Adobe is abandoning its planned $20 billion acquisition of Figma after the companies determined that there was no clear path to obtaining approval from UK and European Union regulators. The two sides have signed an agreement that fully resolves all aspects of the failed deal. Adobe will pay collaborative design platform Figma a previously agreed $1 billion termination fee.
In November, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the European Commission both cited concerns over the proposed acquisition’s impact on competition. The CMA said in its provisional findings that that the merger would “eliminate competition between two main competitors.” The competition watchdog said it was considering either blocking the deal or requiring Adobe to sell Figma’s core product, Figma Design, along with Adobe XD.
Earlier on Monday, Adobe claimed that it wouldn’t offer the CMA any potential remedies. “It is clear that no realistic remedy would satisfy the concerns the CMA is maintaining,” an Adobe spokesperson told Bloomberg. “We believe that the best path forward is to continue our ongoing engagement with the CMA on the merits.”
Meanwhile, Adobe had anticipated a potential lawsuit from the US Department of Justice in an attempt to block the deal Stateside. The company and Figma reportedly met with DOJ officials last week to try and secure approval for their merger.
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This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/adobe-walks-away-from-its-20-billion-figma-acquisition-amid-regulatory-scrutiny-132203336.html?src=rss