United Kingdom: Issued Decision by Competition and Markets Authority in investigation into proposed acquisition of Figma by Adobe (Phase 1)

On 30 June 2023, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued its decision concerning Phase 1 of its investigation into the proposed acquisition of Figma by Adobe. Figma provides web-based collaborative tools for designing products. Adobe offers software, including product design software such as Adobe XD. The CMA has decided that the acquisition could result in a substantial lessening of competition in the product design software market, which meets the requirements to initiate a Phase 2 investigation. Specifically, competition could be substantially lessened in all-in-one screen design software and in the supply of creative design software (specifically, vector editing software, raster editing software, video editing software, and motion design software). Adobe and Figma have until 7 July 2023 to offer commitments addressing the concerns raised.