In a surprising development that’s sending ripples through the smart home appliance industry, iRobot—the company behind the iconic Roomba robotic vacuum—has been acquired by Chinese contract manufacturing giant Picea. The acquisition comes as part of iRobot’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, raising serious questions about the future of its products, services, and customer support.
What Happened?
iRobot, once a pioneer in consumer robotics and a household name thanks to its Roomba line, has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As part of the restructuring process, the company has been taken over by Picea, a major player in global electronics manufacturing. While the financial details remain under wraps, the move signals a major shift in iRobot’s operational control and strategic direction.
Why Roomba Owners Are Concerned
The news has sparked concern among Roomba users worldwide. With the company now under new ownership, many are wondering:
– Will existing Roomba warranties still be honored?
– What happens to software updates and app support?
– Will customer service remain accessible and responsive?
– Could data privacy policies change under new management?
These are valid questions, especially for customers who’ve invested in premium models or rely on Roomba’s smart home integrations.
What We Know So Far
As of now, Picea has not released a detailed roadmap for iRobot’s future. There’s been no official statement regarding warranty policies, ongoing support, or changes to the product lineup. However, transitions like this often involve a period of uncertainty as the new parent company evaluates operations and restructures accordingly.
What Should Roomba Owners Do?
Until more information is available, here are a few proactive steps Roomba users can take:
– Check your warranty status: Locate your proof of purchase and warranty documentation.
– Back up your app settings: If your Roomba uses the iRobot Home app, ensure your preferences and cleaning schedules are saved.
– Monitor official channels: Follow iRobot and Picea for updates on support, service, and product announcements.
– Consider alternatives: If you’re in the market for a new robotic vacuum, it may be worth exploring other brands with stable support ecosystems.
Final Thoughts
The acquisition of iRobot by Picea marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the smart home appliance market. While the long-term implications remain to be seen, one thing is clear: consumers are watching closely. At WhiteGoodsNow, we’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they unfold.
Category Archives: Financial
Strix Sells Billi for £110M, Tripling Investment and Accelerating Debt Reduction
Strix Group Plc has announced the sale of its Billi business to a newly formed Australian entity for £110 million in cash—a move that nearly triples its original investment and supports the company’s strategy to reduce debt.
The AIM-listed technology firm, renowned globally for its kettle safety controls and water-heating components, confirmed that the transaction values Billi at an enterprise value of £110 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis. The sale remains subject to shareholder approval.
Strix originally acquired Billi in November 2022 for £38 million. The divestment now delivers an estimated 3x return on that investment, translating to approximately 47.8 pence per Strix share—an 18% premium over the company’s recent share price.
This strategic move underscores Strix’s commitment to strengthening its balance sheet while sharpening its focus on core operations
iRobot, Maker of Roomba, Files for Bankruptcy Protection Amid Market Pressures
iRobot, the pioneering company behind the Roomba smart vacuum cleaner, has filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States as it struggles to navigate a challenging global market.
The filing, made under a pre-packaged Chapter 11 process, will see Shenzhen-based Picea Robotics—iRobot’s primary manufacturing partner—take over ownership of the company. This strategic move comes after iRobot faced mounting competition from Chinese brands and was hit hard by rising tariffs.
According to court documents filed Sunday, iRobot was forced to slash prices and ramp up investment in innovation to stay competitive. However, U.S. tariffs of 46% on imports from Vietnam—where most of its devices for the American market are produced—added $23 million to its costs this year alone.
Once valued at $3.56 billion during the pandemic-driven boom in home automation, iRobot’s market value has plummeted to around $140 million. The company’s shares dropped more than 13% on the Nasdaq last Friday.
Despite the financial turbulence, iRobot has assured customers that its mobile app, product support, and supply chains will continue to operate without disruption.
Founded in 1990 by three MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab alumni, iRobot initially focused on defense and space robotics before launching the Roomba in 2002. The Roomba quickly became a household name, capturing 42% of the U.S. and 65% of the Japanese robotic vacuum market.
A proposed $1.7 billion acquisition by Amazon was blocked last year by the European Union’s competition authority, further complicating iRobot’s path forward.
Groupe Brandt Liquidated After Rescue Plan Fails: A Stark Warning for European Appliance Manufacturing
The curtain has fallen on one of France’s most iconic appliance manufacturers. On Thursday, December 11, the Nanterre Commercial Court ordered the liquidation of Groupe Brandt, marking the end of a months-long effort to save the company through an employee-led cooperative. The decision spells the loss of approximately 700 jobs and halts production of legacy brands including Brandt, De Dietrich, Sauter, and Vedette.
This outcome underscores a broader and troubling trend: the continued erosion of European-based appliance manufacturing in the face of global competition, financial fragility, and investor hesitancy.
A Last-Ditch Effort That Fell Short
The final hope for Groupe Brandt rested on a bold proposal—a Scop (Société coopérative et participative), or employee cooperative, backed by Groupe Revive and entrepreneur Cédric Meston, co-founder of plant-based food brand HappyVore. The plan aimed to preserve local jobs and maintain production in the historic Loiret and Loir-et-Cher regions by turning employees into co-owners.
Despite strong political and regional support, including €17 million in public funding from the French state, Centre-Val de Loire region, and the city of Orléans, the plan ultimately collapsed. The court deemed the proposal financially unviable, citing a shortfall of €3–8 million that banks refused to cover.
Political Will Meets Financial Reality
The rescue effort drew unprecedented political attention. Industry Minister Sébastien Martin pledged €5 million in state aid, while regional leaders rallied to raise additional funds. Yet, even with this show of unity, the private sector’s reluctance to assume risk proved decisive.
With no viable path to cover the remaining funding gap—and no means to pay salaries beyond December 15—the court had little choice but to proceed with liquidation.
What This Means for the Industry
Groupe Brandt’s collapse is more than a corporate failure—it’s a symbolic blow to the European white goods sector. Once a pillar of French industrial pride, Brandt’s demise highlights the vulnerability of legacy manufacturers in a capital-intensive, globally competitive market.
For industry watchers, the case raises urgent questions:
– Can cooperative ownership models realistically rescue distressed manufacturers?
– What role should public funding play in safeguarding industrial heritage?
– And how can Europe retain its foothold in appliance production amid mounting global pressures?
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Brandt story will resonate far beyond France’s borders.
Whirlpool Invests R$3 Million in Advanced Training Hub in Brazil
Whirlpool is investing R$3 million in a new advanced manufacturing training center at its Rio Claro plant in São Paulo, where it produces washers, stoves, ovens, and cooktops.
The “Factory of the Future” aims to deliver 6,000 hours of annual training through 2030 for employees and students from São Paulo State’s technical colleges (Fatecs), with the goal of boosting local manufacturing productivity by 50%.
Whirlpool employs 12,000 people in Brazil, including 3,000 in Rio Claro, and operates additional plants in Manaus and Joinville. Over the past five years, the company has invested R$1.3 billion in Brazil and $4 billion globally in R&D and capital expenditures. Currently, 97% of its products sold in Brazil are manufactured locally.
Middleby to Sell 51% Stake in Residential Kitchen Business to 26North in Transaction Valuing the Business at $885 Million
The Middleby Corporation (NASDAQ: MIDD) has agreed to sell a 51% stake in its Residential Kitchen business to affiliates of 26North Partners LP, valuing the unit at $885 million. Middleby will retain a 49% non-controlling interest in the new joint venture, receiving approximately $540 million in cash and a $135 million seller note.
The Residential Kitchen portfolio includes premium brands such as Viking, AGA Rangemaster, La Cornue, Kamado Joe, Marvel, Novy, and U-Line. This move, alongside the planned spin-off of Middleby’s Food Processing segment in H1 2026, advances the company’s strategy to become a pure-play commercial foodservice leader.
With a sharpened focus, Middleby is positioned for accelerated growth through innovation and automation, offering a robust lineup of commercial kitchen solutions that enhance labor efficiency, reduce food costs, and expand into high-potential markets like ice and beverage.
The commercial foodservice business stands strong with 2024 revenue of $2.38 billion, $654 million in Adjusted EBITDA, and a margin exceeding 27%
Whirlpool Reshapes Global Footprint: Reduces Stake in India, Halts Production in Argentina
Whirlpool Corporation is recalibrating its international operations with two major moves in India and Argentina, signaling a shift in its global appliance strategy.
📉 Stake in Whirlpool India Drops to 40%
On November 27, Whirlpool Corporation announced it had reduced its ownership in Whirlpool of India Limited from 51% to approximately 40%. The change follows the sale of 14.26 million equity shares by its wholly owned subsidiary, Whirlpool Mauritius Limited, in an on-market transaction.
While Whirlpool retains a significant minority stake, the move suggests a strategic realignment in one of Asia’s fastest-growing appliance markets. Whirlpool India remains a key player in refrigeration, laundry, and kitchen appliances, with a strong retail and service network across the subcontinent.
🛑 Production Ceases at Argentina’s Pilar Laundry Plant
Just a day earlier, on November 26, Whirlpool Argentina announced it will cease manufacturing operations at its Pilar Laundry Plant. Opened in 2022 with a $52 million investment, the facility was designed to produce 300,000 high-capacity washing machines annually and aimed to become Argentina’s largest appliance exporter—primarily serving Latin American markets like Brazil.
Despite the shutdown, Whirlpool confirmed it will maintain its commercial and after-sales service operations in Argentina, ensuring continued availability of products, accessories, and spare parts. The company emphasized its long-standing presence in the country, where it has operated for over 35 years.
Krupps Joins TNK Group in €75M Deal to Boost Global Growth
Italian dishwasher specialist Krupps has been acquired by Padua-based TNK Group, forming a €75 million business. This marks the end of Krupps’ family ownership since its founding by Antonio Scanavin in 1965.
The move aligns Krupps with TNK’s portfolio—which includes Coldline, Modular Professional, Nevo, and Tuls—and aims to expand its global footprint. CEO Enrico Scanavin said the deal preserves Krupps’ heritage while accelerating its international growth and integration into a broader professional kitchen ecosystem.
Krupps currently exports to over 70 countries, with 60% of its revenue coming from outside Italy.
Midea Group Sees Slower Profit Growth in Q3 Despite Strong Year-to-Date Performance
Chinese home appliance leader Midea Group posted a 9% rise in third-quarter net profit, reaching 11.9 billion yuan (€1.44 billion), while revenue climbed 10% year-on-year to 111.9 billion yuan (€13.6 billion). Although still positive, the pace of growth slowed compared to the previous quarter.
For the first nine months of the year, Midea reported a robust net profit of 37.9 billion yuan (€4.6 billion), up 20% from the same period last year. Revenue rose 14% to 363.1 billion yuan (€44 billion). The Foshan-based company had previously recorded even stronger gains in the first half, with net profit surging 25% and revenue growing 16%
Appaloosa Doubles Down on Whirlpool Amid Slump
Appaloosa Capital has boosted its stake in Whirlpool to 5.5 million shares, now owning 9.8% of the company. Despite Whirlpool’s stock plunging 40% since July—hitting a 5½-year low—David Tepper’s move sparked a modest rebound, marking the first weekly gain in three weeks.
Whirlpool continues to face pressure from weak U.S. sales, shrinking margins, and rising debt, prompting a 48.6% dividend cut in July. Tepper’s bet suggests confidence in a turnaround, even as headwinds persist.
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