This is not the first hurdle encountered by Adobe in its pursuit of Figma. In February 2023, rumours of a potential legal challenge from the US Department of Justice (DoJ) emerged, suggesting ongoing discussions between the parties. Antitrust concerns were raised, prompting Adobe to emphasize its commitment to engaging with regulators worldwide, including those in the US, UK, and EU.
The involvement of the CMA in the investigation comes as no surprise, given the growing scrutiny of tech companies’ activities. With a focus on preserving competitive markets, the CMA aims to evaluate whether the merger would grant Adobe an unfair advantage. The authority’s recent intervention in blocking the Microsoft-Activision merger demonstrates its commitment to scrutinizing market dynamics and preventing the undue concentration of power.
