Observed Signal · Mar 30, 2023 · M&A - Announced · Source: CMSWire · Impact: 3/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Adobe's $20B Figma Deal Faces DOJ Antitrust Lawsuit
Adobe's $20 billion acquisition of Figma, announced in September 2022, is now under threat as the US Department of Justice reportedly prepares an antitrust lawsuit to block the deal. The DOJ is concerned about reduced competition in the design software market, particularly for smaller firms. Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen expressed confidence in the deal, citing support from clients and partners, and expects it to close by the end of 2023. Figma's CEO Dylan Field assured that Figma will continue to operate independently. Industry experts share mixed opinions, with some seeing potential benefits from integration and others fearing reduced competition and price increases. The article also mentions broader antitrust actions against Google and other tech companies.
Major $20B acquisition facing antitrust scrutiny; potential impact on competition in design software market and precedent for tech M&A.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Adobe announced a $20 billion acquisition of Figma in September 2022.
- The DOJ is reportedly preparing an antitrust lawsuit to block the deal.
- Adobe expects the transaction to close by the end of 2023.
- Figma CEO Dylan Field stated that Figma will continue to operate independently.
- The DOJ also filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google in January 2023.
Connected Companies & Entities
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US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
US suspends Microsoft, Adobe from green card labor program
The U.S. Department of Labor announced the suspension of Microsoft and Adobe from its Permanent Labor Certification program, along with Cognizant, Infosys, Capgemini, Tata, Wipro, and HCL. Secretary Keith Sonderling cited active federal investigations for Microsoft and Adobe, and criticized the companies for allegedly taking jobs from American workers. Vice President JD Vance specifically accused Microsoft of replacing laid-off workers with H-1B visa holders. Microsoft responded by defending its hiring practices, stating that the majority of its U.S. employees are Americans and that most H-1B petitions are for existing employees. The announcement was made during a White House summit on H-1B fraud, coinciding with President Trump honoring several tech CEOs with the National Medal of Science.
Adweek's Agents of Change: Leaders Reshaping Industry
This Adweek feature profiles the 2026 Agents of Change, a group of leaders in marketing, media, advertising, and tech recognized for combining commercial success with a commitment to a more responsible and forward-thinking industry. The honorees include executives from agencies, media companies, and brands, such as Rachel Apirian of The Female Quotient, Jared Belsky of Acadia Agency, Paris Hilton of 11:11 Media, and Ben Skinazi of Equativ. They are praised for initiatives in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, ethical AI, sustainability, and transparency. The article highlights specific achievements, such as Acadia returning rebates to clients, Equativ scaling GreenPMPs, and various mentorship programs. The feature is presented in partnership with Empower, a platform by Propeller Group and WACL.
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