the FTC in connection with the FTC's review of the merger.
Not only that, but Amazon will own a company that sells robots that map out and explore people's houses and apartments.
End of a decent vacuum.. never perfect but good enough
One could almost imply the Astro will suck