Microsoft mulls possible acquisition of Adobe Systems
October 09, 2010 | Views
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NEWYORK: Microsoft discussed the possibility of buying out Adobe Systemsat a recent meeting between their chief executives Steve Ballmer andShantanu Narayen , says a media report.
Britishdaily Financial Times has reported that a possible Microsoftacquisition of Adobe Systems was among the ideas for closercooperation, raised informally at a meeting of their chiefs.
Attributingthe development to two people familiar with the meeting, thepublication said that Microsoft's and Adobe Systems' Narayen, "playeddown the prospect that the informal takeover suggestion would lead to adeal between the two companies".
Quotingone person familiar with the meeting, Financial Times noted thesuggestion had not led to any active takeover discussions, while theother person said no deal was "imminent".
The suggestion, arising from a broader discussion about whether the twoentities should ally against Apple , highlights Microsoft's willingnessto consider more radical tactics in its efforts to counter Apple'ssuccess with iPhone and iPad.
Thedaily pointed out that Adobe was long seen as a more likely acquisitiontarget for Apple, before a recent rift between the companies. The twofirms have fallen out over Apple's decision not to let users of itstouchscreen devices view websites using Adobe's Flash technology.
Meanwhile, Microsoft and Adobe, have often found themselves at loggerheads.
"Microsofthas created a rival to Flash, called Silverlight, and Adobe's promotionof the PDF document format to support sales of its Acrobat software hasmade it a direct rival to Microsoft's Office," it added.