Amazon acquires Massachusetts-based iRobot in massive deal

BEDFORD, Mass. — Amazon has purchased Bedford-based iRobot in an enormous money transaction that additionally absorbs the family robotics firm’s debt.

Amazon is buying iRobot for $61 per share in a merger settlement valued at about $1.7 billion, Dave Limp, SVP of Amazon Units, mentioned in a information launch.

“We all know that saving time issues, and chores take treasured time that may be higher spent doing one thing that prospects love,” Limp mentioned. “Over a few years, the iRobot group has confirmed its capability to reinvent how individuals clear with merchandise which are extremely sensible and ingenious—from cleansing when and the place prospects need whereas avoiding widespread obstacles within the residence, to mechanically emptying the gathering bin. Prospects love iRobot merchandise—and I’m excited to work with the iRobot group to invent in ways in which make prospects’ lives simpler and extra pleasing.”

Since introducing the Roomba vacuum in 2002, iRobot has continued to save lots of prospects beneficial time beforehand spent on family chores by rolling out an array of modern cleansing merchandise.

“Since we began iRobot, our group has been on a mission to create modern, sensible merchandise that make prospects’ lives simpler, resulting in innovations just like the Roomba and iRobot OS,” mentioned Colin Angle, chairman and CEO of iRobot. “Amazon shares our ardour for constructing considerate improvements that empower individuals to do extra at residence, and I can not consider a greater place for our group to proceed our mission. I’m vastly excited to be part of Amazon and to see what we are able to construct collectively for patrons within the years forward.”

iRobot mentioned it is going to lay off about 140 staff, or about 10 p.c of its international workforce.

Completion of this transaction is topic to customary closing circumstances and regulatory approvals.

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