GovWire

Statutory timetable

Phase 1

Reference unless undertakings accepted

30 June 2023: The CMA has decided, on the information currently available to it, that it is or may be the case that this merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom. This merger will be referred for a phase 2 investigation unless the parties offer acceptable undertakings to address these competition concerns.

• Summary of Phase 1 decision (PDF, 124KB) (30.6.23)
• Press notice: design software deal could harm UK digital economy (30.6.23)

Launch of merger inquiry

3 May 2023: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

• Commencement notice (PDF, 82.0 KB) (3.5.23)

Invitation to comment: closes on 18 May 2023

3 May 2023: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the transaction from any interested party.

These comments should be provided by the deadline set out above.

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition issues to:

• Rob Fitzgerald-Crisp, rob.fitzgerald-crisp@cma.gov.uk
• Carlo Monegato, carlo.monegato@cma.gov.uk