United Kingdom: Launched Phase 1 merger inquiry concerning the acquisition of iRobot by Amazon

On 19 April 2023, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) opened a merger inquiry in relation to the anticipated acquisition by Amazon of iRobot. The investigation was opened the day after the CMA issued a notice of intent to the parties. The deadline for the CMA to decide whether to refer the merger for a Phase 2 investigation is 16 June 2023. The CMA aims to investigate to determine whether the acquisition has led to a "substantial lessening of competition" in the UK market.