扫地机器人“鼻祖”iRobot申请破产重组，深圳杉川公司拿下控制权

Core Points - iRobot, a leading consumer robotics company, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on December 14, 2023, after reaching a restructuring support agreement with its main supplier and lender, Shenzhen PICEA Robotics Co. [1][3] - Under the restructuring plan, Shenzhen PICEA will acquire all equity of the restructured company, and existing common stock of iRobot will be canceled [3] - The restructuring plan aims to allow iRobot to continue operating as a going concern and fulfill its commitments to employees while paying suppliers and creditors in full during the court-supervised process [3] Company Background - iRobot was founded in 1990 by three MIT engineers and has sold over 50 million robots in its history [3] - At its peak, iRobot held over 80% market share in the U.S. and was valued at over $2 billion upon its NASDAQ listing in 2005 [4] - The company has faced declining profitability since 2021 due to increased supply chain pressures and intensified market competition [3] Recent Developments - iRobot had previously warned of potential bankruptcy risks in early December 2023, following a period of sustained profit decline [3] - Shenzhen PICEA acquired most of iRobot's debt from Carlyle Group and is negotiating new capital injections and debt repayments [3] - A potential acquisition of iRobot by Amazon in 2023 was ultimately abandoned due to regulatory concerns [4]