The European Fee (EC) has confirmed that it’s opening an in-depth investigation into Adobe’s proposed $20 billion bid for digital design software program rival Figma.

The Fee mentioned that the acquisition “could cut back competitors within the international markets for the availability of interactive product design software program and for digital asset creation instruments.”

First introduced final September, Adobe’s megabucks bid for considered one of its largest rivals was at all times more likely to appeal to scrutiny from regulators across the globe. The U.S. Division of Justice (DoJ) is trying carefully on the deal, whereas the U.Okay. additionally just lately confirmed that it’s making ready a deeper probe on the idea that the merger would result in a “substantial lessening of competitors” within the U.Okay.

Europe, for its half, revealed in February that it was trying on the acquisition on competitors grounds, so as we speak’s information comes as little shock.

The crux of the investigation will deal with whether or not shopping for Figma will take away considered one of Adobe main rivals and impression the broader design software program market. The EC factors to Figma because the “clear market chief” for interactive product design instruments, noting that there’s unlikely to be every other “credible” gamers getting into the market post-acquisition. And whereas Adobe leads on digital asset creation instruments, Figma presently serves as a “constraining affect” over Adobe. Thus, shopping for Figma could stop Figma from persevering with its function as an “efficient competitor.”

“Adobe and Figma are two main suppliers of software program for the artistic neighborhood within the digital sphere,” mentioned Margrethe Vestager, the EC’s govt vice-president for competitors coverage, in an announcement. “Many customers and companies depend on their digital design instruments to excel of their work. With our in-depth investigation we intention to make sure that customers proceed to have entry to a large pool of digital artistic instruments amongst which to decide on.”

Thresholds

In reality, the transaction didn’t really meet the turnover thresholds set out within the EU merger rules, which means that the duo weren’t required to inform European regulators. Nevertheless, Article 22 of the rules accommodates provisions that permit particular person EU member nations to refer circumstances to the EC in the event that they imagine a transaction will cut back competitors in their very own market. And that’s what occurred right here, with greater than a dozen constituents referring the acquisition to the EC.

Whereas Europe does have a reasonably strong monitor file of late by way of investigating Huge Tech acquisitions, it has additionally proven that it’s reluctant to dam offers outright. Up to now few months it has greenlighted Microsoft’s $68.7 billion Activision acquisition and Broadcom’s $61 billion VMware bid, albeit with strict caveats and oversight stipulations in place.

So, all shouldn’t be misplaced but for Adobe, however it would possible need to make some form of assurances and compromises if it desires to get the deal over the road.

The Fee mentioned it plans to decide by December 14, 2023 — roughly one month after the end result of its investigation into Amazon’s $1.7 billion iRobot acquisition will likely be introduced.