Adobe Inc.’s planned $20 billion purchase of design software maker Figma Inc. could harm the UK’s digital design sector, Britain’s competition watchdog provisionally found.
The Competition and Markets Authority said its early view is that the deal could eliminate competition between two main competitors in product design software, reduce development of new products, and remove Figma as a competitor, according to a statement published Tuesday. Shares in California-based Adobe fell 0.8% in pre-market trading.
“Adobe and Figma are two of the world leading providers of software for app and web designers and our investigation so far has found that they are close competitors,” said Margot Daly, the chair of the independent investigation group.
Adobe’s purchase, the biggest ever takeover of a private software company, is seen as a massive bet that more creative work will be done by small businesses and everyday users on the web, a market that Figma has rapidly seized. While Adobe has introduced less-expensive products for that audience, most of its offerings are still heavyweight programmes aimed at specialists.
“We are disappointed in the CMA’s findings and disagree with the CMA’s perspective on this transaction,” an Adobe spokesperson said.
The CMA will now consult of potential remedies to solve the competition concerns but could consider blocking the deal outright. A final decision is due by February 25.
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Stampede-like situation disrupts Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav's joint rally in Uttar Pradesh
May 19, 2024 4:26 PM
Ladakh Lok Sabha election: With Independent candidate's entry, it's now a 3-way contest for BJP and Congress
May 19, 2024 4:01 PM