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by neovive 5731 days ago
I just don't see the synergies of a full takeover beyond owning the rights to the PDF format. A full takeover would result in Microsoft paying a high premium for a set of desktop design applications (CS suite) that are not part of its DNA. Microsoft excels at building excellent tools for developers, but never seems to do a good job with design tools. Adobe is the opposite.

What's more possible is some sort of partnership that enables stronger PDF support in Office, improved Flash support in Windows Phone and better integration between Office and CS applications.

Microsoft's primary business is selling Windows and Office desktop licenses. Since many Adobe CS users also own Windows and Office licenses, better integration between the two suites would be beneficial for both companies. Introducing a new mobile phone OS based on Flash/Flex/Silverlight or some other combination would not be worth the acquisition cost.