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Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-126163

GRAPHIC   GRAPHIC


SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS
MERGER PROPOSED—YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT

        The boards of directors of Adobe Systems Incorporated and Macromedia, Inc. have unanimously approved a merger combining Adobe and Macromedia.

        If the merger is consummated, holders of Macromedia common stock will receive 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock they own (which exchange ratio gives effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005). This is a fixed exchange ratio that will not be adjusted for changes in the stock price of either company before the merger is consummated. Adobe common stock is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "ADBE." On July 19, 2005, the last trading day before the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the closing price of Adobe common stock was $29.31 per share. Macromedia common stock is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "MACR."

        Stockholders of Adobe will be asked, at Adobe's special meeting of stockholders, to approve the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock to the stockholders of Macromedia in the merger. Stockholders of Macromedia will be asked, at Macromedia's special meeting of stockholders, to adopt the merger agreement.

        The dates, times and places of the special meetings are as follows:

For Adobe stockholders:
August 24, 2005
3:00 p.m., local time
Adobe Systems Incorporated
345 Park Avenue
San Jose, California 95110		   For Macromedia stockholders:
August 24, 2005
3:00 p.m., local time
Macromedia, Inc.
601 Townsend Street
San Francisco, California 94103

        This joint proxy statement/prospectus provides you with information about Adobe, Macromedia and the proposed merger. You may obtain other information about Adobe and Macromedia from documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We encourage you to read the entire joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully.

logo

Bruce R. Chizen
Chief Executive Officer
Adobe Systems Incorporated		   logo

Stephen A. Elop
Chief Executive Officer
Macromedia, Inc.

        FOR A DISCUSSION OF SIGNIFICANT MATTERS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BEFORE VOTING AT THE SPECIAL MEETINGS, SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 21.

        NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES REGULATORS HAVE APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE ADOBE COMMON STOCK TO BE ISSUED IN THE MERGER OR DETERMINED WHETHER THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR ADEQUATE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

        This joint proxy statement/prospectus is dated July 20, 2005, and is first being mailed to stockholders of Adobe and Macromedia on or about July 22, 2005.

        THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.

GRAPHIC


ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED
345 Park Avenue
San Jose, California 95110
(408) 536-6000


NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 24, 2005

To the Stockholders of Adobe Systems Incorporated:

        On behalf of the board of directors of Adobe Systems Incorporated, a Delaware corporation, we are pleased to deliver this joint proxy statement/prospectus for the proposed merger combining Adobe and Macromedia, Inc., a Delaware corporation. A special meeting of stockholders of Adobe will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2005 at 3:00 p.m., local time, at the principal executive offices of Adobe located at 345 Park Avenue, San Jose, California 95110, for the following purposes:

1.
To consider and vote upon the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger contemplated by the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of April 17, 2005, among Adobe, Avner Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe, and Macromedia, Inc.

2.
To consider and vote upon an adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1.

3.
To transact such other business as may properly come before the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

        The board of directors of Adobe has fixed July 19, 2005 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. Only holders of record of shares of Adobe common stock at the close of business on the record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting. At the close of business on the record date, Adobe had outstanding and entitled to vote 492,276,674 shares of common stock.

        Your vote is important. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Adobe special meeting is required for approval of each of Proposal No. 1 regarding the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger and Proposal No. 2 regarding an adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1. Even if you plan to attend the special meeting in person, we request that you sign and return the enclosed proxy card or vote by telephone or by using the Internet as instructed on the enclosed proxy card, and thus ensure that your shares will be represented at the special meeting if you are unable to attend. If you sign, date and mail your proxy card without indicating how you wish to vote, your proxy will be counted as a vote in favor of the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger and an adjournment of the Adobe special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1. If you fail to return your proxy card or vote by telephone or by using the Internet, the effect will be that your shares will not be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the special meeting. If you do attend the Adobe special meeting and wish to vote in person, you may withdraw your proxy and vote in person.

    By Order of the Board of Directors,

 
 
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Bruce R. Chizen
Chief Executive Officer

San Jose, California
July 20, 2005

        ADOBE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY DETERMINED AND BELIEVES THAT THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF ADOBE COMMON STOCK IN THE MERGER IS ADVISABLE TO, AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF, ADOBE AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS, AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT ADOBE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL NO. 1 AND "FOR" PROPOSAL NO. 2.

GRAPHIC


MACROMEDIA, INC.
601 Townsend Street
San Francisco, California 94103
(415) 832-2000


NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 24, 2005

To the Stockholders of Macromedia, Inc.:

        On behalf of the board of directors of Macromedia, Inc., a Delaware corporation, we are pleased to deliver this joint proxy statement/prospectus for the proposed merger combining Adobe Systems Incorporated, a Delaware corporation, and Macromedia. A special meeting of stockholders of Macromedia will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2005 at 3:00 p.m., local time, at the principal executive offices of Macromedia located at 601 Townsend Street, San Francisco, California 94103, for the following purposes:

1.
To consider and vote upon the adoption of the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of April 17, 2005, by and among Adobe Systems Incorporated, Avner Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe, and Macromedia.

2.
To consider and vote upon an adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1.

3.
To transact such other business as may properly come before the special meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

        The board of directors of Macromedia has fixed July 19, 2005 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. Only holders of record of shares of Macromedia common stock at the close of business on the record date are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the special meeting. At the close of business on the record date, Macromedia had outstanding and entitled to vote 75,913,164 shares of common stock.

        Your vote is important. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of Macromedia common stock outstanding on the record date for the Macromedia special meeting is required for approval of Proposal No. 1 regarding adoption of the merger agreement. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Macromedia special meeting is required to approve Proposal No. 2 regarding an adjournment of the special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1. Even if you plan to attend the special meeting in person, we request that you sign and return the enclosed proxy card or vote by telephone or by using the Internet as instructed on the enclosed proxy card and thus ensure that your shares will be represented at the special meeting if you are unable to attend. If you sign, date and mail your proxy card without indicating how you wish to vote, your proxy will be counted as a vote in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement and an adjournment of the Macromedia special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1. If you fail to return your proxy card or vote by telephone or by using the Internet, the effect will be a vote against the adoption of the merger agreement and your shares will not be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the Macromedia special meeting. If you do attend the Macromedia special meeting and wish to vote in person, you may withdraw your proxy and vote in person.

        Please do not send any certificates representing your Macromedia common stock at this time.

    By Order of the Board of Directors,

 
 
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Stephen A. Elop
Chief Executive Officer

San Francisco, California
July 20, 2005

        MACROMEDIA'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY DETERMINED AND BELIEVES THAT THE MERGER IS ADVISABLE AND FAIR TO, AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF, MACROMEDIA AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS, AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT MACROMEDIA STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL NO. 1 AND "FOR" PROPOSAL NO. 2.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

        This joint proxy statement/prospectus "incorporates by reference" important business and financial information about Adobe and Macromedia from documents that are not included in or delivered with this joint proxy statement/prospectus. For a more detailed description of the information incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and how you may obtain it, see "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 138.

        If you are an Adobe or Macromedia stockholder, you may have received some of the documents incorporated by reference. You may also obtain any of those documents from the appropriate company, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, or the SEC's Internet web site at http://www.sec.gov. Documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus are available from the appropriate company without charge, excluding all exhibits unless specifically incorporated by reference in such documents. Stockholders may obtain documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the appropriate company at the following addresses:

Adobe Systems Incorporated
Attn: Investor Relations
345 Park Avenue
San Jose, California 95110
Telephone: (408) 536-4416
E-mail: ir@adobe.com

Macromedia, Inc.
Attn: Investor Relations
601 Townsend Street
San Francisco, California 94103
Telephone: (415) 832-5995
E-mail: ir@macromedia.com

        If you would like to request documents, please do so by August 17, 2005 to receive them before the special meetings. If you request any incorporated documents, the appropriate company will strive to mail them to you by first-class mail, or other equally prompt means, within one business day of receipt of your request.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   Page
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER   1

SUMMARY
 
6

RISK FACTORS
 
21
 
Risks Relating to the Merger
 
21
  Risks Relating to Adobe   23
  Risks Relating to Macromedia   29

THE COMPANIES
 
36
 
Adobe
 
36
  Merger Sub   36
  Macromedia   36

THE ADOBE SPECIAL MEETING
 
37
 
Date, Time and Place
 
37
  Purposes of the Adobe Special Meeting   37
  Recommendation of Adobe's Board of Directors   37
  Record Date and Voting Power   37
  Voting and Revocation of Proxies   38
  Required Vote   38
  Solicitation of Proxies   38
  Other Matters   39
  Stockholder Proposals   39

THE MACROMEDIA SPECIAL MEETING
 
40
 
Date, Time and Place
 
40
  Purposes of the Macromedia Special Meeting   40
  Recommendations of Macromedia's Board of Directors   40
  Record Date and Voting Power   40
  Voting and Revocation of Proxies   41
  Required Vote   41
  Solicitation of Proxies   41
  Other Matters   42
  Stockholder Proposals   42

ADOBE PROPOSAL NO. 1 AND MACROMEDIA PROPOSAL NO. 1—THE MERGER
 
43
 
General Description of the Merger
 
43
  Background   43
  Reasons for the Merger   47
  Mutual Reasons for the Merger   48
  Adobe's Reasons for the Merger   49
  Macromedia's Reasons for the Merger   51
  Opinion of Adobe's Financial Advisor   53
  Opinion of Macromedia's Financial Advisor   61
  Interests of Macromedia's Executive Officers and Directors in the Merger   73
  Material Federal Income Tax Consequences   82
  Anticipated Accounting Treatment   84
  Appraisal Rights   84
  Legal Proceedings Related to the Merger   84
  Regulatory Approvals   84
     

  Restrictions on Resales   85

THE MERGER AGREEMENT
 
86
 
The Merger
 
86
  Effective Time of the Merger   86
  Manner and Basis of Converting Shares   86
  Representations and Warranties   88
  Covenants; Conduct of Business Prior to the Merger   88
  Macromedia Stock Options   92
  Macromedia Employee Stock Purchase Plan   93
  Employee Benefits Matters   93
  Indemnification and Insurance   94
  Obligations of the Adobe Board of Directors and Macromedia Board of Directors with Respect to Their Recommendations and Holding Meetings of Stockholders   94
  Limitation on the Solicitation, Negotiation and Discussion by Macromedia of Other Acquisition Proposals   96
  Material Adverse Effect   98
  Conditions to the Merger   99
  Termination of the Merger Agreement   101
  Expenses and Termination Fees   104

VOTING AGREEMENTS
 
106
 
Voting Agreements Relating to Macromedia Shares
 
106
  Voting Agreements Relating to Adobe Shares   106

MANAGEMENT AND OTHER INFORMATION
 
108

ADOBE PROPOSAL NO. 2—POSSIBLE ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
109

MACROMEDIA PROPOSAL NO. 2—POSSIBLE ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
110

SECURITY OWNERSHIP BY CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
 
111
 
Beneficial Ownership of Adobe Shares
 
111
  Beneficial Ownership of Macromedia Shares   113

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
116

DESCRIPTION OF ADOBE COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS
 
125

COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF ADOBE STOCKHOLDERS AND MACROMEDIA STOCKHOLDERS
 
128

LEGAL MATTERS
 
138

EXPERTS
 
138

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
 
138

ANNEXES:

A
Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization
B
Form of Adobe Voting Agreement
C
Form of Macromedia Voting Agreement
D
Opinion of Goldman, Sachs & Co.
E
Opinion of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated


QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER

        Unless specifically stated otherwise, the following information and all other information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including that regarding the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement, gives effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

Q:    What is the merger?

A:
Adobe and Macromedia have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated April 17, 2005, which is referred to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus as the merger agreement, that contains the terms and conditions of the proposed business combination of Adobe and Macromedia. Under the merger agreement, Macromedia and Avner Acquisition Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe, will merge, with Macromedia surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe, which transaction is referred to as the merger. The shares of Adobe common stock issued to Macromedia stockholders in connection with the merger are expected to represent approximately 17.5% of the outstanding shares of Adobe common stock immediately following the consummation of the merger, based on the number of shares of Adobe common stock and Macromedia common stock outstanding on July 19, 2005, assuming that no Macromedia or Adobe stock options are exercised after July 19, 2005 and prior to the effective time of the merger. For a more complete description of the merger, please see the section entitled "Adobe Proposal No. 1 and Macromedia Proposal No. 1—The Merger" on page 43 of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Q:    Why are the two companies proposing to merge?

A:
Adobe's mission has always been to help people and businesses communicate better. Macromedia's mission has been to provide a rich media experience. Together, we share a vision for the future and with the combination of the two companies—our products, technologies and people—we hope to enable the creation and delivery of compelling content and experiences across multiple operating systems, devices and media. Both companies have great opportunities ahead of them and believe that together, they will be better able to achieve their combined vision with significant synergy. For a discussion of our reasons for the merger, we urge you to read the information in the section entitled "Adobe Proposal No. 1 and Macromedia Proposal No. 1—The Merger—Reasons for the Merger" on page 47 of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Q:    Why am I receiving this joint proxy statement/prospectus?

A:
You are receiving this joint proxy statement/prospectus because you have been identified as a stockholder of either Adobe or Macromedia, and thus you are entitled to vote at such company's special meeting. This document serves as both a joint proxy statement of Adobe and Macromedia, used to solicit proxies for the special meetings, and as a prospectus of Adobe, used to offer shares of Adobe common stock in exchange for shares of Macromedia common stock pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement. This document contains important information about the merger and the special meetings of Adobe and Macromedia, and you should read it carefully.

Q:    What is required to consummate the merger?

A:
To consummate the merger, Adobe stockholders must approve the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger, which approval requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Adobe special meeting. In addition, Macromedia stockholders must adopt the merger agreement, which adoption requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of Macromedia common stock outstanding on the record date for the Macromedia special meeting. In addition to

1

Q:    What will Macromedia stockholders receive in the merger?

A:
As a result of the merger, Macromedia stockholders will receive 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock they own. For example, if you own 100 shares of Macromedia common stock, you will receive 138 shares of Adobe common stock in exchange for your Macromedia shares. The number of shares of Adobe common stock to be issued for each share of Macromedia common stock is fixed and will not be adjusted based upon changes in the value of Macromedia common stock or Adobe common stock. As a result, the value of the Adobe shares you will receive in the merger will not be known before the merger, and will go up or down as the market price of Adobe common stock goes up or down. We encourage you to obtain current market quotations of Macromedia common stock and Adobe common stock. For a more complete description of what Macromedia stockholders will receive in the merger, please see the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Manner and Basis of Converting Shares" on page 86 of this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Q:    What will Macromedia option holders receive in the merger?

A:
Subject to certain exceptions, at the effective time of the merger, each Macromedia stock option that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the effective time will be converted into an option to purchase Adobe common stock and Adobe will assume that stock option (or will replace that stock option by issuing a materially equivalent replacement stock option to purchase Adobe common stock) in accordance with the terms of the applicable Macromedia stock option plan and terms of the stock option agreement relating to that Macromedia stock option. For more information, please see "The Merger Agreement—Macromedia Stock Options" on page 92.

Q:    What are the material federal income tax consequences of the merger to me?

A:
The merger has been structured to qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and it is a closing condition to the merger that Adobe and Macromedia receive opinions of their respective counsel regarding such qualification. As a result of the merger's anticipated qualification as a reorganization, Macromedia stockholders will not recognize gain or loss for United States federal income tax purposes upon the exchange of shares of Macromedia common stock for shares of Adobe common stock, except with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional shares of Adobe common stock.

2

Q:    How does Adobe's board of directors recommend that I vote?

A:
After careful consideration, Adobe's board of directors unanimously recommends that Adobe stockholders vote "FOR" Proposal No. 1 to approve the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger and "FOR" Proposal No. 2 to adjourn the Adobe special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1. For a description of the reasons underlying the recommendations of Adobe's board, see the sections entitled "Adobe Proposal No. 1 and Macromedia Proposal No. 1—The Merger—Mutual Reasons for the Merger" on page 48 and "—Adobe's Reasons for the Merger" on page 49, and the section entitled "Adobe Proposal No. 2—Possible Adjournment of the Special Meeting" on page 109.

Q:    How does Macromedia's board of directors recommend that I vote?

A:
After careful consideration, Macromedia's board of directors unanimously recommends that the Macromedia stockholders vote "FOR" Proposal No. 1 to adopt the merger agreement and "FOR" Proposal No. 2 to adjourn the Macromedia special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1. For a description of the reasons underlying the recommendations of Macromedia's board, see the sections entitled "Adobe Proposal No. 1 and Macromedia Proposal No. 1—The Merger—Mutual Reasons for the Merger" on page 48 and "—Macromedia's Reasons for the Merger" on page 51, and the section entitled "Macromedia Proposal No. 2—Possible Adjournment of the Special Meeting" on page 110.

Q:    What risks should I consider in deciding whether to vote in favor of the share issuance or the adoption of the merger agreement?

A:
You should carefully review the section of this joint proxy statement/prospectus entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page 21, which presents risks and uncertainties related to the merger, Adobe and Macromedia.

Q:    When do you expect the merger to be consummated?

A:
We anticipate that the consummation of the merger will occur in Fall 2005, but we cannot predict the exact timing. For more information, please see the section entitled "The Merger Agreement—Conditions to the Merger" on page 99.

Q:    What do I need to do now?

A:
We urge you to read this joint proxy statement/prospectus carefully, including its annexes, and to consider how the merger affects you. You may provide your proxy instructions in three different ways. First, you can mail your signed proxy card in the enclosed return envelope. Alternatively, you can provide your proxy instructions via the toll-free call center set up for this purpose at (800) 690-6903. Finally, you can provide your proxy instructions via the Internet at www.proxyvote.com. Please provide your proxy instructions only once and as soon as possible so that your shares can be voted at the special meeting of Adobe stockholders or special meeting of Macromedia stockholders, as applicable.

Q:    What happens if I do not return a proxy card or otherwise provide proxy instructions?

A:
If you are an Adobe stockholder, the failure to return your proxy card or otherwise provide proxy instructions could be a factor in establishing a quorum for the special meeting of Adobe stockholders, which is required to transact business at the meeting. If you are a Macromedia stockholder, the failure to return your proxy card or otherwise provide proxy instructions will have

3

Q:    May I vote in person?

A:
If your shares of Adobe common stock or Macromedia common stock are registered directly in your name with Adobe's or Macromedia's transfer agent, respectively, you are considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record, and the proxy materials and proxy card are being sent directly to you by Adobe or Macromedia, respectively. If you are an Adobe stockholder of record, you may attend the special meeting of Adobe stockholders to be held on August 24, 2005 and vote your shares in person, rather than signing and returning your proxy card or otherwise providing proxy instructions. If you are a Macromedia stockholder of record, you may attend the special meeting of Macromedia stockholders to be held on August 24, 2005 and vote your shares in person, rather than signing and returning your proxy card or otherwise providing proxy instructions.

Q:    If my shares are held in "street name" by my broker, will my broker vote my shares for me?

A:
Your broker will not be able to vote your shares without instructions from you. You should instruct your broker to vote your shares, following the procedure provided by your broker.

Q:    May I change my vote after I have provided proxy instructions?

A:
Yes. You may change your vote at any time before your proxy is voted at the Adobe or Macromedia special meeting, as applicable. You can do this in one of three ways. First, you can send a written notice stating that you would like to revoke your proxy. Second, you can submit new proxy instructions either on a new proxy card, by telephone or via the Internet. Third, you can attend the meeting and vote in person. Your attendance alone will not revoke your proxy. If you have instructed a broker to vote your shares, you must follow directions received from your broker to change those instructions.

Q:    Should I send in my stock certificates now?

A:
No. If you are a Macromedia stockholder, after the merger is consummated, you will receive written instructions from the exchange agent explaining how to exchange your stock certificates representing shares of Macromedia common stock for certificates representing shares of Adobe common stock. You will also receive a cash payment in lieu of any fractional share of Adobe common stock. Adobe stockholders will not exchange their stock certificates.

Q:    Am I entitled to appraisal rights?

A:
Under Delaware corporate law, holders of Macromedia common stock are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the merger because both Adobe common stock and Macromedia

4

Q:    Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?

A:
Adobe and Macromedia are conducting this proxy solicitation and will bear the cost of soliciting proxies, including the preparation, assembly, printing and mailing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the proxy card and any additional information furnished to stockholders. Adobe has engaged the services of Innisfree M&A Incorporated to distribute proxy solicitation materials to brokers, banks and other nominees and to assist in the solicitation of proxies from Adobe stockholders. Macromedia has retained The Altman Group, Inc. to aid in Macromedia's proxy solicitation process. Adobe estimates that its proxy solicitor fees will be approximately $15,000 and Macromedia estimates that its proxy solicitor fees will be approximately $3,500. Adobe and Macromedia may also reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their costs of forwarding proxy and solicitation materials to beneficial owners.

Q:    Who can help answer my questions?

A:
If you are an Adobe stockholder, and would like additional copies, without charge, of this joint proxy statement/prospectus or if you have questions about the merger, including the procedures for voting your shares, you should contact:

5


SUMMARY

        This summary highlights selected information from this document. To understand the merger fully, you should read carefully this entire document and the documents to which we refer. See "Where You Can Find More Information" on page 138. The merger agreement is attached as Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus. We encourage you to read the merger agreement as it is the legal document that governs the merger. We have included page references in parentheses to direct you to a more detailed description of the topics presented in this summary.

        Unless specifically stated otherwise, the following information and all other information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including that regarding the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement, gives effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

Comparative Per Share Market Price Information

        Adobe common stock and Macromedia common stock are listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbols "ADBE" and "MACR," respectively. On April 15, 2005, the last full trading day prior to the public announcement of the proposed merger, Adobe common stock closed at $30.33 and Macromedia common stock closed at $33.45. On July 19, 2005, Adobe common stock closed at $29.31 and Macromedia common stock closed at $39.71.

The Companies (Page 36)

Adobe Systems Incorporated
345 Park Avenue
San Jose, California 95110
(408) 536-6000

        Adobe offers a line of software and services for consumers, creative professionals and enterprises, in both the public and private sectors. Adobe's products are digital imaging, design and document technology platforms which enable customers to create, manage and deliver visually rich, compelling and reliable content.

        Avner Acquisition Sub, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe that was incorporated in Delaware in April 2005. Avner Acquisition Sub does not engage in any operations and exists solely to facilitate the merger.

Macromedia, Inc.
601 Townsend Street
San Francisco, California 94103
(415) 832-2000

        Macromedia is an independent software company providing software that empowers designers, developers and business users to create and deliver effective user experiences on the Internet, fixed media and wireless and digital devices. Macromedia's integrated family of technologies enables the development of a wide range of Internet and mobile application solutions.

The Special Meetings

The Adobe Special Meeting (Page 37)

        Time, Date and Place.    A special meeting of the stockholders of Adobe will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2005, at the principal executive offices of Adobe located at 345 Park Avenue, San Jose, California 95110 at 3:00 p.m., local time, to vote on Proposal No. 1 to approve the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger and Proposal No. 2 to adjourn the special meeting, if

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necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1.

        Record Date and Voting Power for Adobe.    You are entitled to vote at the Adobe special meeting if you owned shares of Adobe common stock at the close of business on July 19, 2005, the record date for the Adobe special meeting. You will have one vote at the special meeting for each share of Adobe common stock you owned at the close of business on the record date. There are 492,276,674 shares of Adobe common stock entitled to be voted at the special meeting.

        Adobe Required Vote.    The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Adobe special meeting is required for approval of each of Proposal No. 1 to approve the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger and Proposal No. 2 to adjourn the Adobe special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1.

        Share Ownership of Management.    As of July 19, 2005, the directors and executive officers of Adobe beneficially held approximately 0.7% of the shares entitled to vote at the Adobe special meeting. A director and certain executive officers of Adobe have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger.

The Macromedia Special Meeting (Page 40)

        Time, Date and Place.    A special meeting of the stockholders of Macromedia will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2005, at the principal executive offices of Macromedia located at 601 Townsend Street, San Francisco, California 94103, at 3:00 p.m. local time, to vote on Proposal No. 1 to adopt the merger agreement and Proposal No. 2 to adjourn the Macromedia special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1.

        Record Date and Voting Power for Macromedia.    You are entitled to vote at the Macromedia special meeting if you owned shares of Macromedia common stock at the close of business on July 19, 2005, the record date for the special meeting. You will have one vote at the special meeting for each share of Macromedia common stock you owned at the close of business on the record date. There are 75,913,164 shares of Macromedia common stock entitled to be voted at the Macromedia special meeting.

        Macromedia Required Vote.    The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of Macromedia common stock outstanding on the record date for the Macromedia special meeting is required to approve Proposal No. 1 to adopt the merger agreement. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Macromedia special meeting is required to approve Proposal No. 2 to adjourn the Macromedia special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1.

        Share Ownership of Management.    As of July 19, 2005, the directors and executive officers of Macromedia beneficially held approximately 4.1% of the shares entitled to vote at the Macromedia special meeting. Certain directors and executive officers of Macromedia have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement.

Recommendations to Stockholders

        To Adobe Stockholders (Page 37).    The Adobe board of directors has unanimously determined and believes that the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger is advisable to, and in the

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best interests of, Adobe and its stockholders. The Adobe board of directors unanimously recommends that the holders of Adobe common stock vote "FOR" Proposal No. 1 to approve the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger and "FOR" Proposal No. 2 to adjourn the Adobe special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1.

        To Macromedia Stockholders (Page 40).    The Macromedia board of directors has unanimously determined and believes that the merger is advisable and fair to, and in the best interests of, Macromedia and its stockholders. The Macromedia board of directors unanimously recommends that the holders of Macromedia common stock vote "FOR" Proposal No. 1 to adopt the merger agreement and "FOR" Proposal No. 2 to adjourn the Macromedia special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1.

The Merger (Page 86)

        In the merger, Avner Acquisition Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe, will merge with and into Macromedia, and Macromedia will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe. Holders of Macromedia common stock and options will become holders of Adobe common stock and options, respectively, following the merger. The shares of Adobe common stock issued to Macromedia stockholders in connection with the merger are expected to represent approximately 17.5% of the outstanding shares of Adobe common stock immediately following the consummation of the merger, based on the number of shares of Adobe common stock and Macromedia common stock outstanding on July 19, 2005, assuming that no Macromedia or Adobe stock options are exercised after July 19, 2005 and prior to the effective time of the merger.

Manner and Basis of Converting Shares (Page 86)

        If you are a Macromedia stockholder, you will receive 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock in exchange for each share of Macromedia common stock you own. The exchange ratio is fixed and, regardless of fluctuations in the market price of Adobe's or Macromedia's common stock, will not change between now and the date the merger is consummated, subject to any adjustments for changes in the number of outstanding shares of Adobe or Macromedia by reason of future stock splits, division of shares, stock dividends or other similar transactions.

Treatment of Stock Options (Page 92)

        The merger agreement provides that, subject to certain exceptions, at the effective time of the merger, each Macromedia stock option that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the effective time will be converted into an option to purchase Adobe common stock and Adobe will assume that stock option (or will replace that stock option by issuing a materially equivalent replacement stock option to purchase Adobe common stock) in accordance with the terms of the applicable Macromedia stock option plan and terms of the stock option agreement relating to that Macromedia stock option.

Risks Relating to the Merger (Page 21)

        In evaluating the merger agreement or the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger, you should carefully read this joint proxy statement/prospectus and especially consider the factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Merger" on page 21.

Reasons for the Merger

        Mutual Reasons (Page 48).    Adobe and Macromedia believe that the two companies together can meet more of our customers' needs by integrating our products and technologies to help our customers

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communicate better. We believe that combined company has the opportunity to define a robust technology platform that delivers compelling, rich content across a wide range of devices and operating systems. Moreover, we believe that the software industry is in a period of consolidation and that there is a developing trend for customers to source a larger portion of their software needs from a smaller number of suppliers. We believe that the combined company will have the scale to better compete in this environment.

        Adobe's Reasons (Page 49).    The Adobe board of directors approved the merger based on a number of factors, including, among other factors, the following:

        Macromedia's Reasons (Page 51).    The Macromedia board of directors approved the merger based on a number of factors, including, among other factors, the following:

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Opinions of Financial Advisors

        Opinion of Adobe's Financial Advisor (Page 53).    Goldman, Sachs & Co. delivered its opinion to Adobe's board of directors that, as of April 17, 2005 and based on and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth therein, the exchange ratio of 0.69 shares of Adobe common stock to be issued in exchange for each share of Macromedia common stock pursuant to the merger agreement was fair to Adobe from a financial point of view. The exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        The full text of the written opinion of Goldman Sachs, dated April 17, 2005, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached as Annex D. Goldman Sachs provided its opinion for the information and assistance of Adobe's board of directors in connection with its consideration of the merger. The Goldman Sachs opinion is not a recommendation as to how any holder of Adobe common stock should vote with respect to the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger. Adobe urges you to read the entire opinion carefully.

        Opinion of Macromedia's Financial Advisor (Page 61).    Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated delivered its opinion to Macromedia's board of directors that, as of April 17, 2005 and based upon and subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth therein, the exchange ratio of 0.69 of a share of Adobe common stock to be issued in exchange for each share of Macromedia common stock pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point of view to the stockholders of Macromedia. The exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        The full text of the written opinion of Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, dated April 17, 2005, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached as Annex E. Morgan Stanley provided its opinion for the information and assistance of Macromedia's board of directors in consideration of the merger and the merger agreement. The Morgan Stanley opinion is not a recommendation as to how any holder of Macromedia common stock should vote with respect to the adoption of the merger agreement. Macromedia urges you to read the entire opinion carefully.

Interests of Macromedia's Executive Officers and Directors in the Merger (Page 73)

        When considering the recommendations by the Macromedia board of directors, you should be aware that a number of Macromedia's executive officers and directors have interests in the merger that are different from those of other Macromedia stockholders.

Restrictions on Resales (Page 85)

        The merger agreement provides that Macromedia will use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain a signed affiliate agreement from each person who may be deemed to be an affiliate of Macromedia. The merger agreement provides that Adobe will not issue shares of Adobe common stock to any "affiliate" of Macromedia who has not provided Adobe with a signed affiliate agreement. The affiliate agreements provide, among other things, that these persons will not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of their shares of Adobe common stock received in the merger unless they do so in compliance with securities laws governing sales by affiliates.

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Limitation on the Solicitation, Negotiation and Discussion by Macromedia of Other Acquisition Proposals (Page 96)

        Macromedia has agreed to a number of limitations with respect to soliciting, negotiating and discussing acquisition proposals involving persons other than Adobe, and to certain related matters.

Change of Board Recommendation (Page 94)

        Subject to limited conditions, the board of directors of Macromedia or Adobe may withdraw or modify its recommendation in support of the adoption of the merger agreement or the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger, as the case may be. In the event that the board of directors of either company withdraws or modifies its recommendation in a manner adverse to the other company, the company whose board of directors withdrew or modified its recommendation may be required to pay a termination fee of $103.2 million to the other company.

Conditions to the Merger (Page 99)

        The respective obligations of Adobe and Macromedia to consummate the merger are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.

Termination of the Merger Agreement (Page 101)

        Either Adobe or Macromedia can terminate the merger agreement under certain circumstances, which would prevent the merger from being consummated.

Expenses and Termination Fees (Page 104)

        Subject to limited exceptions, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the merger agreement will be paid by the party incurring such expenses; provided, however, that Adobe and Macromedia will share equally all fees and expenses, other than attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with (1) the filing, printing and mailing of the registration statement on Form S-4 and this joint proxy statement/prospectus, and (2) the filing by the parties of the premerger notification and report forms relating to the merger under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, or the HSR Act.

        A termination fee of $103.2 million may be payable by either Adobe or Macromedia to the other party upon the termination of the merger agreement under several circumstances.

Tax Matters (Page 82)

        Cooley Godward LLP, outside counsel to Adobe, and Fenwick & West LLP, outside counsel to Macromedia, are expected to each issue a tax opinion to the effect that the merger will constitute a reorganization under Section 368 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Code. In a reorganization, a Macromedia stockholder generally will not recognize any gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes upon the exchange of its shares of Macromedia common stock for shares of Adobe common stock. However, any cash received for any fractional share will result in the recognition of gain or loss as if such stockholder sold its fractional share. A Macromedia stockholder's tax basis in the shares of Adobe common stock that it receives in the merger will equal its current tax basis in its Macromedia common stock (reduced by the basis allocable to any fractional share interest for which it receives cash).

        Tax matters can be complicated, and the tax consequences of the merger to you will depend on the facts of your own situation. You should consult your own tax advisors to fully understand the tax consequences of the merger to you, including the applicability and effect of federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax laws.

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Regulatory Approvals (Page 84)

        To consummate the merger, Adobe and Macromedia must make filings and obtain approvals or clearances from antitrust regulatory authorities in the United States, certain countries in the European Union and other countries. The thirty-day waiting period under the HSR Act has been extended by a government request for additional information and documentary material until 30 days after Adobe and Macromedia have substantially complied with the request. In the United States, Adobe must also comply with applicable federal and state securities laws and the rules and regulations of the NASDAQ National Market in connection with the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger and the filing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus with the SEC.

Anticipated Accounting Treatment (Page 84)

        The merger will be accounted for as a purchase transaction by Adobe for financial reporting and accounting purposes under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The results of operations of Macromedia will be included in the consolidated financial statements of Adobe from the consummation of the merger forward.

Appraisal Rights (Page 84)

        Under Delaware corporate law, holders of Macromedia common stock are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the merger because both Adobe common stock and Macromedia common stock are listed on the NASDAQ National Market. Under Delaware corporate law, holders of Adobe common stock are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the merger.

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MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND DATA

        The following information gives effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        Adobe common stock and Macromedia common stock are listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbols "ADBE" and "MACR," respectively. The following tables present, for the periods indicated, the range of high and low per share sales prices for Adobe common stock and Macromedia common stock as reported on the NASDAQ National Market. The table for Adobe also sets forth the cash dividends paid per share by Adobe for the periods indicated. Adobe discontinued its quarterly cash dividend after the payment of the cash dividend for the first quarter of fiscal 2005. Adobe had paid cash dividends on its common stock each quarter since the second quarter of fiscal 1988. Under the terms of the lease agreements for Adobe's San Jose headquarters, Adobe is not prohibited from paying cash dividends unless an event of default occurs. Macromedia has never declared or paid any cash dividend on shares of its common stock.

        Adobe's fiscal year ends on the Friday closest to November 30, and Macromedia's fiscal year ends on March 31.


Adobe Common Stock

 
   High
   Low
   Cash Dividends
Per Share
Fiscal Year 2003                  
  First quarter   $ 14.67   $ 12.14   $ 0.00625
  Second quarter     19.19     12.82     0.00625
  Third quarter     20.00     15.23     0.00625
  Fourth quarter     23.19     18.12     0.00625

Fiscal Year 2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  First quarter   $ 21.50   $ 17.78   $ 0.00625
  Second quarter     23.44     17.15     0.00625
  Third quarter     23.68     19.66     0.00625
  Fourth quarter     31.57     23.27     0.00625

Fiscal Year 2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  First quarter   $ 32.56   $ 27.40   $ 0.00625
  Second quarter     34.48     26.57     —
  Third quarter (through July 19, 2005)     32.92     26.25     —


Macromedia Common Stock

 
   High
   Low
   Cash Dividends
Per Share
Fiscal Year 2004                
  First quarter   $ 23.22   $ 11.35   —
  Second quarter     28.80     17.33   —
  Third quarter     30.00     16.70   —
  Fourth quarter     21.30     17.30   —

Fiscal Year 2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  First quarter   $ 26.16   $ 17.69   —
  Second quarter     24.36     18.09   —
  Third quarter     31.66     20.22   —
  Fourth quarter     37.54     25.76   —

Fiscal Year 2006
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  First quarter   $ 44.67   $ 30.10   —
  Second quarter (through July 19, 2005)     39.75     35.16   —

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        The following table presents the closing per share sales price of Adobe common stock and Macromedia common stock, as reported on the NASDAQ National Market, and the estimated equivalent per share price (as explained below) of Macromedia common stock on April 15, 2005, the last full trading day before the public announcement of the proposed merger, and on July 19, 2005:

 
   Adobe Common Stock
   Macromedia Common Stock
   Estimated Equivalent
Macromedia Per Share Price
April 15, 2005.   $ 30.33   $ 33.45   $ 41.86
July 19, 2005     29.31     39.71     40.45

        The estimated equivalent per share price of a share of Macromedia common stock equals the exchange ratio of 1.38 multiplied by the price of a share of Adobe common stock. You may use this calculation to determine what your shares of Macromedia common stock will be worth if the merger is consummated. If the merger had occurred on July 19, 2005, you would have received a number of shares of Adobe common stock worth $40.45 for each share of Macromedia common stock you owned. The actual equivalent per share price of a share of Macromedia common stock that you will receive if the merger is consummated may be different from this price because the per share price of Adobe common stock on the NASDAQ National Market fluctuates continuously.

        Following the consummation of the merger, Adobe common stock will continue to be listed on the NASDAQ National Market, and there will be no further market for the Macromedia common stock.

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ADOBE
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(in thousands, except per share data)

        You should read the following tables in conjunction with Adobe's consolidated financial statements and related notes and Adobe's "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," which we incorporate by reference to Adobe's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 3, 2004 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 3, 2005 in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

        The consolidated statements of income data for the fiscal years ended December 3, 2004, November 28, 2003 and November 29, 2002 and the consolidated balance sheet data of December 3, 2004 and November 28, 2003 have been derived from Adobe's audited consolidated financial statements, incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, and have been audited by KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose report is also incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The consolidated statements of income data for the fiscal years ended November 30, 2001 and December 1, 2000 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of November 29, 2002, November 30, 2001 and December 1, 2000 are derived from audited consolidated financial statements not included or incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

        Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the future.

 
   Six Months Ended
   Fiscal Year Ended
 
   June 3,
2005
   June 4,
2004
   December 3,
2004
   November 28,
2003
   November 29,
2002
   November 30,
2001
   December 1,
2000
 
   (Unaudited)

    
    
    
    
    
Historical Consolidated Statements of Income Data:                                          
Revenue   $ 968,911   $ 833,366   $ 1,666,581   $ 1,294,749   $ 1,164,788   $ 1,229,720   $ 1,266,378
Gross Profit     914,508     781,929     1,562,203     1,201,727     1,060,500     1,148,269     1,179,123
Income before income taxes(1)     364,593     314,102     608,645     380,492     284,689     306,931     443,739
Net income     301,672     232,436     450,398     266,344     191,399     205,644     287,808
Net income per share: basic(2)     0.62     0.49     0.94     0.57     0.40     0.43     0.60
Net income per share: diluted(2)     0.59     0.47     0.91     0.55     0.39     0.41     0.56
Weighted average number of shares used in computing earnings per share:                                          
  Basic(2)     487,610     477,154     477,658     468,492     473,668     476,922     476,584
  Diluted(2)     507,851     493,186     495,626     482,900     486,238     498,290     511,548
Cash dividend declared per share(2)(3)   $ 0.00625   $ 0.0125   $ 0.025   $ 0.025   $ 0.025   $ 0.025   $ 0.025

 
 
As of
 
   June 3, 2005
   December 3, 2004
   November 28, 2003
   November 29, 2002
   November 30, 2001
   December 1, 2000
 
   (Unaudited)

    
    
    
    
    
Historical Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:                                    
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments   $ 1,690,566   $ 1,313,221   $ 1,096,533   $ 617,737   $ 581,613   $ 679,853
Working capital     1,481,644     1,099,621     892,498     436,883     453,713     563,307
Total assets     2,421,216     1,958,632     1,555,045     1,051,610     932,173     1,069,416
Long-term liabilities     4,767     4,838     —     —     —     —
Stockholders' equity     1,869,903     1,423,477     1,100,800     674,321     616,972     752,544
(1)
Effective November 30, 2002, Adobe adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. As a result, goodwill subsequent to the date of adoption is no longer being amortized. Amortization of goodwill for fiscal years ending November 29, 2002, November 30, 2001 and December 1, 2000 was $30.0 million, $14.3 million and $7.0 million, respectively.

(2)
Adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

(3)
Adobe discontinued its quarterly dividend beginning in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005.

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MACROMEDIA
SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(in thousands, except per share data)

        You should read the following tables in conjunction with Macromedia's consolidated financial statements and related notes and Macromedia's "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," which we incorporate by reference to Macromedia's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

        The consolidated statements of operations data for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2005 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2005 and 2004 have been derived from Macromedia's audited consolidated financial statements, incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, and have been audited by KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, whose report is also incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. The consolidated statements of operations data for each of the two years in the period ended March 31, 2002 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 have been derived from Macromedia's audited consolidated financial statements not included or incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

        Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in the future.

 
   Year Ended March 31,
 
   2005
   2004
   2003
   2002
   2001
Historical Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:                              
Net revenues.   $ 436,168   $ 369,786   $ 336,913   $ 326,498   $ 391,211
Operating income (loss).     55,848     48,047     1,695     (239,858 )   5,565
Income (loss) before income taxes     62,578     51,672     5,051     (307,856 )   21,243
Net income (loss).     42,301     38,575     990     (310,780 )   11,543
Net income (loss) per share:                              
Basic     0.60     0.60     0.02     (5.34 )   0.23
Diluted     0.55     0.56     0.02     (5.34 )   0.20
Shares used in basic per share calculations     70,860     64,380     60,170     58,190     50,840
Shares used in diluted per share calculations     76,650     69,430     61,190     58,190     56,765

 
 
As of March 31,
 
   2005
   2004
   2003
   2002
   2001
Historical Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:                              
Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments   $ 378,278   $ 282,691   $ 215,586   $ 161,971   $ 177,970
Working capital     319,354     227,608     154,541     111,660     134,879
Total assets.     843,881     683,063     527,381     520,060     786,923
Long-term liabilities     33,454     23,608     32,496     39,805     3,001
Stockholders' equity.     670,247     537,330     394,805     376,382     665,600

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SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
(in thousands, except per share data)

        The following selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information was prepared using the purchase method of accounting. The Adobe and Macromedia unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet data assume that the merger of Adobe and Macromedia took place on June 3, 2005, and combines the Adobe historical consolidated balance sheet at June 3, 2005 with Macromedia's historical consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2005. The Adobe and Macromedia unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income data assume that the merger of Adobe and Macromedia took place as of November 29, 2003. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income data for the fiscal year ended December 3, 2004 combines Adobe's historical consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year then ended with Macromedia's results of operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 and the three months ended March 31, 2004. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income data for the six months ended June 3, 2005 combines Adobe's historical consolidated statement of income for the six months then ended with Macromedia's historical consolidated statement of income for the six months ended March 31, 2005.

        The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the combined financial position or results of operations of future periods or the results that actually would have been realized had the entities been a single entity during these periods. The selected unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data as of and for the six months ended June 3, 2005 and for the fiscal year ended December 3, 2004 are derived from the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and should be read in conjunction with those statements and the related notes. See "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements."

 
   Six Months
Ended
June 3, 2005
   Fiscal Year
Ended
December 3, 2004
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Statements of Income Data:            
Revenue   $ 1,193,600   $ 2,088,701
Gross profit     1,082,769     1,873,433
Income before income taxes     310,022     523,434
Net income     250,861     377,969
Net income per share: basic(1)     0.43     0.66
Net income per share: diluted(1)     0.41     0.63
Weighted average number of shares used in computing earnings per share:            
  Basic(1)     587,812     573,320
  Diluted(1)     616,705     598,395
Cash dividends per share(1)(2)   $ 0.005   $ 0.020
 
   As of
June 3, 2005
    
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet Data:          
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments   $ 2,068,844    
Working capital     1,811,573    
Total assets     5,853,520    
Long-term liabilities     28,808    
Stockholders' equity     5,125,993    
(1)
Adjusted to reflect the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

(2)
The cash dividends per share are calculated by dividing the historical cash dividends declared by Adobe in the six-month period ended June 3, 2005 and fiscal year ended December 3, 2004 by the pro forma combined number of outstanding shares as at June 3, 2005 and December 3, 2004, respectively.

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COMPARATIVE HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA

        The following information gives effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        The information below reflects:

        Because of different fiscal period ends, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income data for the six months ended June 3, 2005 combines Adobe's historical consolidated statement of income for the six months then ended with Macromedia's historical consolidated statement of income for the six months ended March 31, 2005. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of income data for the fiscal year ended December 3, 2004 combines Adobe's historical consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year then ended with Macromedia's results of operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 and the three months ended March 31, 2004.

        You should read the tables below in conjunction with the respective audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes of Adobe and Macromedia incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the unaudited pro forma condensed financial information and notes related to such consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.


Adobe

 
   Six Months Ended
June 3, 2005
   Fiscal Year Ended
December 3, 2004
Historical Per Common Share Data:            
Net income per common share—basic   $ 0.62   $ 0.94
Net income per common share—diluted     0.59     0.91
Book value per share(1)     3.82     2.94
Cash dividends per share(2)     0.00625     0.025


Macromedia

 
   Six Months Ended
March 31, 2005
   Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2004
Historical Per Common Share Data:        
Net income (loss) per common share—basic   $0.20   $0.85
Net income (loss) per common share—diluted   0.19   0.79
Book value per share(1)   8.94   8.80
Cash dividends per share   —   —

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Adobe and Macromedia

 
   Six Months Ended
June 3, 2005
   Fiscal Year Ended
December 3, 2004
Combined Pro Forma Per Common Share Data:            
Net income per Adobe share—basic   $ 0.43   $ 0.66
Net income per Adobe share—diluted     0.41     0.63
Cash dividends per Adobe share     0.005     0.020
Combined Pro Forma Per Equivalent Share Data:(3)            
Net income per equivalent Macromedia share—basic     0.59     0.91
Net income per equivalent Macromedia share—diluted     0.56     0.87
Book value per Adobe share(1)     8.64     —
Book value per equivalent Macromedia share     11.92     —
Cash dividends per equivalent Macromedia share     0.007     0.028
(1)
The historical book value per Adobe share is computed by dividing stockholders' equity by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at June 3, 2005 and December 3, 2004. The historical book value per Macromedia share is computed by dividing stockholders' equity by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004. The combined pro forma book value per share is computed by dividing combined pro forma stockholders' equity by the combined pro forma number of shares of Adobe common stock outstanding at June 3, 2005 and December 3, 2004 assuming the merger had occurred as of those dates.

(2)
Adobe discontinued its quarterly dividend beginning in the second quarter of fiscal year 2005.

(3)
The combined pro forma per equivalent share amounts are calculated by multiplying the Adobe and Macromedia combined pro forma amounts by the exchange ratio of 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock.

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FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

        This joint proxy statement/prospectus includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believes," "budget," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predicts," "project," "should," "will" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this joint proxy statement/prospectus include, without limitation, statements regarding forecasts of market growth, future revenue, benefits of the proposed merger, expectations that the merger will be break-even to slightly accretive to Adobe's results, future expectations concerning available cash and cash equivalents, Adobe's expectations with respect to future stock repurchases following the merger, including the timing and amount of such repurchases, and other matters that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from results expressed in or implied by this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Such risk factors include, among others:

        Actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Additional information concerning these and other risk factors is contained in Adobe's and Macromedia's most recently filed Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Adobe's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

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RISK FACTORS

        You should consider the following factors in evaluating whether to approve the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger or whether to adopt the merger agreement, as the case may be. These factors should be considered in conjunction with the other information included or incorporated by reference by Adobe and Macromedia in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.

Risks Relating to the Merger

If we do not integrate our products, we may lose customers and fail to achieve our financial objectives.

        Achieving the benefits of the merger will depend in part on the integration of Adobe's and Macromedia's products in a timely and efficient manner. In order for us to provide enhanced and more valuable products to our customers after the merger, we will need to integrate our product lines and development organizations. This will be difficult, unpredictable, and subject to delay because our products are highly complex, have been developed independently and were designed without regard to such integration. If we cannot successfully integrate our products and continue to provide customers with products and new product features in the future on a timely basis, we may lose customers and our business and results of operations may be harmed.

If we are not successful in integrating our organizations, we will not be able to operate efficiently after the merger.

        Achieving the benefits of the merger will also depend in part on the successful integration of Adobe's and Macromedia's operations and personnel in a timely and efficient manner. The integration process requires coordination of different development and engineering teams, and involves the integration of systems, applications, policies, procedures, business processes and channel operations. This, too, will be difficult, unpredictable, and subject to delay because of possible cultural conflicts and different opinions on technical decisions and product roadmaps. If we cannot successfully integrate our operations and personnel, we will not realize the expected benefits of the merger.

Integrating our companies may divert management's attention away from our operations.

        Successful integration of Adobe's and Macromedia's operations, products and personnel may place a significant burden on our management and our internal resources. The diversion of management attention and any difficulties encountered in the transition and integration process could harm our business, financial condition and operating results.

We expect to incur significant costs integrating the companies into a single business, and if such integration is not successful we may not realize the expected benefits of the merger.

        We expect to incur significant costs integrating Macromedia's operations, products and personnel. These costs may include costs for:


        In addition, we expect to incur significant costs in connection with the merger. We do not know whether we will be successful in these integration efforts or in consummating the merger and cannot assure you that we will realize the expected benefits of the merger.

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If we fail to retain key employees, the benefits of the merger could be diminished.

        The successful combination of Adobe and Macromedia will depend in part on the retention of key personnel. There can be no assurance that Adobe will be able to retain its or Macromedia's key management, technical, sales and customer support personnel. If we fail to retain such key employees, we may not realize the anticipated benefits of the merger.

Our sales could decline if customer relationships are disrupted by the merger.

        Our customers may not continue their current buying patterns during the pendency of, and following, the merger. Any significant delay or reduction in orders for Adobe's or Macromedia's products could harm the combined company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Customers may defer purchasing decisions as they evaluate the likelihood of successful integration of Adobe's and Macromedia's products and the combined company's future product strategy, or consider purchasing products of our competitors. Customers may also seek to modify or terminate existing agreements, or prospective customers may delay entering into new agreements or purchasing our products. In addition, by increasing the breadth of Adobe's and Macromedia's business, the merger may make it more difficult for the combined company to enter into relationships, including customer relationships, with strategic partners, some of whom may view the combined company as a more direct competitor than either Adobe or Macromedia as an independent company.

Because Macromedia stockholders will receive a fixed number of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger, rather than a fixed value, if the market price of Adobe common stock declines, Macromedia stockholders will receive consideration in the merger of lesser value.

        Upon the consummation of the merger, each Macromedia share will be converted into the right to receive 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock, which exchange ratio gives effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005. Since the exchange ratio is fixed, the number of shares that Macromedia stockholders will receive in the merger will not change, even if the market price of Adobe common stock changes. In recent years, the stock market, in general, and the securities of technology companies, in particular, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. These market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of Adobe common stock. The market price of Adobe common stock upon and after the consummation of the merger could be lower than the market price on the date of the merger agreement or the current market price. Macromedia stockholders should obtain recent market quotations of Adobe common stock before they vote on the merger.

Adobe and Macromedia may be required to comply with material restrictions or conditions in order to obtain the regulatory approvals required to consummate the merger.

        The merger is subject to review by the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, or DOJ, under the HSR Act. Under this statute, Adobe and Macromedia are required to make pre-merger notification filings and to await the expiration or early termination of the statutory waiting period prior to consummating the merger. Adobe and Macromedia filed the required notification reports and on July 8, 2005, Adobe and Macromedia each received a government request for additional information and documentary material, or a second request. Both of the second requests were limited to information about the companies' products in the areas of web authoring/design and vector graphics illustration. The second requests will extend the waiting period imposed by the HSR Act until 30 days after Adobe and Macromedia have substantially complied with the requests. The merger may also be subject to review by the governmental authorities of various other jurisdictions. The governmental entities from whom approvals are required may attempt to condition their approval of the merger, or of the transfer to Adobe of licenses and other entitlements, on the satisfaction of certain regulatory conditions that may have the effect of imposing additional costs on Adobe or otherwise substantially

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reducing the benefits to Adobe if the merger is consummated. Adobe and Macromedia have not yet obtained any of the regulatory approvals required to consummate the merger.

A shareholder derivative lawsuit has been filed against Adobe and its directors challenging the merger, and an unfavorable judgment or ruling in this lawsuit could prevent or delay the consummation of the merger, result in substantial costs or both.

        On June 13, 2005, a shareholder derivative action entitled Steve Staehr, Derivatively on Behalf of Adobe Systems Incorporated v. Bruce R. Chizen, et. al., was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Santa Clara against Adobe's directors and naming Adobe as a nominal defendant. The complaint alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty and due care and caused Adobe to waste corporate assets by failing to renegotiate or terminate the merger agreement following the announcement by Macromedia that it would restate its financial results for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1999 through 2004 and by failing to conduct sufficient due diligence prior to entering into the merger agreement. The complaint seeks, among other things, unspecified monetary damages, attorneys fees and certain forms of equitable relief, including preliminarily and permanently enjoining the consummation of the merger. Adobe has obligations under certain circumstances to hold harmless and indemnify each of the defendant directors against judgments, fines, settlements and expenses related to claims against such directors and otherwise to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law and Adobe's bylaws and certificate of incorporation. Such obligations may apply to the lawsuit. Adobe's management believes that the allegations are without merit and intends to vigorously contest the action. However, there can be no assurance that the defendants will be successful in their defense. An unfavorable outcome in this lawsuit could prevent or delay the consummation of the merger, result in substantial costs to Adobe or both.

Risks Relating to Adobe

Adverse changes in general economic or political conditions in any of the major countries in which we do business could adversely affect our operating results.

        If the economy worsens in any geographic areas where we do business, it would likely cause our future results to vary materially from our targets. A slower economy also may adversely affect our ability to grow. Political instability in any of the major countries in which we do business also may adversely affect our business.

Delays in development or shipment of new products or major new versions of existing products could cause a decline in our revenue.

        Any delays or failures in developing and marketing our products, including upgrades of current products, may have a harmful impact on our results of operations. Our inability to extend our core technologies into new applications and new platforms and to anticipate or respond to technological changes could affect continued market acceptance of our products and our ability to develop new products. A portion of our future revenue will come from new applications. Delays in product or upgrade introductions could cause a decline in our revenue, earnings or stock price. We cannot determine the ultimate effect these delays or the introduction of new products or upgrades will have on our revenue or results of operations.

Introduction of new products by existing and new competitors, particularly Microsoft, could harm our competitive position and results of operations.

        The end markets for our software products are intensely and increasingly competitive, and are significantly affected by product introductions and market activities of industry competitors. Microsoft has an electronic form tool called InfoPath included as part of its latest professional Office product

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that competes with certain aspects of our Intelligent Documents product line. In addition, Microsoft is developing the next generation of its Windows operating system, codenamed Longhorn, and has announced it will add new electronic document capabilities to Longhorn, codenamed Metro, providing additional competition to our Intelligent Documents products and solutions. Certain aspects of Metro may also compete with our Adobe Postscript technologies and solutions. Given Microsoft's market dominance, InfoPath, Metro or any new competitive Microsoft product or technology that is bundled as part of its Office product or operating system, could harm our overall Intelligent Documents market opportunity. Also, some enterprise vendors provide intelligent document capabilities that could directly or indirectly compete with our Intelligent Documents products. Additionally, content creation/management tools that use other formats for electronic document distribution provide alternate solutions to customers, and indirectly compete with Adobe's Intelligent Documents products and the use of Adobe PDF. We also are seeing an increase in competition from clone PDF products marketed by other companies. Other competitors, including Microsoft, Apple, Avid and Google, may increase their presence in the digital imaging and digital video markets. Microsoft recently released a test version of a new professional graphics tool, codenamed Acrylic, which may compete with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. We also face competition from certain Open Source products. Additionally, many digital camera manufacturers are bundling their own or our competitors' digital imaging and video software products with their digital camera products. If these competing products achieve widespread acceptance, our operating results could suffer. In addition, consolidation has occurred among some of the competitors in our markets. Any further consolidations among our competitors may result in stronger competitors and may therefore harm our results of operations.

If we fail to successfully manage transitions to new business models or markets, our results of operations could be negatively impacted.

        We are devoting significant resources to the development of technologies and service offerings to address demands in the marketplace for document generation, document process management, document collaboration and document control and security. As a result, we are transitioning to new business models and seeking to broaden our customer base in the enterprise and government markets, requiring a considerable investment of technical, financial and sales resources, and a scaleable organization. Many of our competitors may have advantages over us due to their larger presence, larger developer network, deeper experience in the enterprise and government markets and greater sales and marketing resources. It is our intent to form strategic alliances with leading enterprise and government solutions and service providers to provide additional resources to further enable penetration of the enterprise and government markets. If we are unable to successfully enter into strategic alliances, or if they are not as productive as we anticipate, our market penetration may not proceed as rapidly as we anticipate and our results of operations could be negatively impacted.

        Our limited operating history with Adobe Creative Suite products makes it difficult to predict the revenue effect of the Adobe Creative Suite product cycle and the individual products integrated within these products.

If we fail to anticipate and develop new products in response to changes in demand for application software, computers and printers, our business could be harmed.

        We offer our application-based products primarily on Windows and Macintosh platforms and on some UNIX platforms. We generally offer our server-based products, but not desktop application products, on the Linux platform as well as the Windows and UNIX platforms. To the extent that there is a slowdown of customer purchases of personal computers on either the Windows or Macintosh platform or in general, or to the extent that significant demand arises for our products or competitive products on the Linux desktop platform before we choose and are able to offer our products on this platform, our business could be harmed.

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We may incur substantial costs enforcing our intellectual property rights and defending against third-party claims as a result of litigation or other proceedings.

        In connection with the enforcement of our own intellectual property rights or in connection with disputes relating to the validity or alleged infringement of third-party rights, including patent rights, we have been, are currently and may in the future be subject to claims, negotiations or complex, protracted litigation. Intellectual property disputes and litigation are typically very costly and can be disruptive to our business operations by diverting the attention and energies of management and key technical personnel. Although we have successfully defended or resolved past litigation and disputes, we may not prevail in any ongoing or future litigation and disputes. Adverse decisions in such litigation or disputes could have negative results, including subjecting us to significant liabilities, requiring us to seek licenses from others, preventing us from manufacturing or licensing certain of our products or causing severe disruptions to our operations or the markets in which we compete, any one of which could seriously harm our business.

        Additionally, although we actively pursue software pirates as part of our enforcement of our intellectual property rights, we do lose revenue due to illegal use of our software. If piracy activities increase, it may further harm our business.

We may not realize the anticipated benefits of past or future acquisitions, and integration of acquisitions may disrupt our business and management.

        We have in the past and may in the future acquire additional companies, products or technologies. We may not realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisition, including the merger with Macromedia, and each acquisition has numerous risks. These risks include:

        Mergers and acquisitions of high technology companies are inherently risky, and ultimately, if we do not complete the integration of acquired businesses successfully and in a timely manner, we may not

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realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions to the extent anticipated, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We rely on distributors to sell our products and any adverse change in our relationship with our distributors could result in a loss of revenue and harm our business.

        We distribute our application products primarily through distributors, resellers, retailers and increasingly systems integrators, ISVs and VARs, collectively referred to as "distributors." A significant amount of our revenue for application products is from two distributors, Ingram Micro, Inc. and Tech Data Corporation. In addition, our channel program focuses our efforts on larger distributors, which has resulted in our dependence on a relatively small number of distributors licensing a large amount of our products. Our distributors also sell our competitors' products, and if they favor our competitors' products for any reason, they may fail to market our products as effectively or to devote resources necessary to provide effective sales, which would cause our results to suffer. In addition, the financial health of these distributors and our continuing relationships with them are important to our success. Some of these distributors may be unable to withstand adverse changes in business conditions. Our business could be seriously harmed if the financial condition of some of these distributors substantially weakens.

If our internal computer network and applications suffer disruptions or fail to operate as designed, our operations will be disrupted and our business may be harmed.

        We rely on our network infrastructure and enterprise applications, internal technology systems and our website for our development, marketing, operational, support and sales activities. The hardware and software systems related to such activities are subject to damage from earthquakes, floods, fires, power loss, telecommunication failures and other similar events. They are also subject to computer viruses, physical or electronic vandalism or other similar disruptions that also could cause system interruptions, delays in our product development and loss of critical data and could prevent us from fulfilling our customers' orders. We have developed disaster recovery plans and backup systems to reduce the potentially adverse effect of such events, as they could impact our sales and damage our reputation and the reputation of our products. Any event that causes failures or interruption in our hardware or software systems could result in disruption in our business operations, loss of revenues or damage to our reputation.

We rely on turnkey assemblers and any adverse change in our relationship with our turnkey assemblers could result in a loss of revenue and harm our business.

        We currently rely on six turnkey assemblers of our products, with at least two turnkeys located in each major region we serve. If any significant turnkey assembler terminates its relationship with us, or if our supply from any significant turnkey assembler is interrupted or terminated for any other reason, we may not have enough time or be able to replace the supply of products replicated by that turnkey assembler to avoid serious harm to our business.

Our future operating results are difficult to predict and are likely to fluctuate substantially from quarter to quarter and as a result the market price of our common stock may be volatile and our stock price could decline.

        As a result of a variety of factors discussed in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, our quarterly revenues and operating results for a particular period are difficult to predict. Our revenues may grow at a slower rate than experienced in previous periods and, in particular periods, may decline. Additionally, we periodically provide operating model targets for revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, operating margin, other income, tax rate, share count and earnings per share. These targets reflect a number of assumptions, including assumptions about product pricing and demand, economic

26


and seasonal trends, manufacturing costs and volumes, the mix of shrink-wrap and licensing revenue, full and upgrade products, distribution channels and geographic markets. If one or more of these assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or projected.

        Due to the factors noted above, our future earnings and stock price may be subject to volatility, particularly on a quarterly basis. Shortfalls in revenue or earnings or delays in the release of products or upgrades compared to analysts' or investors' expectations have caused and could cause in the future an immediate and significant decline in the trading price of our common stock. Additionally, we may not learn of such shortfalls or delays until late in the fiscal quarter, which could result in an even more immediate and greater decline in the trading price of our common stock. Finally, we participate in a highly dynamic industry. In addition to factors specific to us, changes in analysts' earnings estimates for us or our industry, and factors affecting the corporate environment, our industry or the securities markets in general, have resulted, and may in the future result, in volatility of our common stock price.

We are subject to risks associated with international operations which may harm our business.

        We typically generate over 50% of our total revenue from sales to customers outside of the Americas. Sales to these customers subject us to a number of risks, including the following:

        If sales to any of our customers outside of the Americas are delayed or cancelled because of any of the above factors, our revenue may be negatively impacted.

We may incur losses associated with currency fluctuations and may not be able to effectively hedge our exposure.

        Our operating results are subject to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We attempt to mitigate a portion of these risks through foreign currency hedging, based on our judgment of the appropriate trade-offs among risk, opportunity and expense. We have established a hedging program to partially hedge our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, primarily the Japanese yen and the euro. We regularly review our hedging program and will make adjustments based on our judgment. Our hedging activities may not offset more than a portion of the adverse financial impact resulting from unfavorable movement in foreign currency exchange rates.

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We have authorized the use of a substantial amount of our cash for the repurchase of our shares following consummation of the merger, and this use of funds may limit our ability to complete other transactions and may not be the most advantageous use for these funds.

        As announced by Adobe on April 18, 2005, Adobe's board of directors has approved the use of up to $1 billion for the repurchase, on a discretionary basis, of Adobe stock. These repurchases will be in addition to Adobe's existing stock repurchase programs and are expected to commence following the consummation of the merger. We expect to repurchase shares, as business conditions warrant, for cash in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or through structured repurchase transactions. We expect to use a significant portion of the cash that is expected to be held by the combined company upon the consummation of the merger. This use of cash could limit our future flexibility to complete acquisitions of businesses or technology or other transactions, or make investments in research and development or other aspects of our operations, that might be in our best interests.

Changes in, or interpretations of, accounting principles, such as expensing of stock options, could result in unfavorable accounting charges.

        We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These principles are subject to interpretation by the SEC and various bodies formed to interpret and create appropriate accounting principles. A change in these principles can have a significant effect on our reported results and may even retroactively affect previously reported transactions. Our accounting principles that recently have been or may be affected by changes in accounting principles include the following:

        In particular, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, recently issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 123—revised 2004, or SFAS 123R, "Share-Based Payment," which requires the measurement of all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, using a fair-value-based method and the recording of such expense in our consolidated statements of income. The accounting provisions of SFAS 123R are effective for annual periods beginning after June 15, 2005. We are required to adopt SFAS 123R in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006. We believe that the adoption of SFAS 123R will have a significant adverse effect on our reported financial results and may impact the way in which we conduct our business.

Changes in, or interpretations of, tax rules and regulations may adversely affect our effective tax rates.

        Unanticipated changes in our tax rates could affect our future results of operations. Our future effective tax rates could be unfavorably affected by changes in tax laws or the interpretation of tax laws, by unanticipated decreases in the amount of revenue or earnings in countries with low statutory tax rates or by changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities.

        In addition, we are subject to the continual examination of our income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service and other domestic and foreign tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. Any adverse outcome from these continual examinations may have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial position.

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If we are unable to recruit and retain skilled personnel our business may be harmed.

        Much of our future success depends on the continued service and availability of skilled personnel. Experienced personnel in the information technology industry are in high demand and competition for their talents is intense, especially in the Silicon Valley, where the majority of our employees are located. We have relied on our ability to grant equity compensation as one mechanism for recruiting and retaining such highly skilled personnel. Recently enacted accounting regulations requiring the expensing of equity compensation may impair our ability to provide these incentives without incurring significant compensation costs. If we are unable to continue to successfully attract and retain key personnel, our business may be harmed.

We may suffer losses from our equity investments which could harm our business.

        We hold equity investments in public companies that have experienced significant declines in market value. We also have investments and may continue to make future investments in privately held companies, many of which are considered in the start-up or development stages. These investments are inherently risky, as the market for the technologies or products these companies have under development is typically in the early stages and may never materialize. Our investment activities can impact our net income. Future price fluctuations in these securities and any significant long-term declines in value of any of our investments could reduce our net income in future periods. We are uncertain about future investment gains and losses, as they are primarily dependent upon the operations of the underlying investee companies.

Risks Relating to Macromedia

        Macromedia is subject to a number of risks similar to those described above under the following sub-headings:


        In addition, Macromedia is subject to a number of additional risks, including those described below.

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Failure to complete the merger with Adobe could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and our stock price.

        Consummation of the merger is subject to customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals, including antitrust approvals, and approval by the stockholders of Adobe and Macromedia, respectively. We cannot assure you that these conditions will be met or waived, that the necessary approvals will be obtained, or that we will be able to successfully consummate the merger as currently contemplated under the merger agreement or at all. If the merger is not consummated:

        The occurrence of any of these events individually or in combination could have a material adverse affect on our results of operations and our stock price.

If our product and version releases are not successful, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

        A substantial portion of our revenues is derived from license sales of new software products and new versions of existing software products. For example, in the second quarter of fiscal year 2006, Macromedia expects to introduce its MX 2005 product line. The success of new products and new versions of existing products depends on the timing, market acceptance and performance of new products or new versions of existing products. In the past we have experienced delays in the development of new products and enhancement of existing products and such delays may occur in the future. If we are unable, due to resource constraints or technological reasons, to develop and introduce products in a timely manner, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected, including, in particular, our quarterly results. In addition, market acceptance of our new product or version releases will be dependent on our ability to include functionality and usability in such releases that address the requirements of customer demographics with which we may have limited prior experience. We must continue to update our existing products and services to keep them current with changing technology, competitive offerings and consumer preferences and must continue to develop new products and services to take advantage of new technologies that could otherwise render our existing products, or existing versions of such products, obsolete. Furthermore, our new product or version releases may contain undetected errors or "bugs," which may result in product failures or security breaches or otherwise fail to perform in accordance with customer expectations. In addition, such releases may not effectively guard against harmful or disruptive codes, including "virus" codes, new versions of which appear periodically, which may target files or programs created using our products. The occurrence of errors or harmful codes could result in loss of market share, diversion of

30


development resources, injury to our reputation and the reputation of our products or damage to our efforts to build positive brand awareness, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition. If we do not ship new products or new versions of our existing products as planned, if new product or version releases do not achieve adequate market acceptance, if new products or version releases fail to perform properly, or if we are unsuccessful in penetrating our business user market, which is comprised of non-technical business users that communicate, create and deliver information over the Internet into the market place, and our consumer market, which is comprised of device manufacturers, telecommunications carriers and news and entertainment networks who embed our technology on their platforms, our results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

We face intense competition.

        We operate in a highly competitive market characterized by market and customer expectations to incorporate new features and to accelerate the release of new products. These market factors represent both opportunities and competitive threats to us. With respect to competitive threats:

        Introduction of new products, or introduction of new functionality in current products, by us or by other companies may intensify our current competitive pressures. Some of our current and potential competitors have greater financial, marketing, technical and intellectual property resources than we do.

        Furthermore, we have a number of strategic alliances with large and complex organizations, some of which may compete with us in certain markets. These arrangements are generally limited to specific projects, the goal of which is generally to achieve product compatibility, promote product adoption or facilitate product distribution. If successful, these relationships may be mutually beneficial. However, these alliances carry an element of risk because, in most cases, we must compete in some business areas with a company with which we also have a strategic alliance and, at the same time, cooperate with that company in other business areas. If these companies fail to perform or if these relationships fail to materialize as expected, we could suffer delays in product development, encounter barriers to product adoption and distribution or fail to realize the anticipated economic benefit of the strategic alliance.

Revenues from our consumer market may be difficult to predict.

        Our future revenue growth is increasingly dependent upon our ability to continue to increase net revenues obtained from licensing our consumer products for use in mobile phones, set-top boxes, game devices, personal digital assistants, or PDAs, hand-held computers and other consumer electronic devices. We have a limited history of licensing products in our consumer market and believe these

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transactions present considerably greater risks than we have historically experienced with sales of products licensed to designers and developers. Specific risks related to our ability to predict revenues in our consumer market include the following:

We may not be able to successfully defend or enforce our intellectual property rights.

        Because we are a software company, our business is dependent on our ability to protect our intellectual property rights. We rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trade secret and trademark laws, as well as employee and third-party nondisclosure agreements and license agreements, to protect our intellectual property rights and products. Policing unauthorized use of products and fully protecting our proprietary rights are difficult and we cannot guarantee that the steps we have taken to protect our proprietary rights will be successful. In addition, effective patent, copyright, trade secret and trademark protection may not be available in every country in which our products are distributed or used. In particular, while we are unable to determine the exact extent of piracy of our software products, software piracy may depress our revenues. While this would also adversely affect domestic revenue, revenue loss from piracy of our software products is believed to be even more significant outside of the United States, particularly in countries where laws provide less protection of intellectual property rights. Protection of our intellectual property rights also is difficult in situations where we have taken certain actions to promote broader adoption of our technology. For instance, in an effort to promote broader adoption of our technology, in particular the Macromedia Flash Player and the Macromedia Shockwave Player, we publish and grant industry standard-setting organizations, user groups and third parties the right to use certain Macromedia product specifications, file formats, application programming interfaces, or APIs, and other information. These specifications, file formats, APIs and other information could be used to produce products that compete with and reduce demand for Macromedia's own products. In addition, our intellectual property enforcement rights may be diminished because of our decision to publish or license certain intellectual property in an effort to promote its adoption.

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Our failure to maintain an effective system of internal controls could harm our business.

        Designing and maintaining effective internal controls over financial reporting is expensive and requires considerable attention from management, employees and expert outside advisors. Internal controls, however well-designed and operated, cannot provide any absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls will be met. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires that we and our independent registered public accounting firm periodically certify the adequacy of our internal controls over financial reporting. This requirement first became applicable to us on March 31, 2005. As part of the Section 404 certification process that concluded after March 31, 2005, we identified a material weakness in our internal controls over income taxes that had existed as of March 31, 2005. This deficiency, for which remediation has already begun, or any actual failure of our internal controls, could harm the financial position of our business, reduce investor confidence, cause a decline in the market price for our common stock, and subject us to costly litigation.

We face risks associated with acquisitions.

        We have entered into business combinations with other companies in the past, including our acquisition of eHelp in December 2003 and two acquisitions in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003, and we are permitted under the terms of the merger agreement to make additional acquisitions prior to the consummation of the merger under limited circumstances. Acquisitions generally involve significant risks, including, among other things, difficulties in the assimilation of the operations, business strategy, services, technologies and corporate culture of the acquired companies, diversion of management's attention from other business concerns, overvaluation of the acquired companies and the acceptance of the acquired companies' products and services by our customers. In addition, future acquisitions would likely result in dilution to existing stockholders, if stock or stock options are issued, or if we assume debt and contingent liabilities, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Accordingly, any future acquisitions could result in a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Changing our pricing and business model could adversely affect our business.

        We periodically make changes to our product pricing or offer alternative methods of licensing our product, based on market conditions or customer demands, or in connection with marketing activities. Such increases in the pricing of our products may cause our customers to seek lower-priced alternatives, decrease the aggregate demand for such products and have an adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, competition in the various markets in which we operate may require us to reduce prices on certain products in such markets. In the event that we are required to reduce the pricing of our products, we may not be able to offset the lower unit price with increased demand for the corresponding products. Furthermore, any changes in pricing of products in general may result in delays in transactions as our customers and our sales force adapt to such price changes and may have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Moreover, customer demand and competition in the market may require us to offer alternative methods of licensing our products. In the event that we offer alternative methods of licensing our products, the revenues generated from licenses based on such alternative methods may not offset the loss of revenues from our existing method of licensing our products in any given period and may have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

Product returns could exceed our estimates and harm our net revenues.

        The primary sales channels into which we sell our products throughout the world are a network of distributors and VARs. Agreements with our distributors and VARs contain specific product return privileges for stock rotation and obsolete products that are generally limited to contractual amounts. In general, we expect sales returns to increase following the announcement of new or upgraded versions of our products or in anticipation of such product announcements, as our distributors and resellers seek

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to reduce their inventory levels of the prior version of a product in advance of receiving the new version. Similarly, we expect that product inventory held by our distributors and resellers would increase following the successful introduction of new or upgraded products, as these resellers stock the new version in anticipation of end-user demand, which would result in a decrease in our allowance for sales returns of our products. As part of our revenue recognition practices, we have established a reserve for estimated sales returns. The reserve is based on a number of factors, including channel inventory levels and the timing of new product introductions. Actual product returns in excess of our reserve estimates would have an adverse effect on our net revenues and our results of operations.

Changes in tax laws and regulations may increase our expenses and the cost of our products.

        In October 1998, the federal Internet Tax Freedom Act, or ITFA, was enacted. The ITFA imposed a three-year moratorium on state and local taxes related to Internet access and discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce that expired on October 20, 2001. The moratorium was extended in November 2001 and in November 2003. Under the current law, the moratorium is set to expire on November 1, 2007. The Senate introduced a bill (S. 849) on April 19, 2005 to make the moratorium permanent. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. If the ITFA is not extended or permanently enacted, state and local jurisdictions may seek to impose taxes on Internet access or electronic commerce within their jurisdictions. These taxes could increase our operating expenses and the sales price of our products.

        Also, on July 1, 2003, the European Union enacted legislation requiring all non-European Union vendors to collect Value Added Tax, or VAT, on all electronically supplied goods or services sold to consumers in the European Union. Compliance with this new European Union tax legislation has increased the cost of our products to consumers in the European Union and could decrease the demand for our products in that region.

Changes or disruptions in services provided by third parties could disrupt our business.

        We rely primarily on a single independent third party to produce and distribute our box products and on a second independent third party to fulfill volume licenses. If there is a temporary or permanent disruption of our supply from such manufacturers, we may not be able to replace the supply in sufficient time to meet the demand for our products. Any such failure to meet the demand for our products would adversely affect our revenues and might cause some users to purchase licenses to our competitors' products to meet their requirements.

        We rely on a limited number of independent third parties to provide support services to our customers. If any of these third-party service providers terminates its relationship with us or ceases to be able to continue to maintain such relationship with us, we may not have sufficient notice or time to avoid serious disruption to our business. Furthermore, if any such third-party service providers fail to provide adequate or satisfactory support for our products, our reputation as well as the success of our products may be adversely affected.

        Moreover, we have outsourced, and may continue to outsource, specific development and quality assurance activities for certain of our products. If such third-party developers are not able to complete the development activities on time, the release of the corresponding new product or a new version may be delayed. In addition, since we are unable to control the development activities outsourced by us to third parties, the portions of our product developed by such third parties may contain significant errors or "bugs."

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Termination of licenses for technologies from third parties could cause delays, increased costs or reduced functionality that may result in a material reduction in our net revenues and higher costs.

        We license and distribute third-party technologies that are bundled with or embedded in our products. If any of these licenses from third parties were terminated or were not renewed, or the third-party technology was to become subject to an intellectual property dispute, we might not be able to ship our products in which these technologies are bundled or embedded. We would then have to seek an alternative to such third party technology to the extent that such an alternative exists. This could result in delays in releasing and/or shipping our products, increased costs or reduced functionality of our products and material reduction in our net revenues.

Adverse economic conditions in the commercial real estate market may affect our ability to sublease vacated portions of properties held under sublease.

        Our restructuring expenses and accruals related to our excess leased properties involve significant estimates made by management using the best information available at the time that the estimates were made, including market data obtained from real estate brokers in the local markets. These estimates include evaluating the timing and market conditions of rental payments and sublease income. Changes in our current operations could result in our vacating additional portions of properties held under operating leases prior to the expiration of the corresponding lease agreements and could result in additional changes. The general adverse economic conditions in the areas where we have significant leased properties have resulted in a surplus of business facilities making it difficult to sublease properties. There can be no assurance that market conditions will improve during the terms of the lease periods. If market conditions deteriorate, we may be unable to sublease our excess leased properties at all or on terms acceptable to us, or we may not meet our expected estimated levels of sublease income and our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Future impairment assessments on certain intangible assets may result in additional impairment charges.

        In fiscal year 2003, we adopted SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. As a result, our goodwill and other intangible assets that have an indefinite useful life are no longer amortized, but instead, reviewed at least annually for impairment. Significant changes in demand for our products or changes in market conditions in the principal markets in which we sell our products, could adversely impact the carrying value of these intangible assets. In particular, if there is (i) a significant and other than temporary decline in the market value of our common stock; (ii) a decrease in the market value of a particular asset of ours; or (iii) operating or cash flow losses combined with forecasted future losses, we could be required to record impairment charges related to goodwill and other intangible assets, which could adversely affect our financial results. In addition, should we develop and manage our business using discrete financial information for reporting units in the future, we may be required to allocate our goodwill balance to those reporting units, which may result in an impairment of part or all of our recorded goodwill.

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THE COMPANIES

Adobe

        Adobe offers a line of software and services for consumers, creative professionals and enterprises, in both the public and private sectors. Adobe's products are digital imaging, design and document technology platforms which enable customers to create, manage and deliver visually rich, compelling and reliable content. Adobe distributes its products through a network of distributors and dealers, value-added resellers, or VARs, systems integrators, independent software vendors, or ISVs, and original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs; directly to end users; and through its own Web site at www.adobe.com. Adobe also licenses its technology to major hardware manufacturers, software developers and service providers and offers integrated software solutions to businesses of all sizes. Adobe has operations in the Americas; Europe, Middle East and Africa, or EMEA; and Asia. Adobe's software runs on Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh, Linux, UNIX and various non-personal computer platforms, depending on the product.

        Adobe was originally incorporated in California in October 1983 and reincorporated in Delaware in May 1997.

Merger Sub

        Avner Acquisition Sub, or Merger Sub, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe that was incorporated in Delaware in April 2005. Merger Sub does not engage in any operations and exists solely to facilitate the merger.

Macromedia

        Macromedia is an independent software company providing software that empowers designers, developers and business users to create and deliver effective user experiences on the Internet, fixed media and wireless and digital devices. Macromedia's integrated family of technologies enables the development of a wide range of Internet and mobile application solutions.

        Macromedia was incorporated in Delaware in February 1992.

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THE ADOBE SPECIAL MEETING

Date, Time and Place

        The special meeting of Adobe stockholders will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2005, at the principal executive offices of Adobe located at 345 Park Avenue, San Jose, California commencing at 3:00 p.m. local time. We are sending this joint proxy statement/prospectus to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Adobe board of directors for use at the Adobe special meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting.

Purposes of the Adobe Special Meeting

        The purposes of the Adobe special meeting are:

Recommendation of Adobe's Board of Directors

        ADOBE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY DETERMINED AND BELIEVES THAT THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF ADOBE COMMON STOCK IN THE MERGER IS ADVISABLE TO, AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF, ADOBE AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED SUCH ISSUANCE. ADOBE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT ADOBE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL NO. 1 TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF ADOBE COMMON STOCK IN THE MERGER.

        ADOBE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY DETERMINED AND BELIEVES THAT THE PROPOSAL TO ADJOURN THE ADOBE SPECIAL MEETING, IF NECESSARY, IF A QUORUM IS PRESENT, TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES IF THERE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT VOTES IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL NO. 1 IS ADVISABLE TO, AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF, ADOBE AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE PROPOSAL. ACCORDINGLY, ADOBE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT ALL ADOBE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL NO. 2 TO ADJOURN THE ADOBE SPECIAL MEETING, IF NECESSARY, IF A QUORUM IS PRESENT, TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES IF THERE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT VOTES IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL NO. 1.

Record Date and Voting Power

        Only holders of record of Adobe common stock at the close of business on the record date, July 19, 2005, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Adobe special meeting. There were approximately 1,668 holders of record of Adobe common stock at the close of business on the record date. Because many of such shares are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, Adobe is unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders. There were 492,276,674 shares of Adobe common stock issued and outstanding at the close of business on the record date. Each share of Adobe common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on each matter submitted for stockholder approval. See "Security Ownership by Certain Beneficial Owners" for

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information regarding persons known to the management of Adobe to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Adobe common stock.

Voting and Revocation of Proxies

        The proxy accompanying this joint proxy statement/prospectus is solicited on behalf of the board of directors of Adobe for use at the Adobe special meeting.

        All properly executed proxies that are not revoked will be voted at the Adobe special meeting and at any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting in accordance with the instructions contained in the proxy. If a holder of Adobe common stock executes and returns a proxy and does not specify otherwise, the shares represented by that proxy will be voted "FOR" Proposal No. 1 to approve the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger and "FOR" Proposal No. 2 to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1, in accordance with the recommendation of the Adobe board of directors.

        An Adobe stockholder who has submitted a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is voted at the Adobe special meeting by executing and returning a proxy bearing a later date, providing proxy instructions via the telephone or the Internet (your latest telephone or Internet proxy is counted), filing written notice of revocation with the Secretary of Adobe stating that the proxy is revoked or attending the special meeting and voting in person.

Required Vote

        The presence, in person or by proxy, at the special meeting of the holders of a majority of the shares of Adobe common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the special meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the meeting. Approval of each of Proposal No. 1 and Proposal No. 2 requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the special meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards a quorum, but will not be counted for any purpose in determining whether either proposal is approved.

        As of the record date for the special meeting, the directors and executive officers of Adobe owned approximately 0.7% of the outstanding shares of Adobe common stock entitled to vote at the meeting. Bruce R. Chizen, an executive officer and director of Adobe, and Murray J. Demo and Shantanu Narayen, executive officers of Adobe, have each entered into a voting agreement with Macromedia, dated April 17, 2005. They have agreed in the voting agreements to vote all shares of Adobe common stock owned by them as of the record date in favor of the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger. They also granted Macromedia irrevocable proxies to vote their shares of Adobe common stock in favor of the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger. Approximately 403,746 shares of Adobe common stock, which represent approximately 0.1% of the outstanding shares of Adobe common stock as of the record date, are subject to the voting agreements and irrevocable proxies. For more information regarding the voting agreements, see the section entitled "Voting Agreements."

Solicitation of Proxies

        In addition to solicitation by mail, the directors, officers, employees and agents of Adobe may solicit proxies from Adobe's stockholders by personal interview, telephone, telegram or otherwise. Adobe will bear the costs of the solicitation of proxies from its stockholders, except that Adobe and Macromedia will each pay one-half of the cost of printing this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Arrangements will also be made with brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries who are record holders of Adobe common stock for the forwarding of solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of Adobe common stock. Adobe will reimburse these brokers, custodians, nominees

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and fiduciaries for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses they incur in connection with the forwarding of solicitation materials. Adobe has engaged the services of Innisfree M&A Incorporated to distribute proxy solicitation materials to brokers, banks and other nominees and to assist in the solicitation of proxies from Adobe stockholders for a fee of approximately $20,000 plus reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

Other Matters

        As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the Adobe board of directors does not know of any business to be presented at the Adobe special meeting other than as set forth in the notice accompanying this joint proxy statement/prospectus. If any other matters should properly come before the special meeting, it is intended that the shares represented by proxies will be voted with respect to such matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting the proxies.

Stockholder Proposals

        Stockholder proposals may be included in Adobe's proxy materials for an annual meeting so long as they are provided to Adobe on a timely basis and satisfy the other conditions set forth in applicable SEC rules and regulations. For a stockholder proposal to be included in Adobe's proxy materials for the Adobe annual meeting to be held in 2006, Adobe must receive the proposal at its principal executive offices, addressed to its Secretary, not later than November 14, 2005. In addition, stockholder business that is not intended for inclusion in Adobe's proxy materials may be brought before the Adobe annual meeting so long as Adobe receives notice of the proposal in compliance with the requirements set forth in Adobe's amended and restated bylaws, addressed to its Secretary at Adobe's principal executive offices, not later than November 14, 2005.

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THE MACROMEDIA SPECIAL MEETING

Date, Time and Place

        The special meeting of Macromedia stockholders will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2005, at the principal executive offices of Macromedia located at 601 Townsend Street, San Francisco, California 94103, commencing at 3:00 p.m. local time. We are sending this joint proxy statement/prospectus to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Macromedia board of directors for use at the Macromedia special meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting.

Purposes of the Macromedia Special Meeting

        The purposes of the Macromedia special meeting are:

Recommendations of Macromedia's Board of Directors

        MACROMEDIA'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY DETERMINED AND BELIEVES THAT THE MERGER IS ADVISABLE AND FAIR TO, AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF, MACROMEDIA AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MERGER AND THE MERGER AGREEMENT. MACROMEDIA'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT MACROMEDIA STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL NO. 1 TO ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT.

        MACROMEDIA's BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY DETERMINED AND BELIEVES THAT THE PROPOSAL TO ADJOURN THE MACROMEDIA SPECIAL MEETING, IF NECESSARY, IF A QUORUM IS PRESENT, TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES IF THERE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT VOTES IN FAVOR OF THE FOREGOING PROPOSAL NO. 1 IS ADVISABLE TO, AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF, MACROMEDIA AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED AND ADOPTED THE PROPOSAL. ACCORDINGLY, MACROMEDIA'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT MACROMEDIA STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL NO. 2 TO ADJOURN THE MACROMEDIA SPECIAL MEETING, IF NECESSARY, IF A QUORUM IS PRESENT, TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES IF THERE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT VOTES IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL NO. 1.

Record Date and Voting Power

        Only holders of record of Macromedia common stock at the close of business on the record date, July 19, 2005, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Macromedia special meeting. There were approximately 500 holders of record of Macromedia common stock at the close of business on the record date, with 75,913,164 shares of Macromedia common stock issued and outstanding. Because many of such shares are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, Macromedia is unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders. Each share of Macromedia common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on each matter submitted for stockholder approval. See "Security Ownership by Certain Beneficial Owners" for information regarding persons known to the management of Macromedia to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Macromedia common stock.

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Voting and Revocation of Proxies

        The proxy accompanying this joint proxy statement/prospectus is solicited on behalf of the board of directors of Macromedia for use at the Macromedia special meeting.

        All properly executed proxies that are not revoked will be voted at the Macromedia special meeting and at any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting in accordance with the instructions contained in the proxy. If a holder of Macromedia common stock executes and returns a proxy and does not specify otherwise, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted "FOR" Proposal No. 1 to adopt the merger agreement and "FOR" Proposal No. 2 to adjourn the special meeting, if necessary, if a quorum is present, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposal No. 1, in accordance with the recommendation of the Macromedia board of directors.

        A Macromedia stockholder who has submitted a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is voted at the Macromedia special meeting by executing and returning a proxy bearing a later date, providing proxy instructions via the telephone or the Internet (your latest telephone or Internet proxy is counted), filing written notice of revocation with the Secretary of Macromedia stating that the proxy is revoked or attending the special meeting and voting in person.

Required Vote

        The presence, in person or by proxy, at the special meeting of the holders of a majority of the shares of Macromedia common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Macromedia special meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Macromedia special meeting. Approval of Proposal No. 1 requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of Macromedia common stock outstanding on the record date of the Macromedia special meeting. Approval of Proposal No. 2 requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Macromedia special meeting. Abstentions will be counted towards a quorum and will have the same effect as negative votes on Proposal No. 1, but will not be counted for any purpose in determining whether Proposal No. 2 is approved. Broker non-votes will be counted towards a quorum, but will not be counted for any purpose in determining whether either proposal is approved.

        As of the record date for the Macromedia special meeting, the directors and executive officers of Macromedia owned approximately 4.1% of the outstanding shares of Macromedia common stock entitled to vote at the meeting. Robert K. Burgess, Stephen A. Elop and Elizabeth A. Nelson, each an executive officer and director of Macromedia, have each entered into a voting agreement with Adobe dated April 17, 2005. They have agreed in the voting agreements to vote all shares of Macromedia common stock owned by them as of the record date in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement. They also granted Adobe irrevocable proxies to vote their shares of Macromedia common stock in favor of the adoption of the merger agreement. Approximately 308,194 shares of Macromedia common stock, which represent approximately 0.4% of the outstanding shares of Macromedia common stock as of the record date, are subject to the voting agreements and irrevocable proxies. For more information regarding the voting agreements, see the section entitled "Voting Agreements".

Solicitation of Proxies

        In addition to solicitation by mail, the directors, officers, employees and agents of Macromedia may solicit proxies from Macromedia stockholders by personal interview, telephone, telegram or otherwise. Macromedia will bear the costs of the solicitation of proxies from its stockholders, except that Adobe and Macromedia will each pay one-half of the cost of printing this joint proxy statement/prospectus. Arrangements will also be made with brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries who are record holders of Macromedia common stock for the forwarding of solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of Macromedia common stock. Macromedia will reimburse these

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brokers, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses they incur in connection with the forwarding of solicitation materials. In connection with this joint proxy statement/prospectus, Macromedia has retained a proxy solicitation firm, The Altman Group, Inc., to aid in the solicitation process and will pay it a fee of approximately $3,500 for its services, plus any reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation.

Other Matters

        As of the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, the Macromedia board of directors does not know of any business to be presented at the Macromedia special meeting other than as set forth in the notice accompanying this joint proxy statement/prospectus. If any other matters should properly come before the special meeting, it is intended that the shares represented by proxies will be voted with respect to such matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting the proxies.

Stockholder Proposals

        Stockholder proposals may be included in Macromedia's proxy materials for an annual meeting so long as they are provided to Macromedia on a timely basis and satisfy the other conditions set forth in applicable SEC rules and regulations. For a stockholder proposal to be included in Macromedia's proxy materials for the Macromedia annual meeting to be held in 2006, Macromedia must have received the proposal at its principal executive offices, addressed to its Secretary, not later than February 21, 2006. In addition, stockholder business that is not intended for inclusion in Macromedia's proxy materials may be brought before the Macromedia annual meeting so long as Macromedia receives notice of the proposal in compliance with the requirements set forth in Macromedia's amended and restated bylaws, addressed to its Secretary at Macromedia's principal executive offices, no earlier than April 12, 2006 and no later than May 12, 2006.

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ADOBE PROPOSAL NO. 1 AND MACROMEDIA PROPOSAL NO. 1

THE MERGER

        Unless specifically stated otherwise, the following information and all other information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including that regarding the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement, gives effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

General Description of the Merger

        At the effective time, Merger Sub will be merged with and into Macromedia. Macromedia will be the surviving corporation and will continue as a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe. In the merger, each share of Macromedia common stock outstanding at the effective time will automatically be converted into the right to receive 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock. Each Macromedia stockholder who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fraction of a share of Adobe common stock (after aggregating all fractional shares to be received by such stockholder) will instead be paid in cash for such fractional share.

        Based on the number of shares of Adobe common stock and Macromedia common stock outstanding as of the record date, up to 104,760,166 shares of Adobe common stock will be issuable pursuant to the merger agreement, representing approximately 17.5% of the total Adobe common stock to be outstanding after such issuance. This assumes that no Macromedia or Adobe stock options are exercised after the record date and prior to the effective time of the merger.

Background

        From time to time, Adobe has analyzed various potential acquisition candidates, including Macromedia.

        From 2000 to July 2002, Adobe and Macromedia were involved in patent litigation. Following the settlement of this litigation, Bruce R. Chizen, Adobe's Chief Executive Officer, and Robert K. Burgess, Macromedia's Chairman of the Board and then-Chief Executive Officer, became better acquainted, speaking occasionally by telephone or in person.

        In September 2004, Messrs. Burgess and Chizen discussed the possibility of a business combination involving the two companies.

        On September 22, 2004, the Adobe board of directors held a meeting at which Mr. Chizen informed the board of his conversation with Mr. Burgess. The board determined that Adobe, in conjunction with its annual strategic planning process, should internally review whether a business combination with Macromedia would be strategic. Following that meeting, Mr. Chizen indicated to Mr. Burgess that Adobe was involved in internal strategic planning and would not be pursuing a business combination at that time.

        On January 11, 2005, the Adobe board of directors held a meeting at which Adobe management made a presentation regarding the possible strategic fit between Macromedia and Adobe. The board requested further analysis and information and did not make any decision about pursuing a business combination with Macromedia.

        On January 21, 2005, the Adobe board of directors held a meeting at which Adobe management presented to the board the further analysis and information that the board had requested at the January 11, 2005 board meeting. Following the presentation, the board approved initiating discussions with Macromedia regarding a potential business combination and working with Goldman Sachs, as Adobe's financial advisor, and Cooley Godward, as Adobe's outside legal counsel, regarding such a potential business combination. Following this meeting, on January 21, 2005, Mr. Chizen contacted

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Mr. Burgess and expressed Adobe's interest in initiating discussions regarding a potential business combination with Macromedia.

        On January 28, 2005, Mr. Chizen, Shantanu Narayen, Adobe's President and Chief Operating Officer, Murray J. Demo, Adobe's Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Karen O. Cottle, Adobe's Senior Vice President and General Counsel, met with Mr. Burgess, who, on January 19, 2005, had resigned as Chief Executive Officer of Macromedia and assumed the role of Executive Chairman of Macromedia, Stephen A. Elop, Macromedia's then- and current Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth A. Nelson, Macromedia's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Lynch, Macromedia's Executive Vice President and Chief Software Architect, and Loren Hillberg, Macromedia's then-General Counsel, to better understand the respective businesses at a high level and the company cultures in order to decide whether to move forward with further discussions. Following the meeting, the parties determined to move forward with further discussions.

        From January 28 to February 9, 2005, representatives of Adobe, Cooley Godward, Macromedia and Fenwick & West, Macromedia's outside legal counsel, held telephone conferences to negotiate the terms of a nondisclosure agreement and establish the procedures for preliminary financial due diligence. The nondisclosure agreement was executed on February 9, 2005. Neither the nondisclosure agreement nor any other agreement in effect between Adobe and Macromedia prior to the execution of the merger agreement contained any provision that prevented Macromedia from discussing potential business combinations with other parties.

        On February 1 and February 7, 2005, Mr. Demo and representatives of Goldman Sachs met with Ms. Nelson and representatives of Morgan Stanley, Macromedia's financial advisor, and engaged in preliminary financial due diligence discussions regarding Macromedia's business.

        On February 10, 2005, Messrs. Chizen, Narayen and Demo and Ms. Cottle, together with representatives of Goldman Sachs, met with Messrs. Burgess, Elop and Hillberg and Ms. Nelson, together with representatives of Morgan Stanley, and discussed Adobe's and Macromedia's respective businesses, strategies and financial position. They also discussed general strategic benefits of a potential business combination.

        On February 11, 2005, Mr. Demo and two other finance employees from Adobe met with Ms. Nelson for further due diligence related to Macromedia's financial position.

        On February 19, 2005, at a meeting of the Adobe board of directors, the directors discussed the potential business combination. Representatives of Cooley Godward reviewed with the board the board's fiduciary obligations, management reviewed with the board its views of the strategic rationale for the potential business combination and Goldman Sachs presented a financial analysis relating to the potential business combination. At that meeting, the board authorized Adobe to present a proposal to Macromedia for a potential business combination.

        On February 20, 2005, Mr. Chizen had a telephone conversation with Mr. Burgess and communicated that a proposal would be forthcoming from Adobe's financial advisor, Goldman Sachs.

        On February 22, 2005, Goldman Sachs orally delivered a proposal by Adobe regarding a potential business combination to Morgan Stanley.

        On February 23, 2005, the Macromedia board of directors held a meeting at which Mr. Burgess reviewed with the board the status of the discussions with Adobe, including the proposal presented by Adobe. Macromedia management reviewed business and financial information regarding Adobe and strategic and operational considerations relating to the potential business combination. Representatives of Morgan Stanley reviewed with the board financial considerations relating to the potential business combination. The Macromedia board determined that the proposal made by Adobe was not sufficiently attractive to warrant further consideration. Mr. Burgess communicated the Macromedia board's

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determination to Mr. Chizen that same day. Following such communication, both companies discontinued further work on the potential business combination.

        On February 28, 2005, at a meeting of the Adobe board of directors, Mr. Chizen informed the board of Macromedia's rejection of the Adobe proposal and indicated that the potential business combination would no longer be moving forward.

        On March 21, 2005, Messrs. Chizen and Burgess discussed whether to re-engage in discussions regarding the potential business combination.

        At the March 22-23, 2005 Adobe board of directors meeting, Mr. Chizen informed the board of his discussion with Mr. Burgess and the Adobe board requested that Mr. Chizen re-engage in discussions with Mr. Burgess regarding the potential business combination.

        On March 23, 2005, Mr. Chizen called Mr. Burgess to inform him that Adobe was interested in re-opening discussions with respect to a potential business combination.

        On March 25, 2005, the Macromedia board of directors held a meeting at which Mr. Burgess provided the board with an update on recent discussions with Mr. Chizen regarding the potential business combination with Adobe. Representatives of Morgan Stanley discussed with the board various financial and strategic aspects of a potential business combination with Adobe. Representatives of Fenwick & West reviewed with the board the fiduciary duties of Macromedia's directors in connection with a potential business combination. The Macromedia board considered, with input from both its legal and financial advisors, possible strategic alternatives to a potential business combination with Adobe, including the possibility of remaining an independent entity and the possibility of contacting other parties regarding a business combination. The Macromedia board, with the advice of senior management of Macromedia and its legal and financial advisors, also considered and discussed various matters relating to the potential business combination with Adobe, including the strategic value of such a combination and potential synergies to be derived from such a combination and possible terms and valuations under which such a combination should be further pursued. At the conclusion of this meeting, the Macromedia board expressed support for continuing discussions regarding a potential business combination with Adobe.

        On March 28, 2005, Messrs. Chizen, Narayen and Demo and representatives of Goldman Sachs and Cooley Godward met with Messrs. Burgess and Elop and Ms. Nelson and representatives of Morgan Stanley and Fenwick & West. At the meeting, the parties discussed Adobe's and Macromedia's respective businesses, strategies, competitive environments, financial results and prospects. They also discussed the potential strategic benefits and risks of a potential business combination. The parties expressed their views on key terms for a potential business combination. Following the meeting, in separate conversations, Mr. Chizen contacted Mr. Burgess and representatives of Goldman Sachs contacted representatives of Morgan Stanley to communicate a new proposal for the potential business combination.

        On March 30, 2005, the Macromedia board of directors held a meeting at which Mr. Burgess provided an update on the March 28, 2005 discussions with representatives of Adobe, as well as the subsequent conversation Mr. Burgess had with Mr. Chizen, regarding the potential business combination. Representatives of Morgan Stanley updated the board with respect to its ongoing financial analysis regarding the potential business combination. The Macromedia board continued its discussion of the potential business combination, including the strategic rationale for such a business combination, as well as the relative potential benefits and risks of combining with Adobe compared to the benefits and risks of remaining an independent entity. At the conclusion of this meeting, the Macromedia board expressed support for continuing discussions regarding a potential business combination with Adobe.

        On April 1, 2005, at a meeting of the Adobe board of directors, Mr. Chizen and a representative of Goldman Sachs provided the board with an update on the discussions with representatives of

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Macromedia. Representatives of Goldman Sachs updated the board with respect to its ongoing financial analysis regarding the potential business combination. The Adobe board continued its discussion, with input from both its legal and financial advisors, of the potential business combination, including the strategic rationale for a business combination, as well as the potential benefits and risks of combining with Macromedia. At the conclusion of this meeting, the Adobe board authorized management to continue discussions regarding the potential business combination.

        On April 2, 2005, the Macromedia board of directors met and discussed the potential business combination with Adobe. Messrs. Chizen, Narayen and Demo and John D. Brennan, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development of Adobe, provided to the Macromedia board an overview of Adobe's business and Adobe's strategic rationale for a business combination. The Macromedia board continued its discussion, with input from both its legal and financial advisors, of the potential business combination, including the strategic rationale for such a business combination, as well as the potential benefits and risks of combining with Adobe. Representatives of Fenwick & West further reviewed with the Macromedia board considerations involved in the potential business combination. At the conclusion of this meeting, the Macromedia board expressed support for continuing discussions regarding the potential business combination.

        Between April 2 and April 17, 2005, Messrs. Chizen, Narayen, Demo and Brennan and other Adobe executives met numerous times with Messrs. Burgess and Elop, Ms. Nelson and other Macromedia executives to discuss the potential business combination. During this period, Adobe and its advisors reviewed due diligence materials relating to Macromedia provided by Macromedia and Fenwick & West, requested and reviewed additional materials relating to Macromedia and engaged in due diligence discussions with their counterparts. During this period, representatives of Macromedia and its advisors met with representatives of Adobe and its advisors to engage in due diligence discussions regarding Adobe.

        On April 5, 2005, Cooley Godward delivered a draft of the merger agreement to Macromedia and Fenwick & West. On April 8, 2005, Fenwick & West delivered proposed revisions to the draft merger agreement to Adobe and Cooley Godward.

        Between April 10 and April 17, 2005, in addition to continuing their due diligence investigations of each other, Adobe and Macromedia, along with their respective legal advisors, negotiated the terms of the merger agreement and discussed potential management employment agreements and other employee matters.

        On April 16, 2005, the Adobe board of directors held a meeting at which Adobe senior management made presentations to the board regarding the proposed business combination with Macromedia, including the due diligence investigation regarding Macromedia by Adobe and its advisors, the proposed post-merger stock repurchase program of up to $1 billion and organizational and integration matters. Representatives of Goldman Sachs presented its financial analysis regarding the potential business combination. Representatives of Cooley Godward reviewed with the board the proposed terms of the merger agreement, the voting agreements to be entered into by Adobe with directors and executive officers of Macromedia, the irrevocable proxies to be granted to Adobe by such directors and executive officers and related matters. The Adobe board continued its discussion of the potential business combination, including the strategic rationale for such a business combination, as well as the relative potential benefits and risks of combining with Macromedia. Based on the financial analysis and the due diligence presentations, and after extensive board discussion, the Adobe board determined to propose an exchange ratio of 0.69 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock (the exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005).

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        On April 16, 2005, Mr. Chizen informed Mr. Burgess that the Adobe board of directors had determined to propose an exchange ratio of 0.69 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock (the exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005).

        On April 17, 2005, the Macromedia board of directors held a meeting at which the proposed merger was discussed and considered. Mr. Burgess provided the board an update on the Adobe board of directors' authorization of the proposed exchange ratio of 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock. At this meeting, Macromedia senior management and representatives of Morgan Stanley made presentations to the board regarding the proposed merger. Representatives of Fenwick & West reviewed in detail with the board the outcome of further negotiations and the terms of the merger agreement and related agreements, as well as the fiduciary duties of the Macromedia board. The Macromedia board was apprised of the interests of certain members of Macromedia management in the proposed merger. For more information, see the section entitled "Interests of Macromedia's Executive Officers and Directors in the Merger" below. Morgan Stanley reviewed with the board the financial terms of the proposed merger and delivered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed in writing as of the same date, to the Macromedia board of directors that, as of April 17, 2005, and based upon and subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth in its opinion, the exchange ratio, as set forth in the merger agreement, was fair from a financial point of view to the holders of Macromedia common stock. Following the presentations, and after further review and discussion, the board unanimously voted to approve the merger and related matters and resolved to recommend that Macromedia stockholders adopt the merger agreement.

        On April 17, 2005, the Adobe board of directors held a meeting at which the proposed merger was discussed and considered. Goldman Sachs reviewed the financial terms of the proposed merger and delivered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed in writing as of the same date, that, as of April 17, 2005 and based on and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in its opinion, the exchange ratio of 0.69 shares of Adobe common stock to be issued in exchange for each share of Macromedia common stock pursuant to the merger agreement was fair to Adobe from a financial point of view (the exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005). Following the presentation, and after further review and discussion, the board unanimously approved the merger and related matters and recommended that Adobe stockholders approve the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger.

        Following the meetings of Adobe's and Macromedia's respective boards of directors on April 17, 2005, the parties signed the merger agreement. The signing of the merger agreement was publicly announced on April 18, 2005, prior to the opening of the NASDAQ National Market.

Reasons for the Merger

        The following discussion of the parties' reasons for the merger contains a number of forward-looking statements that reflect the current views of Adobe and/or Macromedia with respect to future events that may have an effect on their future financial performance. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements. Cautionary statements that identify important factors that could cause or contribute to differences in results and outcomes include those discussed in "Summary—Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors."

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Mutual Reasons for the Merger

        Integration of Products and Technologies.    We believe that Adobe and Macromedia together can meet more of our customers' needs by integrating our products and technologies to help them communicate better. Many of our customer segments are complementary and in many cases customers in those segments are using products from both companies. The combination of leading development, authoring and collaboration tools, and the complementary functionality of Macromedia Flash and Adobe PDF, are expected to create significant product synergies for our customers. We expect that the combined company will be able to offer increased productivity through streamlined workflow and tighter integration. We believe that, together, Adobe and Macromedia will offer a broad set of products and benefits for customers, including the following:

More effective solutions for customers in turn create opportunities for increased sales of the combined company's products.

        Increased Innovation and Development.    The combined company has the opportunity to define a robust technology platform that delivers compelling, rich content across a wide range of devices and operating systems. We believe that combining the creativity and operational capacities of two leading software companies will allow Adobe and Macromedia to better serve customers by accelerating innovations that change how people experience and interact with information. We believe that the combined company will have significant opportunity to grow into new markets, particularly around non-PC device and enterprise customers. We believe that these opportunities will allow Adobe and Macromedia to better achieve the following goals:

        Scale to Better Compete.    We believe that the software industry is in a period of consolidation and that there is a developing trend for customers to source a larger portion of their software needs from a smaller number of suppliers. We believe that the combined company will have the scale to better compete in this environment.

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        Experienced Management Team.    It is expected that the combined company will be led by a combination of experienced senior management from both Adobe and Macromedia, which will provide management continuity to support the integration of the two companies.

Adobe's Reasons for the Merger

        In addition to considering the strategic factors outlined above, the Adobe board of directors considered the following factors in reaching its conclusion to approve the merger and to recommend that the Adobe stockholders approve the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger, all of which it viewed as generally supporting its decision to approve the business combination with Macromedia:

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Adobe's board of directors also considered the potential risks of the merger, including the following:

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        The foregoing information and factors considered by Adobe's board of directors are not intended to be exhaustive but are believed to include all of the material factors considered by Adobe's board of directors. In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the merger and the complexity of these matters, the Adobe board of directors did not find it useful, and did not attempt, to quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weights to these factors. In considering the factors described above, individual members of the Adobe board of directors may have given different weight to different factors. The Adobe board of directors conducted an overall analysis of the factors described above, including thorough discussions with, and questioning of, Adobe's management and Adobe's legal and financial advisors, and considered the factors overall to be favorable to, and to support, its determination.

Macromedia's Reasons for the Merger

        In addition to considering the strategic factors outlined above, the Macromedia board of directors considered the following factors in reaching its conclusion to approve the merger and to recommend that the Macromedia stockholders adopt the merger agreement, all of which it viewed as generally supporting its decision to approve the business combination with Adobe:

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        Macromedia's board of directors also considered the potential risks of the merger, including the following:

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        The foregoing information and factors considered by Macromedia's board of directors are not intended to be exhaustive but are believed to include all of the material factors considered by Macromedia's board of directors. In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection with its evaluation of the merger and the complexity of these matters, the Macromedia board of directors did not find it useful, and did not attempt, to quantify, rank or otherwise assign relative weights to these factors. In considering the factors described above, individual members of the Macromedia board of directors may have given different weight to different factors. The Macromedia board of directors conducted an overall analysis of the factors described above, including thorough discussions with, and questioning of, Macromedia's management and Macromedia's legal and financial advisors, and considered the factors overall to be favorable to, and to support, its determination.

Opinion of Adobe's Financial Advisor

        Goldman, Sachs & Co. delivered its opinion to Adobe's board of directors that, as of April 17, 2005 and based on and subject to the factors and assumptions set forth in the opinion, the exchange ratio of 0.69 shares of Adobe common stock to be issued in exchange for each share of Macromedia common stock pursuant to the merger agreement was fair to Adobe from a financial point of view. The exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        The full text of the written opinion of Goldman Sachs, dated April 17, 2005, which sets forth the assumptions made, procedures followed, matters considered and limitations on the review undertaken in connection with the opinion, is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Annex D. Goldman Sachs provided its opinion for the information and assistance of Adobe's board of directors in connection with its consideration of the merger. The Goldman Sachs opinion is not a recommendation as to how any holder of Adobe common stock should vote with respect to the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger.

        Please note that the references to the exchange ratio and the market price of Adobe common stock contained in the written opinion of Goldman Sachs attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Annex D and the following summary of the material financial analyses of Goldman Sachs do not give effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

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        In connection with rendering the opinion described above and performing its related financial analyses, Goldman Sachs reviewed, among other things:

        Goldman Sachs also held discussions with members of the senior managements of Adobe and Macromedia regarding their assessment of the strategic rationale for, and the potential benefits of, the merger and the past and current business operations, financial condition and future prospects of Adobe and Macromedia. In addition, Goldman Sachs reviewed the reported price and trading activity for the shares of Adobe common stock and the shares of Macromedia common stock, compared financial and stock market information for Adobe and Macromedia with similar information for other companies the securities of which are publicly traded, reviewed the financial terms of recent business combinations in the software industry specifically and in other industries generally and performed such other studies and analyses, and considered such other factors, as it considered appropriate.

        Goldman Sachs relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial, accounting, legal, tax and other information discussed with, or reviewed by, it and assumed the accuracy and completeness of this information for purposes of rendering the opinion described above. In that regard, Goldman Sachs assumed, with the consent of Adobe's board of directors, that the forecasts reviewed by Goldman Sachs were reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of Adobe. Goldman Sachs also assumed that all governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the merger would be obtained without any adverse effect on Adobe or Macromedia or on the expected benefits of the merger in any way meaningful to its analysis. In addition, Goldman Sachs did not make an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities (including any contingent, derivative or off-balance-sheet assets and liabilities) of Adobe or Macromedia or any of their respective subsidiaries, nor was any evaluation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of Adobe or Macromedia or any of their respective subsidiaries furnished to Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs' opinion does not address the underlying business decision of Adobe to engage in the merger, nor did Goldman Sachs express any opinion as to the prices at which shares of Adobe common stock will trade at any time.

        The following is a summary of the material financial analyses presented by Goldman Sachs to Adobe's board of directors in connection with rendering the opinion described above. The following summary, however, does not purport to be a complete description of the financial analyses performed by Goldman Sachs, nor does the order of analyses described represent relative importance or weight given to those analyses by Goldman Sachs. Some of the summaries of the financial analyses include information presented in tabular format. The tables must be read together with the full text of each summary and are alone not a complete description of Goldman Sachs' financial analyses. Except as otherwise noted, the following opinion is based on financial and other conditions in effect on, and the

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estimates and other information made available to Goldman Sachs as of, April 17, 2005 and, to the extent it reflects market data, is based on market data as it existed on or before April 15, 2005. Events occurring after such date may affect this opinion and the assumptions used in preparing it, and in particular market data is not necessarily indicative of current market conditions.

        Historical Stock Price Analysis.    Goldman Sachs reviewed the historical high, median and low closing prices of Adobe common stock and Macromedia common stock for the six-month, one-year, two-year and three-year periods ended April 15, 2005. The following table presents the results of this review:

 
   Adobe
   Macromedia
 
   High(1)
   Median(1)
   Low(1)
   High
   Median
   Low
Six-Month Period Ended
April 15, 2005		   $ 68.39   $ 61.55   $ 51.48   $ 36.89   $ 31.13   $ 22.39
One-Year Period Ended
April 15, 2005		     68.39     52.01     39.70     36.89     24.98     18.21
Two-Year Period Ended
April 15, 2005		     68.39     42.58     30.92     36.89     21.60     11.97
Three-Year Period Ended
April 15, 2005		     68.39     38.65     16.70     36.89     19.74     5.99
(1)
Does not give effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        Historical Price to Earnings Ratio Analysis.    Goldman Sachs reviewed the historical price to earnings ratios for Adobe and Macromedia for calendar years 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 (through April 15, 2005) and as of April 15, 2005. The historical price to earnings ratios were determined by dividing the closing price per share of Adobe common stock and Macromedia common stock, respectively, by the daily median next-twelve-month rolling earnings per share projections for Adobe and Macromedia, respectively, provided by Institutional Brokers Estimate System, which is referred to in this discussion as IBES, which is a data service that compiles estimates issued by securities research analysts. Goldman Sachs also calculated the Macromedia median price to earnings ratio as a percentage of the Adobe median price to earnings ratio for each of these respective periods. The following table presents the results of these calculations:

 
   1999
   2000
   2001
   2002
   2003
   2004
   2005
Year to
Date
   As of
April 15,
2005
  
Adobe Median Price to Earnings Ratio   27.1 x 54.3 x 30.6 x 29.0 x 31.6 x 29.9 x 31.1 x 28.2 x
Macromedia Median Price to Earnings Ratio   58.5 x 77.9 x 21.3 x 43.8 x 33.7 x 30.2 x 36.0 x 33.3 x
Macromedia Median Price to Earnings Ratio as a Percentage of Adobe Median Price to Earnings Ratio   216 % 143 % 70 % 151 % 107 % 101 % 116 % 118 %

        Historical Exchange Ratio Analysis.    Goldman Sachs reviewed the implied historical exchange ratios determined by dividing the closing price per share of Macromedia common stock by the closing price per share of Adobe common stock over the five-day, 10-day, 20-day, 30-day, 60-day, 90-day, 180-day and 360-day trading periods ended April 15, 2005, as well as the implied premium of the exchange ratio of 0.69 shares of Adobe common stock to be issued in exchange for each share of Macromedia

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common stock pursuant to the merger agreement (the exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005) to the implied historical exchange ratios and the closing price per share of Macromedia common stock over each of the respective trading periods. The following table presents the results of these calculations:

Historical Period
   Implied Historical
Exchange Ratio(1)
   Implied Premium
of Actual Exchange
Ratio to Implied
Historical
Exchange Ratio(1)
   Implied Premium
of Actual Exchange
Ratio to Historical
Macromedia Share
Price(1)
  
April 15, 2005   0.5514   25.1 % 25.1 %
Five-Day Average   0.5475   26.0 % 18.4 %
10-Day Average   0.5298   30.2 % 19.8 %
20-Day Average   0.5174   33.3 % 21.8 %
30-Day Average   0.5235   31.8 % 21.6 %
60-Day Average   0.5433   27.0 % 21.8 %
90-Day Average   0.5215   32.3 % 28.5 %
180-Day Average   0.4816   43.3 % 51.2 %
360-Day Average   0.4925   40.1 % 73.5 %
(1)
Does not give effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        Selected Companies Analysis.    Goldman Sachs reviewed and compared certain financial information for Adobe and Macromedia to corresponding financial information, ratios and public market multiples for the following publicly traded corporations in the digital media and content management sectors of the software industry:

        Although none of the selected companies is directly comparable to Adobe or Macromedia, the companies included were chosen because they are publicly traded companies with operations that for purposes of analysis may be considered similar to certain operations of Adobe and Macromedia.

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        Goldman Sachs also calculated and compared various financial multiples and ratios based on historical financial data as of April 15, 2005, information obtained from SEC filings and estimates provided by IBES. The multiples and ratios of Adobe, Macromedia and each of the selected companies were based on estimates provided by IBES and the most recent publicly available information and were calculated using closing stock prices on April 15, 2005. With respect to Adobe, Macromedia and the selected companies, Goldman Sachs calculated the multiple of price to calendar year 2005 and 2006 IBES estimated earnings. For purposes of these calculations, Goldman Sachs adjusted each (a) Adobe November 30 fiscal year end to a December 31 calendar year end and (b) Macromedia March 31 fiscal year end to a December 31 calendar year end. The following table presents the results of this analysis:

 
   Selected Companies
    
    
 
   Range
   Mean
   Median
   Adobe
   Macromedia
Price/2005 CYE Earnings   14.2x - 56.0x   27.5x   27.1x   28.5x   33.3x
Price/2006 CYE Earnings   12.6x - 56.0x   23.6x   22.7x   26.0x   27.0x

        Goldman Sachs also calculated the ratio of price to calendar year 2006 IBES estimated earnings as a multiple of IBES median five-year earnings per share compound annual growth rate. The following table presents the results of this analysis:

 
   Selected Companies
    
    
  
 
   Range
   Adobe
   Macromedia
  
Price/2006 CYE Earnings   12.6x - 56.0x   26.0 x 27.0 x
Estimated 5-Year Earnings Per Share Compound Annual Growth Rate   12.0% - 30.0%   15.0 % 20.0 %
Ratio of Calendar 2006 Price to Earnings Ratio to 5-Year EPS Compound Annual Growth Rate   0.7x - 2.0x   1.7 x 1.3 x

        Pro Forma Merger Analysis.    Goldman Sachs analyzed the potential pro forma impact of the merger on cash earnings per share, which is defined as GAAP earnings per share adjusted for purchase accounting adjustments, including deferred revenue write-down and amortization of intangibles and other one-time costs, and earnings per share including deferred revenue adjustment and amortization of intangibles from the point of view of the holders of Adobe common stock prior to the merger based upon (a) earnings estimates provided by Fulcrum Global Partners LLC, in the case of Adobe, and RBC Capital Markets, in the case of Macromedia, which are collectively referred to in this discussion as the Street Case, and (b) earnings estimates for Adobe and Macromedia based on estimates for Adobe and Macromedia arising from projections prepared by Adobe's management, which is referred to in this discussion as the Adobe Management Case. For purposes of these calculations, Goldman Sachs (a) assumed each Adobe November 30 fiscal year end to be a December 31 calendar year end and (b) adjusted each Macromedia March 31 fiscal year end to a December 31 calendar year end.

        Based on the closing price per share of Adobe common stock as of April 15, 2005, the exchange ratio of 0.69 shares of Adobe common stock to be issued in exchange for each share of Macromedia common stock pursuant to the merger agreement (the exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005), the number of shares and options to purchase shares of Adobe common stock outstanding as of April 7, 2005 and the number of shares and options to purchase shares of Macromedia common stock outstanding as of April 8, 2005, this analysis indicated that under both the Street Case and the Adobe Management Case, the merger would be dilutive before Synergies to Adobe's cash earnings per share and earnings per share including deferred revenue

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adjustment and amortization of intangibles. This analysis also indicated that under both the Street Case and the Adobe Management Case, the transaction would be slightly accretive to Adobe's cash earnings per share if the Synergies were included.

        Goldman Sachs also analyzed the potential pro forma impact of the merger on cash earnings per share based on a range of estimated revenues, some of the values of which were lower than the estimates contained in the Street Case and the Adobe Management Case, and a range of estimated Synergies. This analysis indicated that the merger would be break-even to slightly accretive to Adobe's cash earnings per share.

        Contribution Analysis.    Goldman Sachs performed a contribution analysis in which it analyzed and compared the relative implied contributions of Adobe and Macromedia on a percentage basis based on actual calendar year 2004 revenue and estimated calendar year 2005 and 2006 revenue, actual calendar year 2004 operating income and estimated calendar year 2005 and 2006 operating income and actual calendar year 2004 cash net income, which is defined as GAAP net income adjusted for purchase accounting adjustments, including deferred revenue write-down and amortization of intangibles and other one-time costs, and estimated calendar year 2005 and 2006 cash net income of the combined company as adjusted for the net debt positions of Adobe and Macromedia. For purposes of these calculations, net debt was defined as total indebtedness less cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments. Adobe's and Macromedia's relative implied contributions to the combined company, as adjusted for net debt, are referred to in this discussion as implied equity contributions. The contribution analysis that Goldman Sachs performed, however, did not reflect any Synergies, purchase accounting adjustments or merger-related costs resulting from the consummation of the merger.

        Goldman Sachs performed this contribution analysis employing both the Street Case and the Adobe Management Case. For purposes of these calculations, Goldman Sachs (a) assumed each Adobe November 30 fiscal year end to be a December 31 calendar year end and (b) adjusted each Macromedia March 31 fiscal year end to a December 31 calendar year end. For purposes of these calculations, Goldman Sachs also reviewed the fully diluted equity market capitalization of Adobe and Macromedia, respectively, on April 15, 2005 and used net debt information for Adobe and Macromedia based on their latest publicly available filings as of April 15, 2005. The results of Goldman Sachs' calculations are as follows:

 
   Adobe Implied Equity
Contribution to
Combined Company
   Macromedia Implied Equity
Contribution to Combined
Company
  
2004A Revenue   79.9 % 20.1 %
2005E Revenue   80.5 % 19.5 %
2006E Revenue   80.4 % 19.6 %
2004A Operating Income   88.0 % 12.0 %
2005E Operating Income   87.8 % 12.2 %
2006E Operating Income   85.5 % 14.5 %
2004A Cash Net Income   87.7 % 12.3 %
2005E Cash Net Income   87.8 % 12.2 %
2006E Cash Net Income   85.1 % 14.9 %

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   Adobe Implied Equity
Contribution to
Combined Company
   Macromedia Implied
Equity Contribution to
Combined Company
  
2004A Revenue   79.9 % 20.1 %
2005E Revenue   80.2 % 19.8 %
2006E Revenue   79.7 % 20.3 %
2004A Operating Income   88.0 % 12.0 %
2005E Operating Income   88.2 % 11.8 %
2006E Operating Income   86.4 % 13.6 %
2004A Cash Net Income   87.7 % 12.3 %
2005E Cash Net Income   88.4 % 11.6 %
2006E Cash Net Income   86.5 % 13.5 %

        Based upon the exchange ratio of 0.69 shares of Adobe common stock to be issued in exchange for each share of Macromedia common stock pursuant to the merger agreement (the exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005), Goldman Sachs calculated that holders of Adobe common stock and holders of Macromedia common stock would hold 82.1% and 17.9%, respectively, of the combined company on a treasury method basis.

        Selected Transactions Analysis.    Goldman Sachs analyzed certain information relating to the following selected transactions in the software industry announced in the period from April 2002 through April 2005:

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        The following table compares information derived by Goldman Sachs with respect to the ranges and medians relating to the implied value received by stockholders of the second-named merger partner, or target, for these selected transactions:

 
   Selected Transactions
    
  
 
   Proposed Transaction
  
 
   Range
   Median
  
Next 12 months price to earnings ratio (based on public filings and Wall Street estimates)   30.8x - 91.6x   50.1 x 44.4 x
Premium of implied offer value to target stock price one day prior to announcement   16.1% - 87.5%   28.6 % 25.1 %
Premium of implied offer value to target stock price 30 days prior to announcement   15.6% - 89.7%   32.5 % 31.8 %

        The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Selecting portions of the analyses or of the summary set forth above, without considering the analyses as a whole, could create an incomplete view of the processes underlying Goldman Sachs' analyses and opinion. In arriving at its fairness determination, Goldman Sachs considered the results of all of its analyses and did not attribute any particular weight to any factor or analysis considered by it. Rather, Goldman Sachs made its determination as to fairness on the basis of its experience and professional judgment after considering the results of all of its analyses. No company or transaction used in the above analyses as a comparison is directly comparable to Adobe, Macromedia or the contemplated transaction.

        Goldman Sachs prepared these analyses for purposes of Goldman Sachs' providing its opinion to Adobe's board of directors as to the fairness from a financial point of view to Adobe of the exchange ratio of 0.69 shares of Adobe common stock to be issued in exchange for each share of Macromedia common stock pursuant to the merger agreement (the exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005). These analyses do not purport to be appraisals nor do they necessarily reflect the prices at which businesses or securities actually may be sold. Analyses based upon forecasts of future results are not necessarily indicative of actual future results, which may be significantly more or less favorable than suggested by these analyses. Because these analyses are inherently subject to uncertainty, being based upon numerous factors or events beyond the control of the parties or their respective advisors, none of Adobe, Macromedia, Goldman Sachs or any other person assumes responsibility if future results are materially different from those forecast.

        The merger consideration was determined by Adobe and Macromedia through arm's length negotiations between Adobe and Macromedia and was approved by Adobe's board of directors.

        As described above, Goldman Sachs' opinion to Adobe's board of directors was one of many factors taken into consideration by Adobe's board of directors in making its determination to approve the merger agreement. The foregoing summary does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses performed by Goldman Sachs in connection with its fairness opinion and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the written opinion of Goldman Sachs attached as Annex D.

        Goldman, Sachs & Co. and its affiliates, as part of their investment banking business, are continually engaged in performing financial analyses with respect to businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and other transactions as well as for

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estate, corporate and other purposes. Goldman Sachs has acted as financial advisor to Adobe in connection with, and has participated in certain of the negotiations leading to, the merger. In addition, Goldman Sachs and its affiliates have provided certain investment banking services to Adobe and Macromedia from time to time. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates also may provide investment banking services to Adobe and Macromedia in the future. In connection with the above-described investment banking services Goldman Sachs and its affiliates have received, and may receive, compensation.

        Goldman Sachs is a full service securities firm engaged, either directly or through its affiliates, in securities trading, investment management, financial planning and benefits counseling, risk management, hedging, financing and brokerage activities for both companies and individuals. In the ordinary course of these activities, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and its affiliates may provide such services to Adobe, Macromedia and their affiliates, may actively trade the debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) of Adobe and Macromedia for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and may at any time hold long and short positions of such securities.

        Adobe's board of directors selected Goldman Sachs as its financial advisor because Goldman Sachs is an internationally recognized investment banking firm that has substantial experience in transactions similar to the merger. Pursuant to a letter agreement, Adobe engaged Goldman Sachs to act as its financial advisor in connection with a potential transaction with Macromedia. Pursuant to the terms of this engagement letter, Adobe has agreed to pay Goldman Sachs a fee of $15 million. Of this amount, a fee of $1.25 million was payable upon execution of the merger agreement and the remainder is payable upon the consummation of the merger. In the event that the merger agreement is terminated or the merger is otherwise not consummated, Adobe has also agreed to pay Goldman Sachs a portion of any "break-up" or similar fee paid to Adobe or its affiliates as a result of such termination or failure to consummate the merger equal to 15% of the amount by which such fee exceeds Adobe's expenses related to the potential transaction with Macromedia, but in no event will the total fees payable to Goldman Sachs exceed $15 million. In addition, Adobe has agreed to reimburse Goldman Sachs for its expenses, including attorneys' fees and disbursements, and to indemnify Goldman Sachs and related persons against various liabilities, including certain liabilities under the federal securities laws.

Opinion of Macromedia's Financial Advisor

        Macromedia retained Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated to provide it with financial advisory services and a fairness opinion in connection with a possible merger, sale or other business combination. Macromedia's board of directors selected Morgan Stanley to act as its financial advisor based on Morgan Stanley's qualifications, expertise and reputation and its knowledge of the business and affairs of Macromedia. At the meeting of the Macromedia board of directors on April 17, 2005, Morgan Stanley rendered its oral opinion, subsequently confirmed in writing, that as of April 17, 2005, and based upon and subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth in the opinion, the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement was fair from a financial point of view to holders of shares of Macromedia common stock.

        The full text of the written opinion of Morgan Stanley, dated as of April 17, 2005, is attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Annex E. The opinion sets forth, among other things, the assumptions made, procedures followed and matters considered in and limitations on the scope of the review undertaken by Morgan Stanley in rendering its opinion. We encourage you to read the entire opinion carefully. Morgan Stanley's opinion is directed to Macromedia's board of directors and addresses only the fairness from a financial point of view of the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement to holders of shares of Macromedia common stock as of the date of the opinion. It does not address any other aspects of the merger and does not constitute a recommendation to any holder of Macromedia common stock as to how to vote at the Macromedia special meeting. The summary of the opinion of Morgan Stanley set forth in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the opinion.

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        Please note that the references to the exchange ratio and the market price of Adobe common stock contained in the written opinion of Morgan Stanley attached to this joint proxy statement/prospectus as Annex E and the following summary of the material analyses of Morgan Stanley do not give effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        In connection with rendering its opinion, Morgan Stanley, among other things:


        In arriving at its opinion, Morgan Stanley assumed and relied upon, without independent verification, the accuracy and completeness of the information reviewed by Morgan Stanley for the purposes of its opinion. With respect to the internal financial statements, including information relating to the strategic, financial and operational benefits anticipated from the merger and assessments regarding the prospects of Adobe and Macromedia, Morgan Stanley assumed that they were reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the future financial performance of Adobe and Macromedia, respectively. In addition, Morgan Stanley assumed that the merger would be consummated in accordance with the terms set forth in the merger agreement without material modification, waiver or delay, including, among other things, that the merger would be treated as a tax-free reorganization pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Morgan Stanley also assumed that in connection with the receipt of all the necessary regulatory approvals for the proposed merger, no restrictions would be imposed or delays will result that would have a material

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adverse affect on the contemplated benefits expected to be derived in the proposed merger. Morgan Stanley is not a legal or regulatory advisor and has relied upon, without independent verification, the assessment by Macromedia and its legal and regulatory advisors with respect to such matters.

        Morgan Stanley relied upon, without independent verification, the assessment by the managements of Adobe and Macromedia of: (i) the strategic, financial and other benefits expected to result from the merger; (ii) the timing and risks associated with the integration of Adobe and Macromedia; (iii) their ability to retain key employees of Adobe and Macromedia, respectively; and (iv) the validity of, and risks associated with, Adobe's and Macromedia's existing and future intellectual property, products, services and business models. Morgan Stanley did not make any independent valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of Adobe and Macromedia, nor was Morgan Stanley furnished with any such appraisals. Morgan Stanley's opinion is necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to Morgan Stanley as of, April 17, 2005. Events occurring after such date may affect its opinion and the assumptions used in preparing it, and Morgan Stanley does not assume any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm its opinion. In arriving at its opinion, Morgan Stanley was not authorized to solicit, and did not solicit, interest from any party with respect to an acquisition, business combination or other extraordinary transaction involving Macromedia.

        The following is a brief summary of the material analyses performed by Morgan Stanley in connection with its oral opinion and the preparation of its written opinion letter dated April 17, 2005. The various analyses summarized below were based on closing prices for the common stock of Adobe and Macromedia as of April 15, 2005, the last full trading day preceding the day of the meeting of Macromedia's board of directors to consider and approve the merger with Adobe. Although each analysis was provided to the Macromedia board of directors, in connection with arriving at its opinion, Morgan Stanley considered all of its analyses as a whole and did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis described below. Some of these summaries of financial analyses include information presented in tabular format. In order to fully understand the financial analyses used by Morgan Stanley, the tables must be read together with the text of each summary. The tables alone do not constitute a complete description of the financial analyses.

        On April 17, 2005, Adobe and Macromedia entered into a merger agreement whereby each holder of Macromedia common stock would be entitled to receive 0.69 of a share of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock. The exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005. Morgan Stanley calculated that as a result of the merger, Macromedia's stockholders would own approximately 18.1% of the combined company on a fully diluted basis using the treasury stock method.

Macromedia, Inc.

        Trading Range Analysis.    Morgan Stanley performed a trading range analysis to provide background and perspective with respect to the historical share prices of Macromedia common stock. Morgan Stanley reviewed the range of closing prices of Macromedia common stock for various periods ended on April 15, 2005. Morgan Stanley observed the following:

Period Ended April 15, 2005
   Range of Closing Prices
Last 30 Trading Days   $32.40 - $36.31
Last 60 Trading Days   $29.99 - $36.89
Last 90 Trading Days   $25.99 - $36.89
Last 12 Months   $18.21 - $36.89
Last 3 Years   $5.99 - $36.89

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        Based on Adobe's common stock price per share of $60.66 as of April 15, 2005 and the exchange ratio of 0.69 pursuant to the merger agreement (Adobe's common stock price per share as of April 15, 2005 was $30.33 and the exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005), Morgan Stanley noted that the implied value per share of Macromedia common stock was $41.86.

        Indexed Price Performance.    Morgan Stanley reviewed the share price performance of Macromedia, Adobe and indices composed of average stock prices of infrastructure software category leaders and infrastructure software tools companies for the six month and twelve month periods ending April 15, 2005, and compared the performance of Macromedia, Adobe and these indices to the performance of the NASDAQ National Market during the same period. The infrastructure software category leaders index included the companies listed below, and the infrastructure software tools companies index included the companies listed below.

        Morgan Stanley noted the following:

Company/Index
   % Price Change Since
October 15, 2004
   % Price Change Since
April 15, 2004
  
Macromedia   49 % 78 %
Adobe   18 % 47 %
Infrastructure Software Category Leaders Index   (9 )% (1 )%
Infrastructure Software Tools Companies Index   (2 )% (25 )%
NASDAQ National Market   0 % (5 )%

        Comparable Company Analysis.    Morgan Stanley performed a comparable company analysis, which attempts to provide an implied value of a company by comparing it to similar companies. Morgan Stanley compared certain financial information of Macromedia with publicly available consensus estimates for other companies that shared similar business characteristics of Macromedia. The companies used in this comparison included the following infrastructure software companies:

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        For purposes of this analysis, Morgan Stanley analyzed the following statistics of each of these companies for comparison purposes:

        Based on the analysis of the relevant metrics for each of the comparable companies, Morgan Stanley selected representative ranges of financial multiples of the comparable companies and applied this range of multiples to the relevant Macromedia financial statistic. For purposes of estimated calendar year 2005 and 2006 revenues and earnings per share Morgan Stanley utilized publicly available consensus equity research estimates as of April 15, 2005. Based on Macromedia's outstanding shares and options as of April 15, 2005, Morgan Stanley estimated the implied value per Macromedia share as of April 15, 2005 as follows:

Calendar Year Financial Statistic
   Comparable Company
Multiple Range
   Implied Value
Per Share of Macromedia
Aggregate Value to Estimated 2005 Revenue   4.0x - 5.5x   $29.44 - $37.92
Aggregate Value to Estimated 2006 Revenue   3.5x - 5.0x   $29.01 - $38.52
Price to Estimated 2005 Earnings Per Share   25.0x - 35.0x   $25.44 - $35.62
Price to Estimated 2006 Earnings Per Share   22.5x - 30.0x   $27.90 - $37.20

        Morgan Stanley noted that based on Adobe's common stock price per share of $60.66 as of April 15, 2005 and the exchange ratio of 0.69 pursuant to the merger agreement (Adobe's common stock price per share as of April 15, 2005 was $30.33 and the exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005), the implied value per share of Macromedia common stock was $41.86.

        No company utilized in the comparable company analysis is identical to Macromedia. In evaluating comparable companies, Morgan Stanley made judgments and assumptions with regard to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Macromedia, such as the impact of competition on the businesses of Macromedia and the industry generally, industry growth and the absence of any adverse material change in the financial condition and prospects of Macromedia or the industry or in the financial markets in general. Mathematical analysis (such as determining the average or median) is not in itself a meaningful method of using peer group data.

        Discounted Equity Value Analysis.    Morgan Stanley performed a discounted equity value analysis, which is designed to provide insight into the future value of a company's common equity as a function of the company's future earnings and its current forward price to earnings multiple, and the resulting value is subsequently discounted to arrive at a company's present value for its stock price. In

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connection with this analysis, Morgan Stanley calculated a range of present equity values per share for Macromedia on a standalone basis. To calculate the discounted equity value, Morgan Stanley utilized the fiscal year 2007 publicly available consensus equity research earnings estimate as a "Street Case" and the fiscal year 2007 earnings estimate provided by Macromedia's management as a "Macromedia Management Tops Down Case". Morgan Stanley applied a range of price to earnings multiples to these estimates and applied a discount rate of 15% (calculated based on current predicted equity research estimates of Macromedia's cost of equity) to these ranges.

        The following table summarized Morgan Stanley's analysis:

Financial Statistic
   Forward Price to
Earnings Multiple Range
   Implied Value Per
Share for Macromedia
Street Case   25.0x - 35.0x   $28.26 - $39.57
Macromedia Management Tops Down Case   25.0x - 35.0x   $33.23 - $46.52

        Based on Adobe's common stock price per share of $60.66 as of April 15, 2005 and the exchange ratio of 0.69 pursuant to the merger agreement (Adobe's common stock price per share as of April 15, 2005 was $30.33 and the exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005), Morgan Stanley noted that the implied value per share of Macromedia common stock was $41.86.

        Securities Research Analysts' Price Targets.    Morgan Stanley reviewed and analyzed future public market trading price targets for Macromedia common stock prepared and published by equity research analysts. These targets reflect each analyst's estimate of the future public market trading price of Macromedia common stock. The range of undiscounted 12-month analyst price targets for Macromedia was $32.00 to $45.00. Based on Adobe's common stock price per share of $60.66 as of April 15, 2005 and the exchange ratio of 0.69 pursuant to the merger agreement (Adobe's common stock price per share as of April 15, 2005 was $30.33 and the exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005), Morgan Stanley noted that the implied value per share of Macromedia common stock was $41.86.

        The public market trading price targets published by the securities research analysts do not necessarily reflect current market trading prices for Macromedia common stock and these estimates are subject to uncertainties, including the future financial performance of Macromedia and future financial market conditions.

        Historical Exchange Ratio Range Analysis.    Morgan Stanley reviewed the ratios of the range of closing prices of Macromedia common stock divided by the corresponding closing prices of Adobe common stock over various periods ended on April 15, 2005. For each of the periods reviewed, Morgan Stanley observed the relevant range of low and high exchange ratios. Based on the closing price per share of $60.66 of Adobe common stock as of April 15, 2005 (the closing price per share of Adobe common stock as of April 15, 2005 was $30.33 after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of

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record as of May 2, 2005), Morgan Stanley calculated a range of implied values per share of Macromedia. The following table summarized Morgan Stanley's analysis:

Period Ended April 15, 2005
   Range of Exchange Ratios(1)
   Implied Value Per Share of Macromedia
Last 30 Trading Days   0.489 - 0.555   $29.68 - $33.68
Last 60 Trading Days   0.489 - 0.602   $29.68 - $36.50
Last 90 Trading Days   0.449 - 0.602   $27.24 - $36.50
Last 12 Months   0.385 - 0.602   $23.35 - $36.50
Last 3 Years   0.274 - 0.717   $16.61 - $43.52
(1)
Does not give effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        Exchange Ratio Premium Analysis.    Morgan Stanley reviewed the ratios of the closing prices of Macromedia common stock divided by the corresponding closing prices of Adobe common stock over various periods ended April 15, 2005 to provide background information and perspective on the average exchange ratio and its premium or discount to the exchange ratio set forth in the merger agreement during certain periods. The ratios are referred to as average exchange ratios. Morgan Stanley examined the premiums represented by the exchange ratio of 0.69 pursuant to the merger agreement (the exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005) over these period average exchange ratios, and found them to be as follows:

Period Ended April 15, 2005
   Average
Exchange Ratio(1)
   Transaction Exchange Ratio
(0.69) Premium To Average Exchange Ratio(1)
  
April 15, 2005   0.551   25 %
Last 5 Trading Days   0.548   26 %
Last 10 Trading Days   0.530   30 %
Last 20 Trading Days   0.517   33 %
Last 30 Trading Days   0.524   32 %
Last 60 Trading Days   0.543   27 %
Last 90 Trading Days   0.521   32 %
(1)
Does not give effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        Morgan Stanley noted that the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement was 0.69. The exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        Analysis of Precedent Transactions.    Morgan Stanley also performed a precedent transaction analysis, which is designed to imply a value of a company based on publicly available financial terms and premiums of selected transactions that share some characteristics with the merger. In connection with its analysis, Morgan Stanley compared publicly available statistics for twelve selected software sector transactions between January 1, 2002 and April 15, 2005 in which the target company was

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publicly traded and transaction values were greater than $1.0 billion. The following is a list of these transactions:

        For each transaction noted above Morgan Stanley noted the following financial statistics where available: (1) aggregate value to next twelve months estimated revenues; (2) price to next twelve months estimated earnings per share; (3) implied premium to price one trading day prior to announcement; (4) implied exchange ratio premium to 30 trading day average exchange ratio; (5) implied exchange ratio premium to 60 trading day average exchange ratio; and (6) implied exchange ratio premium to 90 trading day average exchange ratio. The following table summarized Morgan Stanley's analysis:

Precedent Transaction Financial Statistic
   Reference Range
   Implied Value
Per Share
   Macromedia/Adobe
Financial Statistic
Aggregate Value to Next Twelve Months Revenues   2.5x - 7.0x   $21.20 - $47.13   6.1x
Price to Next Twelve Months Earnings Per Share   30.0x - 50.0x   $31.80 - $53.00   39.5x
Premium to 1-day prior price   15% - 40%   $38.47 - $46.83   25%
Premium to 30-day average price   15% - 35%   $36.52 - $42.87   32%
Premium to 60-day average exchange ratio   15% - 45%   $37.90 - $47.79   27%
Premium to 90-day average exchange ratio   10% - 50%   $34.79 - $47.44   32%

        Based on Adobe's common stock price per share of $60.66 as of April 15, 2005 and the exchange ratio of 0.69 pursuant to the merger agreement (Adobe's common stock price per share as of April 15, 2005 was $30.33 and the exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005), Morgan Stanley noted that the implied value per share of Macromedia common stock was $41.86.

        No company or transaction utilized in the precedent transaction analysis of stock price premiums paid is identical to Macromedia or Adobe or the merger. In evaluating the precedent transactions, Morgan Stanley made judgments and assumptions with regard to general business, market and financial conditions and other matters, which are beyond the control of Adobe and Macromedia, such as the impact of competition on the business of Macromedia, Adobe or the industry generally, industry growth and the absence of any adverse material change in the financial condition of Macromedia, Adobe or the industry or in the financial markets in general, which could affect the public trading value of the companies and the aggregate value of the transactions to which they are being compared.

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        Relative Contribution Analysis.    Morgan Stanley compared Adobe and Macromedia stockholders' respective percentage ownership of the combined company to Macromedia's and Adobe's respective percentage contribution (and the implied ownership based on such contribution) to the combined company using actual calendar year 2004 and estimated calendar year 2005 and 2006 operating income and net income. For purposes of the analysis Morgan Stanley utilized publicly available consensus equity research estimates as a "Street Case" for Macromedia and estimates provided by Macromedia's management as a "Macromedia Management Tops Down Case," and compared these respective metrics to publicly available consensus equity research estimates for Adobe. Based on Macromedia's respective implied ownership and based on the closing price per share of Adobe common stock of $60.66 as of April 15, 2005 (the closing price per share of Adobe common stock as of April 15, 2005 was $30.33 after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005), Morgan Stanley calculated an implied value per share of Macromedia.

 
   Street Case
Calendar Year Financial Statistic
   Implied % Pro Forma Ownership
   Implied Value Per Macromedia Share
Operating Income          
2004A   12.1 % $ 27.14
2005E   13.0 % $ 29.06
2006E   14.4 % $ 32.57

Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
2004A   12.3 % $ 27.50
2005E   13.0 % $ 29.08
2006E   14.8 % $ 33.45
 
   Macromedia Management Tops Down Case
Calendar Year Financial Statistic
   Implied % Pro Forma Ownership
   Implied Value Per Macromedia Share
Operating Income          
2004A   12.1 % $ 27.14
2005E   12.8 % $ 28.61
2006E   16.3 % $ 37.19

Net Income
 
 
 
 
 
2004A   12.3 % $ 27.50
2005E   13.1 % $ 29.36
2006E   17.4 % $ 40.19

        Based on Adobe's common stock price per share of $60.66 as of April 15, 2005 and the exchange ratio of 0.69 pursuant to the merger agreement (Adobe's common stock price per share as of April 15, 2005 was $30.33 and the exchange ratio is now 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each share of Macromedia common stock after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005), Morgan Stanley noted that the implied value per share of Macromedia common stock was $41.86.

Adobe Systems Incorporated

        Morgan Stanley noted that Adobe had declared a two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock to be paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005 and that such split in and of itself did not affect its analyses.

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        Trading Range Analysis.    Morgan Stanley reviewed the range of closing prices of Adobe common stock for various periods ended on April 15, 2005. Morgan Stanley observed the following:

Period Ended April 15, 2005
   Range of Closing Prices(1)
Last 10 Trading Days   $60.66 - $68.39
Last 30 Trading Days   $60.66 - $68.39
Last 60 Trading Days   $55.39 - $68.39
Last 90 Trading Days   $55.39 - $68.39
Last Twelve Months   $39.70 - $68.39
(1)
Does not give effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        Morgan Stanley noted that the price per share of Adobe common stock as of April 15, 2005 was $60.66 (the price per share of Adobe common stock as of April 15, 2005 was $30.33 after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005).

        Comparable Company Analysis.    Morgan Stanley compared certain financial information of Adobe with publicly available consensus estimates for other companies that shared similar business characteristics of Adobe. The following is a list of those companies:

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        For purposes of this analysis, Morgan Stanley analyzed the following statistics of each of these companies for comparison purposes:

        Based on the analysis of the relevant metrics for each of the comparable companies, Morgan Stanley selected the representative ranges of financial multiples of the comparable companies and applied this range of multiples to the relevant Adobe financial statistic. For purposes of estimated calendar year 2005 and 2006 revenues and earnings per share Morgan Stanley utilized publicly available consensus equity research estimates as of April 15, 2005. Based on Adobe's outstanding shares and options as of April 15, 2005, Morgan Stanley estimated the implied value per Adobe share as of April 15, 2005 as follows:

Calendar Year Financial Statistic
   Comparable Company
Multiple Range
   Implied Value Per
Share for Adobe(1)
Aggregate Value to Estimated 2005 Revenue   5.0x - 8.0x   $44.38 - $65.70
Aggregate Value to Estimated 2006 Revenue   4.5x - 7.0x   $44.10 - $63.73
Price to Estimated 2005 Earnings Per Share   25.0x - 35.0x   $53.25 - $74.55
Price to Estimated 2006 Earnings Per Share   22.5x - 30.0x   $52.31 - $69.75
(1)
Does not give effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        Morgan Stanley noted that the price per share of Adobe common stock as of April 15, 2005 was $60.66 (the price per share of Adobe common stock as of April 15, 2005 was $30.33 after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005).

        No company utilized in the comparable company analysis is identical to Adobe. In evaluating the comparable companies, Morgan Stanley made judgments and assumptions with regard to industry performance, general business, economic, market and financial conditions and other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Adobe, such as the impact of competition on the businesses of Adobe and the industry generally, industry growth and the absence of any adverse material change in the financial condition and prospects of Adobe or the industry or in the financial markets in general. Mathematical analysis (such as determining the average or median) is not in itself a meaningful method of using peer group data.

        Discounted Equity Value Analysis.    Morgan Stanley calculated a range of present equity values per share for Adobe on a standalone basis. To calculate the discounted equity value, Morgan Stanley utilized the calendar year 2006 publicly available consensus equity research revenue estimate, and applied projected annual growth rates of 10% to 15%, projected operating margins of 35% to 37%, and a tax rate of 25% to derive a range of calendar year 2007 earnings estimates. Morgan Stanley applied a range of price to earnings multiples to these estimates and applied a discount rate of 12% (calculated based on current predicted equity research estimates of Adobe's cost of equity) to these ranges.

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        The following table summarizes Morgan Stanley's analysis:

Financial Statistic
   Adobe Financial Statistic
(Calendar Year 2007
Earnings Estimates)(1)
   Calendar Year 2006
Price to Earnings
Multiple Range
   Implied Value Per
Share of Adobe(1)
2007 estimated calendar year earnings per share (10% growth; 35% operating margin)   $ 2.42   25.0x - 35.0x   $48.32 - $67.65
2007 estimated calendar year earnings per share (12.5% growth; 36% operating margin)   $ 2.55   25.0x - 35.0x   $50.74 - $71.04
2007 estimated calendar year earnings per share (15% growth; 37% operating margin)   $ 2.67   25.0x - 35.0x   $53.23 - $74.52
(1)
Does not give effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        Morgan Stanley noted that the price per share of Adobe common stock as of April 15, 2005 was $60.66 (the price per share of Adobe common stock as of April 15, 2005 was $30.33 after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005).

        Securities Research Analysts' Price Targets.    Morgan Stanley reviewed and analyzed future public market trading price targets for Adobe common stock prepared and published by equity research analysts. These targets reflect each analyst's estimate of the future public market trading price of Adobe common stock. The range of undiscounted 12-month analyst price targets for Adobe was $55.00 to $80.00 (the range of undiscounted 12-month analyst price targets for Adobe was $27.50 to $40.00 after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005). Morgan Stanley noted that the price per share of Adobe common stock as of April 15, 2005 was $60.66 (the price per share of Adobe common stock as of April 15, 2005 was $30.33 after giving effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005).

        Morgan Stanley noted that the public market trading price targets published by the securities research analysts do not necessarily reflect current market trading prices for Adobe common stock and these estimates are subject to uncertainties, including the future financial performance of Adobe and future financial market conditions.

        In connection with the review of the merger by Macromedia's board of directors, Morgan Stanley performed a variety of financial and comparative analyses for purposes of rendering its opinion. The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not necessarily susceptible to a partial analysis or summary description. In arriving at its opinion, Morgan Stanley considered the results of all of its analyses as a whole and did not attribute any particular weight to any analysis or factor it considered. Morgan Stanley believes that selecting any portion of its analyses, without considering all analyses as a whole, would create an incomplete view of the process underlying its analyses and opinion. In addition, Morgan Stanley may have given various analyses and factors more or less weight than other analyses and factors, and may have deemed various assumptions more or less probable than other assumptions. As a result, the ranges of valuations resulting from any particular analysis described above should not be taken to be Morgan Stanley's view of the actual value of Macromedia or Adobe. In performing its analyses, Morgan Stanley made numerous assumptions with respect to industry performance, general business and economic conditions and other matters. Many of these assumptions

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are beyond the control of Macromedia or Adobe. Any estimates contained in Morgan Stanley's analyses are not necessarily indicative of future results or actual values, which may be significantly more or less favorable than those suggested by such estimates.

        Morgan Stanley conducted the analyses described above solely as part of its analysis of the fairness of the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement from a financial point of view to holders of shares of Macromedia common stock and in connection with the delivery of its opinion dated April 17, 2005 to Macromedia's board of directors. These analyses do not purport to be appraisals or to reflect the prices at which shares of common stock of Macromedia or Adobe might actually trade.

        The merger consideration was determined by Adobe and Macromedia through arm's length negotiations between Adobe and Macromedia and was approved by Macromedia's board of directors.

        In addition, Morgan Stanley's opinion and its presentation to Macromedia's board of directors was one of many factors taken into consideration by Macromedia's board of directors in deciding to approve the merger. Consequently, the analyses as described above should not be viewed as determinative of the opinion of Macromedia's board of directors with respect to the exchange ratio or of whether Macromedia's board of directors would have been willing to agree to a different exchange ratio.

        Macromedia's board of directors retained Morgan Stanley based upon Morgan Stanley's qualifications, experience and expertise. Morgan Stanley is an internationally recognized investment banking and advisory firm. Morgan Stanley, as part of its investment banking and financial advisory business, is continuously engaged in the valuation of businesses and securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and valuations for corporate, estate and other purposes. In the past, Morgan Stanley and its affiliates have provided financial advisory and financing services for Adobe and Macromedia and received fees for such services. In the ordinary course of Morgan Stanley's trading and brokerage activities, Morgan Stanley or its affiliates may at any time hold long or short positions, and may trade or otherwise effect transactions, for its own account or for the account of customers in the equity and other securities of Macromedia, Adobe or any other parties involved in the merger. In addition, from time to time Morgan Stanley has entered into and may enter into agreements to purchase software and services from Adobe and Macromedia in connection with Morgan Stanley business.

        Under the terms of its engagement letter, Morgan Stanley provided Macromedia financial advisory services and a financial opinion in connection with the merger. Pursuant to the terms of this engagement letter, Macromedia has agreed to pay Morgan Stanley a fee of 0.4% of Macromedia's fully diluted market value upon the consummation of the merger (based upon a five-trading day average of the market price of Adobe's common stock). Of this amount, a fee of $1.5 million was payable upon delivery of Morgan Stanley's written fairness opinion and the remainder is payable upon the consummation of the merger. Macromedia has also agreed to reimburse Morgan Stanley for other expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with its engagement. In addition, Macromedia has agreed to indemnify Morgan Stanley and any of its affiliates, their respective directors, officers, agents and employees and each person, if any, controlling Morgan Stanley or any of its affiliates against certain liabilities and expenses, including any liabilities under the federal securities laws relating to or arising out of its engagement and any related transactions.

Interests of Macromedia's Executive Officers and Directors in the Merger

        In considering the recommendation of the Macromedia board of directors with respect to adopting the merger agreement, Macromedia stockholders should be aware that certain members of the board of directors and executive officers of Macromedia have interests in the merger that are different from, or in addition to, their interests as Macromedia stockholders. These interests may create an appearance of

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a conflict of interest. The Macromedia board of directors was aware of these potential conflicts of interest during its deliberations on the merits of the merger and in making its decision in approving the merger, the merger agreement and the related transactions.

        Combined Company Board of Directors.    The merger agreement provides that Adobe will cause Robert K. Burgess to be elected or appointed to the board of directors of Adobe as of the effective time of the merger.

        Indemnification and Insurance.    The merger agreement provides that, for a period of six years after the merger, Macromedia, as the surviving corporation in the merger, will observe, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, all rights of the directors and officers of Macromedia as of April 17, 2005 to indemnification for acts and omissions as directors and officers of Macromedia occurring before the effective time of the merger, as provided in the Macromedia certificate of incorporation and bylaws (as in effect on April 17, 2005) and in indemnification agreements with Macromedia as in effect on April 17, 2005 or, subject to certain conditions, entered into prior to the consummation of the merger. In addition, the merger agreement provides that for a period of six years after the merger, the surviving corporation will maintain in effect a directors' and officers' liability insurance policy for the benefit of the persons who were directors and officers of Macromedia as of April 17, 2005 with respect to their acts or omissions as directors and officers of Macromedia prior to the effective time of the merger with coverage comparable to the coverage under Macromedia's existing policy as of April 17, 2005, provided directors' and officers' liability insurance coverage is available for Adobe's directors and officers. If the annual premiums payable for such insurance coverage exceed 200% of the annual premium paid by Macromedia in 2004 for its existing policy, the surviving corporation may reduce the amount of coverage to the amount of coverage available for a cost equal to that amount.

        Accelerated Vesting of Non-Employee Directors' Options.    Pursuant to the terms of the Macromedia 2002 Equity Incentive Plan, upon the consummation of the merger, each non-employee director of Macromedia will be entitled to accelerated vesting of all unvested options to purchase Macromedia common stock then held by such non-employee director, issued pursuant to this plan. Charles M. Boesenberg, John (Ian) Giffen, Steven Gomo, William H. Harris, Jr., Donald L. Lucas, Timothy O'Reilly and William B. Welty are members of the Macromedia board who are not employees of Macromedia. As of July 1, 2005, Mr. Boesenberg held unvested options to purchase 49,997 shares of Macromedia common stock, Mr. Giffen held unvested options to purchase 41,667 shares of Macromedia common stock, Mr. Gomo held unvested options to purchase 37,497 shares of Macromedia common stock, Mr. Harris held unvested options to purchase 1,458 shares of Macromedia common stock, Mr. Lucas held unvested options to purchase 47,292 shares of Macromedia common stock, Mr. O'Reilly held unvested options to purchase 21,665 shares of Macromedia common stock and Mr. Welty held unvested options to purchase 42,709 shares of Macromedia common stock.

        Employment Agreements.    Macromedia and Adobe have entered into the following employment agreements with executive officers of Macromedia.

        Macromedia entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Burgess on January 10, 2003. On January 19, 2005, this agreement was amended and restated in order to reflect the Macromedia board of directors' determination that Stephen Elop should become the Chief Executive Officer of Macromedia and Mr. Burgess should remain as Executive Chairman of Macromedia. Under the terms of the amended employment agreement, Mr. Burgess' annual base salary is $400,000 and his annual target bonus was $400,000 for the year ended March 31, 2005. Macromedia also agreed to purchase a $10 million term life insurance policy for Mr. Burgess, with the proceeds payable to a beneficiary designated by him, and, during his employment, to pay all premiums on such policy and to pay Mr. Burgess a gross-up for state and federal income taxes attributable to the payment of such

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premiums. In July 2005, pursuant to the agreement and at the request of Mr. Burgess, Macromedia's compensation committee of the board of directors reduced Mr. Burgess' annual base salary from $400,000 to $100,000 and cancelled his annual bonus for fiscal year 2006. Both changes are effective as of July 1, 2005.

        Mr. Burgess' amended employment agreement provides that, in the event that Mr. Burgess' employment with Macromedia is terminated

then upon the exchange of general releases by Mr. Burgess and Macromedia, Mr. Burgess will receive a lump sum payment, subject to tax withholding, equal to the greater of $1,600,000 and an amount equal to two times the sum of his annual base salary and his annual bonus at the level in effect immediately prior to his termination. Mr. Burgess' amended employment agreement provides that Macromedia will also reimburse Mr. Burgess for any expenses incurred by him and his dependents for the two-year period following his termination date, for coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1975, as amended, or COBRA, or pay for comparable coverage. Mr. Burgess' amended employment agreement provides that Macromedia will also pay the full annual premium and related tax gross-up on Mr. Burgess' life insurance policy for the contract year in which his employment with Macromedia is terminated. Mr. Burgess' amended employment agreement provides that Mr. Burgess will also be entitled to participate in any of Macromedia's plans or other employee benefit arrangements during the two-year period following termination, other than tax-qualified pension or profit-sharing plans or the employee stock purchase plan. In addition, the vesting of each of the options granted to Mr. Burgess prior to January 19, 2005 and outstanding at the time of termination will accelerate with respect to a number of shares equal to the greater of

provided that the vesting of any option granted to Mr. Burgess prior to January 19, 2005 with an exercise price less than the fair market value of a share of Macromedia common stock on January 19, 2005 will be accelerated by no less than 24 months. Options granted before January 10, 2003 will be exercisable until the end of the 180-day period following the later of the date 12 months after Mr. Burgess' termination date, or the date 24 months from the grant date of the option, or if earlier, the expiration date of the option; provided that any option granted to Mr. Burgess prior to January 10, 2003 with an exercise price less than the fair market value of a share of Macromedia common stock on January 10, 2003 will remain exercisable until the earlier of the end of the 180-day period following the date 24 months after his termination, or the expiration date of the option. Options granted after January 10, 2003 but before January 19, 2005 will be exercisable until the earlier of the end of the 180-day period following the date 24 months following Mr. Burgess' termination date, or the expiration date of the option. In addition, the vesting of any options granted to Mr. Burgess following January 19, 2005 and outstanding at the time of termination will accelerate upon such termination by no less than 24 months, and will remain exercisable until the earlier of one year following his termination date and the expiration date of such options.

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        Mr. Burgess' amended employment agreement provides that, in the event of a change of control of Macromedia, which the merger will constitute for this purpose, if

then upon the exchange of general releases by Mr. Burgess and Macromedia, he will receive a lump sum equal to the greater of $1,600,000 and an amount equal to two times the sum of his annual base salary and his annual bonus at the level in effect immediately prior to his termination or prior to the change of control, if greater. Mr. Burgess' amended employment agreement provides that he will also be reimbursed for any expenses incurred by him and his dependents for the two-year period following his termination date, for coverage under COBRA or Macromedia will pay for comparable coverage. Mr. Burgess' amended employment agreement provides that Macromedia, or Macromedia's successor in the change of control, will also pay the full annual premium and related tax gross-up on Mr. Burgess' life insurance policy for the contract year in which his employment with Macromedia is terminated. Mr. Burgess will also be entitled to participate in any of Macromedia's or Macromedia's successor's plans or other employee benefit arrangements during such two-year period, other than tax-qualified pension or profit-sharing plans or the employee stock purchase plan, or Macromedia or its successor will provide comparable plans. Mr. Burgess' amended employment agreement provides that, in addition, all of Mr. Burgess' then outstanding options will immediately become exercisable and vest in full and will remain exercisable until the earlier of two years following his termination date and the expiration date of such options. Mr. Burgess' amended employment agreement also provides that all of Mr. Burgess' then outstanding restricted stock awards will vest in full, provided that Mr. Burgess must remain employed by Macromedia or its successor for up to six months following the change of control, if requested to do so in writing, in order to be entitled to the accelerated vesting of his restricted stock awards upon Mr. Burgess' termination of his employment for good reason.

        Macromedia entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Elop in January 2005 in order to reflect the Macromedia board of directors' determination that Mr. Elop should become the Chief Executive Officer of Macromedia and Mr. Burgess should remain as Executive Chairman of Macromedia. Under the terms of the employment agreement, Mr. Elop's annual base salary is $400,000, his target bonus for the three months ending March 31, 2005 is $100,000, and his annual target bonus thereafter will be $400,000 per year if he meets the objectives established by the Macromedia board of directors. Pursuant to the terms of the employment agreement, Macromedia granted to Mr. Elop an option to purchase 400,000 shares of Macromedia common stock, or the New Option, and a restricted stock award for 100,000 shares of Macromedia common stock, both of which will become 25% vested on the one-year anniversary of the grant date and continue to vest at 2.08333% per month thereafter.

        Mr. Elop's employment agreement provides that, in the event that Mr. Elop's employment with Macromedia is terminated

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upon providing a general release to Macromedia Mr. Elop will receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of $800,000 and an amount equal to the sum of his annual base salary and his annual bonus at the level in effect immediately prior to his termination. Mr. Elop's employment agreement provides that Macromedia will also reimburse Mr. Elop for any expenses incurred by him and his dependents for the one-year period following his termination date, for coverage under COBRA or pay for comparable coverage. In addition, Mr. Elop's employment agreement provides that the vesting of any portion of the New Option that is outstanding at the time of termination will accelerate with respect to a number of shares equal to the number of shares that would otherwise become vested over the 12-month period following the date of his termination of employment and such options will be exercisable until the earlier of the one-year anniversary of the termination of his employment and the expiration date of the New Option.

        Mr. Elop's employment agreement provides that, in the event Mr. Elop's employment with Macromedia is terminated

he will be entitled to an additional payment equal to $5,000,000, which amount will be reduced by

        Mr. Elop's employment agreement provides that, in the event of a change of control of Macromedia, which the merger will constitute for this purpose, and within the 12-month period following the change of control, Mr. Elop's employment with Macromedia is terminated


upon providing a general release to Macromedia, Mr. Elop will receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of $800,000 and an amount equal to the sum of his annual base salary and his annual bonus at the level in effect immediately prior to his termination or prior to the change of control, if greater. Mr. Elop's employment agreement provides that he will also be reimbursed for any expenses incurred by him and his dependents for the one-year period following his termination date, for coverage under COBRA or Macromedia will pay for comparable coverage. In addition, Mr. Elop's employment agreement provides that the New Option and restricted stock award for 100,000 shares of Macromedia common stock granted to Mr. Elop pursuant to his employment agreement and any stock awards

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granted by Macromedia's successor will immediately become 100% vested and the stock options will remain exercisable until the earlier of one year following his termination date and the expiration date of such options, provided that Mr. Elop must remain employed by Macromedia or its successor for up to six months following the change of control, if requested to do so in writing, in order to be entitled to the accelerated vesting of his stock options and restricted stock awards upon Mr. Elop's termination of his employment for good reason. Also, Mr. Elop's employment agreement provides that in the event Mr. Elop's employment is terminated within 12 months of a change in control

he will be entitled to an additional payment equal to $5,000,000 which will be reduced by

        Adobe has entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Elop to serve as its President of Worldwide Field Operations beginning upon the consummation of the merger, the terms of which are as follows:

        Under the terms of the amended and restated contract, Mr. Elop's base salary will be $500,000 per year, and his target annual bonus will be $375,000, based on attainment of Adobe objectives. In addition, Mr. Elop will be eligible to participate in both the Adobe profit sharing plan (which can result in a payment to Mr. Elop of up to 10% of his annual base salary based on attainment of Adobe targets) and the Adobe Executive Severance Plan in the Event of a Change of Control of Adobe. Mr. Elop will also be granted an option to purchase 175,000 shares of Adobe common stock. Under the employment agreement, Adobe will reimburse Mr. Elop for his reasonable expenses in traveling between his office at corporate headquarters and his residence in Canada.

        The amended and restated contract also confirms that upon the consummation of the merger, pursuant to resolutions adopted by the Macromedia compensation committee on February 26, 1997 and April 8, 2005, stock options awarded to Mr. Elop by Macromedia before January 19, 2005 will have vesting accelerated by an 18-month period.

        In the event Mr. Elop's employment with Adobe is terminated by Adobe without cause, as a result of Mr. Elop's death or disability, or by Mr. Elop for good reason at or before the first anniversary of the day after the consummation of the merger, upon his providing a general release to Adobe, he will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of $800,000 and an amount equal to the sum of his annual base salary and his annual bonus at the level in effect immediately prior to his termination, or if greater, immediately prior to the closing. He will also be reimbursed for any expenses incurred by him and his dependents for the one-year period following his termination date, for coverage under COBRA or Macromedia will pay for comparable coverage. In addition, and provided that any termination by Mr. Elop for good reason does not occur until the date 12 months after the closing of the acquisition of Macromedia by Adobe, the New Option and shares of restricted stock

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granted to Mr. Elop by Macromedia in January 2005 will become fully vested and the New Option will remain exercisable until the earlier of the expiration date of such options and the first anniversary of his termination date. Each other option, including the Adobe option for 175,000 shares, will remain exercisable until the earlier of the expiration date of such options and the end of the period specified in the stock option agreements.

        In the event Mr. Elop's employment with Adobe is terminated by Adobe without cause, as a result of Mr. Elop's death or disability, or by Mr. Elop for good reason after the day following the one year anniversary of the consummation of the merger, upon his providing a general release to Adobe, he will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of $800,000 and an amount equal to the sum of his annual base salary and his annual bonus at the level in effect immediately prior to his termination. He will also be reimbursed for any expenses incurred by him and his dependents for the one-year period following his termination date, for coverage under COBRA or Macromedia will pay for comparable coverage. In addition, options granted to Mr. Elop by Macromedia in January 2005 will have their vesting schedules accelerated by 12 months and will remain exercisable until the earlier of the one-year anniversary of the termination date, and the expiration date specified in the stock option agreement.

        Under the agreement, good reason is defined as either: a termination by Mr. Elop, as a result of a material adverse change in his position as President of Worldwide Field Operations, an involuntary reduction in his compensation by more than 10%, a relocation of his principal place of employment by more than 50 miles or a material breach by Adobe of its indemnification obligations to Mr. Elop, or voluntary termination by Mr. Elop for any reason during the six-month period ending on the one year anniversary of the day after the consummation of the merger.

        Also, in the event Mr. Elop's employment is terminated by Mr. Elop for any reason within 12 months after the day after the closing of the acquisition of Macromedia by Adobe, by Mr. Elop for any reason after January 19, 2007, by Adobe at any time without cause, as a result of Mr. Elop's death or disability, or by Mr. Elop for good reason, he will be entitled to an additional payment equal to $5,000,000 which will be reduced by

The employment agreement also provides that Mr. Elop will sign a general release in order to receive the additional payment upon his voluntary termination other than for good reason within 12 months after the consummation of the merger.

        In the event Mr. Elop remains an employee of Adobe until at least the one-year anniversary of the consummation of the merger, he will receive a payment of $1,000,000 from Adobe within 15 days of such anniversary date. If Mr. Elop's employment is terminated by Adobe without cause during the six-month period ending on the one-year anniversary of the consummation of the merger, Mr. Elop will be entitled to a pro rated payment equal to one-sixth of the total amount for each full or partial month

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Mr. Elop remains employed by Adobe during the six-month period ending on the one-year anniversary of the consummation of the merger, to be paid within 15 days of the involuntary termination date.

        Macromedia entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Nelson in January 2005 to retain her continued services as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Macromedia. Under the terms of the employment agreement, Ms. Nelson's annual base salary is $300,000 and her annual target bonus is $150,000 based on Macromedia objectives.

        Ms. Nelson's employment agreement provides that, in the event that Ms. Nelson's employment with Macromedia is terminated

upon providing a general release to Macromedia, Ms. Nelson will receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of $450,000 and an amount equal to the sum of her annual base salary and her annual bonus at the level in effect immediately prior to her termination. Ms. Nelson's employment agreement provides that Macromedia will also reimburse Ms. Nelson for any expenses incurred by her and her dependents for the one-year period following her termination date for coverage under COBRA or Macromedia will pay for comparable coverage. In addition, Ms. Nelson's employment agreement provides that the vesting of any equity compensation awards granted to Ms. Nelson following January 19, 2005 and outstanding at the time of her termination of employment will accelerate upon such termination by 12 months, and will remain exercisable until the earlier of one year following her termination date and the expiration date of such options.

        Ms. Nelson's employment agreement provides that, in the event of a change of control of Macromedia, which the merger will constitute for this purpose, and within the 12-month period following the change of control, Ms. Nelson's employment with Macromedia is terminated

upon providing a general release to Macromedia, Ms. Nelson will receive a lump sum payment equal to the greater of $450,000 and an amount equal to the sum of her annual base salary and her annual bonus at the level in effect immediately prior to her termination or prior to the change of control, if greater. She will also be reimbursed for any expenses incurred by her and her dependents for the one-year period following her termination date for coverage under COBRA or Macromedia will pay for comparable coverage. In addition, Ms. Nelson's employment agreement provides that any equity compensation awards granted to Ms. Nelson after January 19, 2005 will immediately become 100% vested and any such stock options will remain exercisable until the earlier of one year following her termination date and the expiration date of such awards, provided that Ms. Nelson must remain employed by Macromedia or its successor for up to six months following the change of control, if requested to do so in writing, in order to be entitled to the accelerated vesting of her equity compensation awards upon Ms. Nelson's termination of her employment as a result of the occurrence

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of a material adverse change in her position, an involuntary reduction in her compensation by more than 10%, a relocation of her principal place of employment by more than 50 miles, or Macromedia's breach of its indemnification obligations.

        Mr. Hale, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Macromedia, Mr. Lynch, Executive Vice President, General Manager and Chief Software Architect of Macromedia, Mr. Mendels, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Macromedia, and Mr. Ramadan, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Mobile Devices of Macromedia have entered into offer letters with Adobe. Pursuant to the terms of the offer letters, if the merger is consummated, each will receive an annual base salary of $300,000 and will be granted options to purchase 90,000 shares of Adobe common stock. In addition, the offer letters provide that each will be eligible to participate in Adobe's profit sharing plan which can result in payments of up to 10% of his base salary, the Adobe Annual Incentive Plan under which each can receive a bonus of up to 50% of his base salary and the Adobe Executive Severance Plan in the Event of a Change of Control which will provide them with certain benefits in the event of a change of control of Adobe.

        Change of Control Arrangements.    Macromedia has entered into the following additional change of control arrangements with its executive officers, which will be triggered by the merger.

        Pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Macromedia board of directors in fiscal year 1998, if

Ms. Nelson is entitled to receive full vesting of any outstanding but unexercised options and/or other equity incentive awards granted prior to January 19, 2005, with such options and other equity incentive awards exercisable within 180 days from the date of such termination. A constructive termination is deemed to have occurred in the event of

        Pursuant to resolutions adopted by the Macromedia compensation committee on February 26, 1997 and April 8, 2005, stock options awarded to Stephen Elop, Thomas Hale, Kevin Lynch, David Mendels and Al Ramadan will have vesting accelerated by an 18-month period in the event of a change of control of Macromedia, which the merger will constitute for this purpose.

        David Bernstein, Vice President, Finance of Macromedia, has an agreement with Macromedia, which was affirmed by the Macromedia compensation committee on April 8, 2005, that provides for 12 months of accelerated vesting of his options upon a change of control of Macromedia, which the merger will constitute for this purpose. In the event that his employment is involuntarily terminated as

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a result of a change of control of Macromedia, which the merger will constitute for this purpose, Mr. Bernstein will receive an amount equal to six months of his average compensation.

        Noncompetition Agreements.    In connection with the merger, Adobe and Macromedia entered into noncompetition agreements with Messrs. Burgess, Elop, Hale, Lynch, Mendels and Ramadan. Under the terms of the noncompetition agreements, Messrs. Burgess, Elop, Hale, Lynch, Mendels and Ramadan agreed, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, not to, directly or indirectly, engage in competition with respect to Macromedia's products and services, each as further defined in the agreement, at any time within two years following the effective time of the merger, within the United States and certain other countries and territories. Messrs. Burgess, Elop, Hale, Lynch, Mendels and Ramadan further agreed, subject to certain exceptions, to not directly or indirectly, solicit, attempt to solicit, induce or attempt to induce any person or entity to terminate their employment or other relationship with Adobe or any of its affiliates.

        In addition, the non-competition agreements with Messrs. Hale, Lynch and Mendels provide that each person's applicable non-competition agreement shall not become effective unless:

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences

        The following discussion summarizes the material U.S. federal income tax considerations of the merger that are expected to apply generally to Macromedia stockholders upon an exchange of their Macromedia common stock for Adobe common stock in the merger. This summary is based upon current provisions of the Code, existing regulations under the Code and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change. Any change, which may or may not be retroactive, could alter the tax consequences to Adobe, Macromedia or the stockholders of Macromedia as described in this summary. In addition, this summary assumes the truth and satisfaction of the statements and conditions described below as the basis for the tax opinions of Cooley Godward LLP, tax counsel to Adobe, and Fenwick & West LLP, tax counsel to Macromedia. No attempt has been made to comment on all U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger that may be relevant to particular holders, including holders:

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        In addition, the following discussion does not address the tax consequences of the merger under state, local and foreign tax laws. Furthermore, the following discussion does not address any of the following:

Accordingly, holders of Macromedia common stock are advised and expected to consult their own tax advisors regarding the federal income tax consequences of the merger in light of their personal circumstances and the consequences of the merger under state, local and foreign tax laws.

        As a condition to the consummation of the merger, Cooley Godward LLP and Fenwick & West LLP must render tax opinions that the merger will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code, or a Reorganization. The tax opinions discussed in this section are conditioned upon certain assumptions stated in the tax opinions and the tax representations made by Macromedia and Adobe.

        No ruling from the Internal Revenue Service has been or will be requested in connection with the merger. In addition, stockholders of Macromedia should be aware that the tax opinions discussed in this section are not binding on the IRS, the IRS could adopt a contrary position and a contrary position could be sustained by a court.

        Subject to the assumptions and limitations discussed above, it is the opinion of Cooley Godward LLP and Fenwick & West LLP that the merger will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a Reorganization. Accordingly, if the merger is treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a Reorganization,

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        Macromedia stockholders are required to attach a statement to their tax returns for the year in which the merger is consummated that contains the information listed in Treasury Regulation Section 1.368-3(b). Such statement must include the stockholder's tax basis in the stockholder's Macromedia common stock and a description of the Adobe common stock received.

        The preceding discussion is intended only as a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the merger and does not purport to be a complete analysis or discussion of all of the merger's potential tax effects. Macromedia stockholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the specific tax consequences to them of the merger, including tax return reporting requirements, and the applicability and effect of federal, state, local and other applicable tax laws.

Anticipated Accounting Treatment

        The merger is expected to be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations. Under the purchase method of accounting, the total estimated purchase price is allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets of Macromedia acquired in connection with the merger, based on their estimated fair values. These allocations will be based upon a valuation that has not yet been finalized.

Appraisal Rights

        Under Delaware corporate law, holders of Macromedia common stock are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the merger because both Adobe common stock and Macromedia common stock are listed on the NASDAQ National Market. Under Delaware corporate law, holders of Adobe common stock are not entitled to appraisal rights in connection with the merger.

Legal Proceedings Related to the Merger

        On June 13, 2005, a shareholder derivative action entitled Steve Staehr, Derivatively on Behalf of Adobe Systems Incorporated v. Bruce R. Chizen, et. al., was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Santa Clara against Adobe's directors and naming Adobe as a nominal defendant. The complaint alleges that the defendants breached their fiduciary duties of loyalty and due care and caused Adobe to waste corporate assets by failing to renegotiate or terminate the merger agreement following the announcement by Macromedia that it would restate its financial results for the fiscal years ended March 31, 1999 through 2004 and by failing to conduct sufficient due diligence prior to entering into the merger agreement. The complaint seeks, among other things, unspecified monetary damages, attorneys fees and certain forms of equitable relief, including preliminarily and permanently enjoining the consummation of the merger. Adobe has obligations under certain circumstances to hold harmless and indemnify each of the defendant directors against judgments, fines, settlements and expenses related to claims and otherwise to the fullest extent permitted under Delaware law and Adobe's bylaws and certificate of incorporation. Such obligations may apply to the lawsuit. Adobe's management believes that the allegations are without merit and intends to vigorously contest the action. However, there can be no assurance that the defendants will be successful in their defense.

Regulatory Approvals

        To consummate the merger, Adobe and Macromedia must make filings with and obtain approvals or clearances from antitrust regulatory authorities. Transactions such as the merger are subject to review by the U.S. Department of Justice, or DOJ, and the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, in the

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United States, certain governmental entities in the European Union and other countries to determine whether they comply with applicable antitrust laws. Under the provisions of the HSR Act, the merger may not be consummated until the specified waiting period requirements of the HSR Act have been satisfied. Adobe and Macromedia filed notification reports, together with requests for early termination of the waiting period, with the DOJ and the FTC under the HSR Act on May 6, 2005. Adobe voluntarily withdrew its original notification report on June 6, 2005 and refiled on June 8, 2005. The refiling was a procedural step to provide the staff at the Antitrust Division of the DOJ with additional time to review the information submitted by Adobe and Macromedia. On July 8, 2005, Adobe and Macromedia each received a government request for additional information and documentary material, or a second request. Both of the second requests were limited to information about the companies' products in the areas of web authoring/design and vector graphics illustration. The second requests will extend the waiting period imposed by the HSR Act until 30 days after Adobe and Macromedia have substantially complied with the requests. In the United States, Adobe must also comply with applicable federal and state securities laws and the rules and regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. in connection with the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger and the filing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus with the SEC.

Restrictions on Resales

        The shares of Adobe common stock to be received by Macromedia stockholders in the merger will be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and, except as described in this section, may be freely traded without restriction. Adobe's registration statement on Form S-4, of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus forms a part, does not cover the resale of shares of Adobe common stock to be received in connection with the merger by persons who are deemed to be "affiliates" of Macromedia on the date of the Macromedia special meeting of stockholders. The shares of Adobe common stock to be issued in the merger and received by persons who are deemed to be "affiliates" of Macromedia on the date of the Macromedia special meeting of stockholders may be resold by them only in transactions permitted by the resale provisions of Rule 145 under the Securities Act of 1933 or as otherwise permitted under the Securities Act of 1933. Persons who are deemed to be "affiliates" of Macromedia prior to the merger include individuals or entities that control, are controlled by, or are under common control with Macromedia on the date of the Macromedia special meeting, and may include officers and directors, as well as principal stockholders, of Macromedia on the date of the Macromedia special meeting. Affiliates of Macromedia will be notified separately of their affiliate status.

        The merger agreement provides that Macromedia will use commercially reasonable efforts to help Adobe obtain a signed affiliate agreement from each person who is, becomes or may be deemed to be an "affiliate" of Macromedia. The merger agreement provides that Adobe will not issue shares of Adobe common stock to any "affiliate" of Macromedia who has not provided Adobe with a signed affiliate agreement. The affiliate agreements provide, among other things, that these persons will not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of their shares of Adobe common stock received in the merger at any time in violation of the Securities Act of 1933 or the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, including Rule 145.

        Other than as described above in the section entitled "Interests of Macromedia's Executive Officers and Directors in the Merger," if any shares of Macromedia common stock outstanding immediately before the consummation of the merger are unvested or are subject to a repurchase option, risk of forfeiture or other condition (including restrictions on transfer) under any restricted stock purchase agreement or other contract, then the shares of Adobe common stock issued in exchange for such shares will also be unvested and subject to the same repurchase option, risk of forfeiture or other condition.

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THE MERGER AGREEMENT

        The following description describes the material terms of the merger agreement. This description of the merger agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the merger agreement which is attached as Annex A to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The merger agreement has been included to provide you with information regarding its terms. We encourage you to read the entire merger agreement. The merger agreement is not intended to provide any other factual information about us. Such information can be found elsewhere in this joint proxy statement/prospectus and in the other public filings each of Adobe and Macromedia makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available without charge at www.sec.gov.

        Unless specifically stated otherwise, the following information and all other information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including that regarding the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement, gives effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

The Merger

        The merger agreement provides that at the effective time, Avner Acquisition Sub, or Merger Sub, a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe, will be merged with and into Macromedia. Upon the consummation of the merger, Macromedia will continue as the surviving corporation and will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe.

Effective Time of the Merger

        The merger agreement requires the parties to consummate the merger after all of the conditions to the consummation of the merger contained in the merger agreement are satisfied or waived, including the adoption of the merger agreement by the stockholders of Macromedia and the approval of the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger by the stockholders of Adobe. The merger will become effective upon the filing of a certificate of merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or at such later time as is agreed by Adobe and Macromedia and specified in the certificate of merger. Because the consummation of the merger is subject to the receipt of governmental and regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other conditions, we cannot predict the exact timing of the consummation of the merger.

Manner and Basis of Converting Shares

        At the effective time, each share of Macromedia common stock will automatically be converted into the right to receive 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock. This number is referred to in this joint proxy/prospectus as the exchange ratio and is subject to future adjustment for stock splits, recapitalizations, reclassifications or other similar changes occurring prior to the consummation of the merger (other than the Adobe stock split referenced above).

        No fractional shares of Adobe common stock will be issued in the merger. Instead, each Macromedia stockholder otherwise entitled to a fraction of a share of Adobe common stock (after aggregating all fractional shares of Adobe common stock issuable to such stockholder) will be entitled to receive in cash the dollar amount (rounded to the nearest whole cent), without interest, determined by multiplying such fraction by the closing price of a share of Adobe common stock on the NASDAQ National Market on the date the merger becomes effective.

        The merger agreement provides that, prior to the effective time of the merger, Adobe will select a bank or trust company to act as the exchange agent under the merger agreement. The merger agreement provides that promptly after the effective time of the merger, Adobe will deposit with the exchange agent stock certificates representing the shares of Adobe common stock issuable in exchange

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for shares of Macromedia common stock and a sufficient amount of cash to make payments in lieu of fractional shares.

        The merger agreement contemplates that, as promptly as practicable following the effective time of the merger, the exchange agent for the merger will mail to each record holder of Macromedia common stock immediately prior to the effective time of the merger a letter of transmittal and instructions for surrendering and exchanging the record holder's Macromedia stock certificates. The merger agreement provides that, upon surrender of a Macromedia common stock certificate for exchange to the exchange agent, together with a duly signed letter of transmittal, and such other documents as the exchange agent or Adobe may reasonably require, the holder of the Macromedia stock certificate will be entitled to receive the following:

The stock certificate so surrendered will be cancelled.

        After the effective time of the merger, all holders of certificates representing shares of Macromedia common stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will cease to have any rights as stockholders of Macromedia. In addition, no transfer of Macromedia common stock after the effective time of the merger will be registered on the stock transfer books of Macromedia.

        If any Macromedia stock certificate has been lost, stolen or destroyed, Adobe may in its reasonable discretion, and as a condition to the issuance of any certificate representing Adobe common stock in exchange therefor, require the owner of such certificate to deliver an affidavit claiming such certificate has been lost, stolen or destroyed and post a bond in such amount as Adobe may reasonably direct as indemnity against any claim that may be made with respect to that certificate against Adobe, the surviving corporation or the exchange agent.

        From and after the effective time of the merger, until it is surrendered and exchanged, each certificate that previously evidenced Macromedia common stock will be deemed to represent only the right to receive shares of Adobe common stock and cash in lieu of any fractional share of Adobe common stock. Adobe will not pay dividends or other distributions on any shares of Adobe common stock to be issued in exchange for any unsurrendered Macromedia common stock certificate until the Macromedia common stock certificate is surrendered as provided in the merger agreement.

        Stock certificates should not be surrendered for exchange by Macromedia stockholders before the effective time of the merger and should be sent only pursuant to instructions set forth in the letters of transmittal which the merger agreement provides will be mailed to Macromedia stockholders as promptly as practicable following the effective time of the merger. In all cases, the certificates representing shares of Adobe common stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares will be delivered only in accordance with the procedures set forth in the letter of transmittal.

        The merger agreement contemplates that, upon demand by Adobe, the exchange agent will deliver to Adobe any certificates representing Adobe common stock and any funds which have not been disbursed to holders of Macromedia stock certificates as of 180 days after the effective time of the merger. Any holders of Macromedia stock certificates who have not surrendered such certificates in compliance with the above-described procedures may thereafter look only to Adobe for certificates representing shares of Adobe common stock, cash in lieu of fractional shares and any dividends or distributions with respect to such Adobe common stock.

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Representations and Warranties

        The merger agreement contains customary representations and warranties that Adobe and Macromedia made to, and solely for the benefit of, each other. The representations and warranties in the merger agreement expire at the effective time of the merger. The assertions embodied in those representations and warranties are qualified by information in confidential disclosure schedules that Adobe and Macromedia have exchanged in connection with signing the merger agreement. While Adobe and Macromedia do not believe that these disclosure schedules contain information securities laws require the parties to publicly disclose other than information that has already been so disclosed, they do contain information that modifies, qualifies and creates exceptions to the representations and warranties set forth in the merger agreement. Accordingly, you should not rely on the representations and warranties as characterizations of the actual state of facts, since they were only made as of the date of the merger agreement and are modified in important part by the underlying disclosure schedules. These disclosure schedules contain information that has been included in the companies' general prior public disclosures, as well as additional non-public information. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations and warranties may have changed since the date of the merger agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in the companies' public disclosures.

Covenants; Conduct of Business Prior to the Merger

        Affirmative Covenants of Macromedia.    Macromedia has agreed that before the effective time of the merger, it will, and in certain cases, it will cause its subsidiaries to:

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        Negative Covenants of Macromedia.    Macromedia has agreed that before the effective time of the merger, except as otherwise consented to in writing by Adobe, which consent in some cases may not be unreasonably withheld, or as previously disclosed to Adobe pursuant to the merger agreement, it will not, will not agree to, and will not permit any of its subsidiaries to:

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        Affirmative Covenants of Adobe.    Adobe has agreed that before the effective time of the merger, it will:

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        Negative Covenants of Adobe.    Adobe has agreed that before the effective time of the merger, it will not, except as consented to by Macromedia:

        Affirmative Covenants of Adobe and Macromedia.    Both Adobe and Macromedia have agreed that:

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Macromedia Stock Options

        The merger agreement provides that, at the effective time of the merger, each Macromedia stock option that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, whether or not vested, will be converted into an option to purchase Adobe common stock and Adobe will either assume such stock option or will replace such stock option by issuing a materially equivalent replacement stock option to purchase Adobe common stock in accordance with the terms of the applicable Macromedia stock option plan and terms of the stock option agreement relating to that Macromedia stock option. However, Adobe has the right, subject to certain conditions, to not assume or replace stock options to purchase up to 28,251 shares of Macromedia common stock issued pursuant to certain Macromedia stock option plans under which all outstanding options have already vested in full. In the event Adobe chooses not to assume or replace such stock options, the terms of the relevant stock option plans provide that they will terminate at the effective time of the merger if not exercised prior thereto. The number of shares of Adobe common stock subject to each assumed or replaced Macromedia stock option will be determined by multiplying the number of shares of Macromedia common stock subject to the stock option immediately prior to the effective time of the merger by the exchange ratio (rounding down to the nearest whole number of shares of Adobe common stock). The per share exercise price for shares of Adobe common stock under each assumed or replaced Macromedia stock option will be determined by dividing the exercise price for the Macromedia common stock subject to the stock option immediately prior to the effective time of the merger by the exchange ratio and rounding up to the nearest whole cent. After adjusting the assumed or replaced stock options to reflect the application of the exchange ratio, all other terms of the assumed or replaced stock options, including the term, exercisability and vesting schedule, will remain unchanged, except that Adobe's board of directors or a committee thereof will succeed to the authority and responsibility of Macromedia's board of directors or a committee thereof with respect to such stock options. Some holders of stock options to purchase Macromedia common stock will be entitled to full or partial acceleration of vesting of their outstanding Macromedia stock options upon the consummation of the merger. For more information as it relates to Macromedia's directors and executive officers, please see "The Merger—Interests of Macromedia's Executive Officers and Directors in the Merger."

        Adobe has agreed to file a registration statement on Form S-8 within 15 days after the effective time of the merger for the shares of Adobe common stock issuable upon exercise of the assumed or replaced stock options. Adobe has agreed to use its commercially reasonable efforts to maintain the effectiveness of this registration statement so long as any assumed or replaced stock options remain outstanding.

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Macromedia Employee Stock Purchase Plan

        The merger agreement provides that Macromedia will terminate its 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan immediately prior to the effective time of the merger. The merger agreement provides that, upon Adobe's request, prior to the effective time of the merger, Macromedia will take all actions reasonably necessary to:

        The merger agreement provides that, on the last business day before the effective date of the merger, Macromedia will apply the funds credited as of such date under the 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan within each participant's payroll withholding account to the purchase of whole shares of Macromedia common stock in accordance with the terms of the 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The termination of the 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the shortening of the offering period described above are conditioned upon the consummation of the merger.

Employee Benefits Matters

        The merger agreement provides that, subject to any necessary transition period and subject to any applicable plan provisions, contractual requirements or legal requirements, employees of Macromedia (or its subsidiaries) who continue employment with Adobe (or its subsidiaries) after the effective time of the merger, who are sometimes referred to as continuing Macromedia employees, will be eligible to participate in:

        The merger agreement provides that continuing Macromedia employees will (to the extent permitted by applicable legal requirements) receive credit for their continuous service with Macromedia (or its subsidiaries), as recognized by Macromedia, prior to the effective time of the merger, under Adobe's employee benefit plans (except for purposes of Adobe's sabbatical program and vesting of any Adobe stock options granted by Adobe after the consummation of the merger). In addition, the merger agreement provides that Adobe will waive eligibility requirements and/or pre-existing condition limitations (to the extent required by law) under its welfare benefits plans maintained for the benefit of continuing Macromedia employees located in the U.S. and will give effect to amounts previously paid by continuing Macromedia employees during the plan year in which the merger is consummated in

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determining any deductible maximum out-of-pocket limitations under such welfare benefit plans (subject in each case to any applicable plan provisions, contractual requirements or legal requirements).

        In addition, the merger agreement provides that, in the event that the commencement of the next regularly scheduled offering period under Adobe's employee stock purchase plan begins more than 90 days after the consummation of the merger, Adobe will establish a special offering period under its employee stock purchase plan for continuing Macromedia employees, which will begin as soon as administratively practicable following the consummation of the merger and which will end on the date immediately prior to the date of commencement of the next regularly scheduled offering period under the Adobe employee stock purchase plan.

        Nothing provided for in the merger agreement creates a right in any Macromedia employee to employment with Adobe, the surviving corporation or any other subsidiary of Adobe. In addition, no Macromedia employee or employee who continues employment with Adobe will be deemed to be a third party beneficiary of the merger agreement, except for officers and directors of Macromedia to the extent of their respective rights with respect to the maintenance of indemnification rights and directors' and officers' liability insurance coverage. Please see "The Merger Agreement—Indemnification and Insurance."

Indemnification and Insurance

        The merger agreement provides that, for a period of six years after the merger, the surviving corporation will observe, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, all rights of the directors and officers of Macromedia as of April 17, 2005 to indemnification for acts and omissions as directors and officers of Macromedia occurring before the effective time of the merger, as provided in the Macromedia certificate of incorporation and bylaws (as in effect on April 17, 2005) and in indemnification agreements with Macromedia as in effect on April 17, 2005 or, subject to certain conditions, entered into prior to the consummation of the merger. In addition, the merger agreement provides that for a period of six years after the merger, the surviving corporation will maintain in effect a directors' and officers' liability insurance policy for the benefit of the persons who were the directors and officers of Macromedia as of April 17, 2005 with respect to their acts or omissions as directors and officers of Macromedia prior to the effective time of the merger with coverage comparable to the coverage under Macromedia's existing policy as of April 17, 2005, provided directors' and officers' liability insurance coverage is available for Adobe's directors and officers. If the annual premiums payable for such insurance coverage exceed 200% of the annual premium paid by Macromedia in 2004 for its existing policy, the surviving corporation may reduce the amount of coverage to the amount of coverage available for a cost equal to that amount.

Obligations of the Adobe Board of Directors and Macromedia Board of Directors with Respect to Their Recommendations and Holding Meetings of Stockholders

        Both Macromedia and Adobe have agreed to take all action necessary to call, give notice of and, as promptly as practicable after the registration statement on Form S-4 of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part is deemed effective under the Securities Act of 1933, hold meetings of their respective stockholders, in the case of Macromedia, for the adoption of the merger agreement, and, in the case of Adobe, for the approval of the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger.

        Both Macromedia and Adobe have agreed to include a statement in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to the effect that, in the case of Macromedia, the board of directors of Macromedia recommends that Macromedia's stockholders adopt the merger agreement at the Macromedia special meeting, and, in the case of Adobe, the board of directors of Adobe recommends that Adobe's stockholders approve the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger at the Adobe

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special meeting. The merger agreement provides that neither the board of directors of Macromedia nor the board of directors of Adobe may withdraw its recommendation or modify its recommendation in a manner adverse to the other company except in certain circumstances. However, this provision does not preclude Macromedia or Adobe from making accurate and complete public disclosure of any material facts, including, in the case of Macromedia, a competing acquisition proposal, if the board of directors of that company determines in good faith, after taking into account the advice of its outside legal counsel, that such disclosure is required by fiduciary duties of that company's board of directors or by any legal requirement, and that company has given the other company reasonable advance notice of such disclosure. Moreover, the provision prohibiting the withdrawal or adverse modification of the recommendation of the Macromedia board of directors does not preclude Macromedia from complying with Rules 14d-9 and 14e-2 and Item 1012(a) of Regulation M-A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with regard to any acquisition proposal that Macromedia may receive.

        The merger agreement provides that Macromedia's board of directors is entitled to withdraw or modify its recommendation that Macromedia's stockholders vote to adopt the merger agreement if certain requirements, including the following, are met:

        The merger agreement provides that Adobe's board of directors is entitled to withdraw or modify its recommendation that Adobe's stockholders vote to approve the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger if certain requirements, including the following, are met:

        The merger agreement provides that, if either company withdraws or modifies the recommendation of its board of directors, in the case of Macromedia, that Macromedia stockholders vote for the adoption of the merger agreement, and, in the case of Adobe, that Adobe stockholders vote for the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger and the merger agreement is subsequently terminated, that company may be required to pay a fee of $103.2 million to the other company. See "Expenses and Termination Fees."

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        Both Macromedia and Adobe have agreed to submit the adoption of the merger agreement, in the case of Macromedia, and the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger, in the case of Adobe, to their stockholders, regardless of any withdrawal or modification of the respective recommendation by the board of directors of Macromedia or Adobe.

Limitation on the Solicitation, Negotiation and Discussion by Macromedia of Other Acquisition Proposals

        The merger agreement contains detailed provisions prohibiting Macromedia from seeking or entering into an alternative transaction to the merger. Under these "no solicitation" and related provisions, subject to specific exceptions described below, Macromedia has agreed that, prior to the earlier of consummation of the merger or the termination of the merger agreement, it will not, directly or indirectly (and that it will (i) ensure that its subsidiaries do not and (ii) use its commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that its directors, officers, other employees, agents, attorneys, accountants, advisors and representatives do not, directly or indirectly):

        Under the merger agreement, an "acquisition inquiry" is an inquiry, indication of interest or request for nonpublic information (other than those made or submitted by Adobe) that would reasonably be expected to lead to an acquisition proposal, and an "acquisition proposal" is any offer, inquiry or proposal with respect to Macromedia (other than those made or submitted by Adobe) relating to any acquisition transaction.

        Under the merger agreement, subject to limited exceptions, an "acquisition transaction" is any transaction or series of related transactions (other than the one contemplated by the merger agreement or as previously disclosed to Adobe pursuant to the merger agreement) involving:

        Under the merger agreement, a "material subsidiary" of Macromedia is any subsidiary that accounts for 15% or more of the consolidated net revenues, consolidated net income or consolidated assets of Macromedia and its subsidiaries.

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        Under the merger agreement, Macromedia agreed to cease any existing discussions with any third party that relate to any acquisition proposal or acquisition inquiry.

        Macromedia has agreed to notify Adobe, within 48 hours after receipt of any acquisition proposal or acquisition inquiry, of the identity of the person making the acquisition proposal or acquisition inquiry and the terms thereof. The merger agreement provides that Macromedia must keep Adobe informed of the status of the acquisition proposal or acquisition inquiry and the status and terms of any modifications or proposed modifications thereto.

        Macromedia has also agreed not to release or waive any provision of any confidentiality, non-solicitation, no-hire, standstill or similar contract under which Macromedia or any of its subsidiaries has any rights and to use commercially reasonable efforts to enforce such contracts at the request of Adobe.

        The merger agreement provides that, if, prior to the Macromedia special meeting, Macromedia receives from any person an acquisition proposal that constitutes, or could reasonably be expected to result in the submission by such person of, a superior offer (as described below), then Macromedia may furnish nonpublic information to, and engage in discussions and negotiations with, the person making the acquisition proposal, as long as:

        For purposes of the merger agreement, the term "superior offer" means an unsolicited bona fide written offer by an unaffiliated third party to acquire all or substantially all of the assets of Macromedia and its subsidiaries, or more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of Macromedia and as a result of which the stockholders of Macromedia immediately preceding such transaction would cease to hold at least 50% of the equity interests in the surviving or resulting company or any direct or indirect parent thereof, in exchange for consideration consisting exclusively of cash or publicly traded equity securities or a combination thereof, so long as:

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Material Adverse Effect

        Several of the representations, warranties, covenants, closing conditions and termination provisions of Adobe and Macromedia in the merger agreement use the phrase "material adverse effect." The merger agreement provides that "material adverse effect" means, with respect to either Adobe or Macromedia, as the case may be, any effect, change, event or circumstance that, considered together with other effects, changes, events and circumstances, has a material adverse effect on:

        The merger agreement provides, however, that none of the following will be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has occurred, a material adverse effect on the particular subject company:

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Conditions to the Merger

        Conditions to the Obligations of Adobe.    The merger agreement provides that the obligations of Adobe to consummate the merger are subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

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        Conditions to the Obligations of Macromedia.    The obligation of Macromedia to consummate the merger is subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions:

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Termination of the Merger Agreement

        The merger agreement provides that, at any time prior to the consummation of the merger, either before or after the requisite approvals of the stockholders of Adobe or Macromedia have been obtained, Adobe and Macromedia can terminate the merger agreement by mutual written consent, if such action is duly authorized by their respective boards of directors.

        The merger agreement also provides that, at any time prior to the consummation of the merger, either before or after the requisite approvals of the stockholders of Adobe or Macromedia have been obtained, either company can terminate the merger agreement:

101

        The merger agreement provides that Adobe may terminate the merger agreement if:

102

        The merger agreement provides that Macromedia may terminate the merger agreement if:

103

Expenses and Termination Fees

        The merger agreement provides that, subject to limited exceptions, all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the merger agreement and the merger will be paid by the party incurring such expenses; provided, however, that Adobe and Macromedia will share equally all fees and expenses, other than attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with (1) the filing, printing and mailing of the registration statement on Form S-4 and this joint proxy statement/prospectus, and (2) the filing by the parties of the premerger notification and report forms relating to the merger under the HSR Act.

        The merger agreement provides that Macromedia will pay Adobe a termination fee of $103.2 million if any of the following events occurs:

104

        Under the merger agreement, a "specified acquisition transaction" has the same meaning as an "acquisition transaction" except all references to "15%" shall refer to "40%" instead.

        The merger agreement provides that Adobe will pay Macromedia a termination fee of $103.2 million if, prior to the approval of the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger by the Adobe stockholders, any of the following events occurs:

105


VOTING AGREEMENTS

        The following description of the voting agreements describes the material terms of the voting agreements. This description of the voting agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to the forms of voting agreements which are attached as Annex B and Annex C to this joint proxy statement/prospectus and are incorporated herein by reference. We encourage you to read the entire forms of voting agreements.

Voting Agreements Relating to Macromedia Shares

        Robert K. Burgess, Stephen A. Elop and Elizabeth A. Nelson, each an executive officer and director of Macromedia, have each entered into a voting agreement with Adobe dated April 17, 2005. In the voting agreements, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Elop and Ms. Nelson each agreed to vote all shares of Macromedia common stock owned by them as of the record date as follows:

        In addition, they each granted Adobe an irrevocable proxy to vote their shares of Macromedia common stock in the same manner. They have also agreed that, before the Macromedia special meeting of stockholders, they will not transfer, assign, convey or dispose of any shares of Macromedia common stock, any options to purchase shares of Macromedia common stock or any other Macromedia securities owned by them except in certain circumstances, and only if each person to whom any securities are transferred agrees to comply with all of the terms and provisions of the voting agreement. Approximately 308,194 shares in the aggregate, or less than 0.4% of the Macromedia common stock outstanding on the record date, are subject to voting agreements and irrevocable proxies.

Voting Agreements Relating to Adobe Shares

        Bruce R. Chizen, an executive officer and director of Adobe, and Murray J. Demo and Shantanu Narayen, each an executive officer of Adobe, have each entered into a voting agreement with Macromedia dated April 17, 2005. In the voting agreements, Messrs. Chizen, Demo and Narayen each agreed to vote all shares of Adobe common stock owned by them as of the record date in favor of the approval of the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger. They each granted

106


Macromedia an irrevocable proxy to vote their shares of Adobe common stock in the same manner. They have also agreed that, before the Adobe special meeting of stockholders, they will not transfer, assign, convey or dispose of any shares of Adobe common stock, any options to purchase shares of Adobe common stock or any other Adobe securities, owned by them except in certain circumstances, and only if each person to whom any securities are transferred agrees to comply with all of the terms and provisions of the voting agreement. Approximately 403,746 shares in the aggregate, or approximately 0.1% of the Adobe common stock outstanding on the record date, are subject to voting agreements and irrevocable proxies.

107


MANAGEMENT AND OTHER INFORMATION

        After the merger, Macromedia will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe, and all of Macromedia's subsidiaries will be indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Adobe. It is anticipated that, following the merger, the Adobe board of directors will consist of Robert K. Burgess, Michael R. Cannon, Bruce R. Chizen, James E. Daly, Charles M. Geschke, Carol Mills, Colleen M. Pouliot, Robert Sedgewick, John E. Warnock and Delbert W. Yocam. The merger agreement provides that Adobe must cause, as of the effective time, Robert K. Burgess to be elected or appointed as a director of Adobe. In addition, it is anticipated that Stephen A. Elop will become an executive officer of Adobe after the merger. Information relating to the management, executive compensation, certain relationships and related transactions and other related matters pertaining to Adobe and Macromedia is contained in or incorporated by reference in their respective annual reports on Form 10-K which are incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. See "Where You Can Find More Information."

THE ADOBE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT ADOBE'S
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL NO. 1 TO APPROVE THE ISSUANCE OF SHARES
OF ADOBE COMMON STOCK IN THE MERGER.

THE MACROMEDIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT
MACROMEDIA'S STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL NO. 1 TO ADOPT
THE MERGER AGREEMENT.

108


ADOBE PROPOSAL NO. 2

POSSIBLE ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING

        If Adobe fails to receive a sufficient number of votes to approve Proposal No. 1, Adobe may propose to adjourn the special meeting, if a quorum is present, for a period of not more than 30 days for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies to approve Proposal No. 1. Adobe currently does not intend to propose adjournment at the special meeting if there are sufficient votes to approve Proposal No. 1. If approval of the proposal to adjourn the Adobe special meeting for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies is submitted to stockholders for approval at the Adobe special meeting, such approval requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Adobe special meeting.

THE ADOBE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT ADOBE'S
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL NO. 2 TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING, IF
NECESSARY, IF A QUORUM IS PRESENT, TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES IF THERE ARE
NOT SUFFICIENT VOTES IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL NO. 1.

109


MACROMEDIA PROPOSAL NO. 2

POSSIBLE ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING

        If Macromedia fails to receive a sufficient number of votes to approve Proposal No. 1, Macromedia may propose to adjourn the special meeting, if a quorum is present, for a period of not more than 30 days for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies to approve Proposal No. 1. Macromedia currently does not intend to propose adjournment at the special meeting if there are sufficient votes to approve Proposal No. 1. If approval of the proposal to adjourn the Macromedia special meeting for the purpose of soliciting additional proxies is submitted to stockholders for approval at the Macromedia special meeting, such approval requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast in person or by proxy at the Macromedia special meeting.

THE MACROMEDIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT
MACROMEDIA'S STOCKHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL NO. 2 TO ADJOURN THE
SPECIAL MEETING, IF NECESSARY, IF A QUORUM IS PRESENT, TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL
PROXIES IF THERE ARE NOT SUFFICIENT VOTES IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL NO. 1.

110


SECURITY OWNERSHIP BY CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

        The following information gives effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

Beneficial Ownership of Adobe Shares

        The following table and the notes thereto present information with respect to the beneficial ownership of shares of Adobe common stock, as of July 1, 2005 (except as noted in the footnotes), by each director and executive officer of Adobe and by each person or group who is known to the management of Adobe to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the Adobe common stock outstanding as of July 1, 2005. This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal stockholders and Schedules 13D and 13G filed with the SEC. Where information regarding stockholders is based on Schedules 13D and 13G, the number of shares owned is as of the date for which information was provided in such schedules. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to community property laws where applicable and the voting agreements entered into by a director and certain executive officers of Adobe with Macromedia, Adobe believes that each of the persons named in this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned. Applicable percentages are based on 491,589,871 shares outstanding on July 1, 2005, adjusted as required by rules promulgated by the SEC. Shares of Adobe common stock subject to options that are currently exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days after July 1, 2005 are treated as outstanding and beneficially owned by the person holding them for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated below, the address for each person and entity named in the table is: c/o Adobe Systems Incorporated, 345 Park Avenue, San Jose, California 95110.

Beneficial Owner
   Number of Shares
   Percent of Totals
  
Barclays Global Investors, N.A(1)
45 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105		   50,076,676   10.2 %

PRIMECAP Management Company(2)
225 South Lake Ave. #400
Pasadena, CA 91101
 
43,779,854
 
8.9
 

Putnam, LLC(3)
One Post Office Square
Boston, MA 02110
 
27,858,162
 
5.7
 

Bruce R. Chizen(4)
 
4,085,447
 
*
 

Murray J. Demo(5)
 
1,663,588
 
*
 

James J. Heeger(6)
 
38,054
 
*
 

Shantanu Narayen(7)
 
1,765,754
 
*
 

Jim Stephens(8)
 
442,041
 
*
 

Michael R. Cannon(9)
 
50,000
 
*
 

James E. Daley(10)
 
90,500
 
*
 

Charles M. Geschke(11)
 
852,564
 
*
 

Carol Mills(12)
 
156,500
 
*
 
           

111


Colleen M. Pouliot(13)
 
102,500
 
*
 

Robert Sedgewick(14)
 
341,700
 
*
 

John E. Warnock(15)
 
2,112,676
 
*
 

Delbert W. Yocam(16)
 
202,500
 
*
 

All directors and executive officers as a group (22 persons)(17)
 
16,065,749
 
3.2
 
*
Less than 1%.

(1)
Of the 50,076,676 shares attributed to Barclays Global Investors, N.A. ("Barclays Global"), it has sole voting power over 32,954,608 of the shares and sole dispositive power over 37,770,794 of the shares. Additionally, of the 50,076,676 shares attributed to Barclays Global, 3,092,490 shares are held by Barclays Global Fund Advisors, which has sole voting power over 2,731,876 of the shares and sole dispositive power over 3,092,490 of the shares; 7,485,172 of the shares are held by Barclays Global Investors, Ltd., which has sole voting power over 4,921,492 of the shares and sole dispositive power over 7,485,172 of the shares; 417,384 shares are held by Barclays Global Investors Japan Trust and Banking Company Limited, which has sole voting and dispositive power over all of such shares; 25,200 shares are held by Barclays Life Assurance Company Limited, which has sole voting power over 7,800 of the shares and sole dispositive power over 25,200 of the shares; 188 shares are held by Barclays Capital, Inc., which has sole voting and dispositive power over all of such shares; and 1,285,448 shares are held by Palomino Limited, which has sole voting and dispositive power over all of such shares. This information was provided pursuant to Schedule 13G and is as of April 11, 2005.

(2)
Of the 43,779,854 shares attributed to PRIMECAP Management Company, it has sole voting power over 5,170,654 of the shares and sole dispositive power over 43,779,854 of the shares. This information was provided pursuant to Schedule 13G and is as of March 23, 2005.

(3)
Of the 27,858,162 shares attributed to Putnam, LLC d/b/a Putnam Investments ("Putnam LLC"), it has shared voting power over 2,436,698 of the shares and shared dispositive power over 27,858,162 shares. Additionally, of the 27,858,162 shares attributed to Putnam LLC, 24,821,308 shares are held by Putnam Investment Management, LLC, which has shared voting power over 566,014 of the shares and shared dispositive power over 24,821,308 of the shares; and 3,036,854 shares are held by The Putnam Advisory Company, LLC, which has shared voting power over 1,870,684 of the shares and shared dispositive power over 3,036,854 of the shares. This information was provided pursuant to Schedule 13G and is as of February 11, 2005.

(4)
Consists of 197,716 shares held by the Chizen Trust, of which Mr. Chizen is a trustee, and 3,887,731 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options held by Mr. Chizen exercisable within 60 days after July 1, 2005.

(5)
Includes 1,561,462 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options held by Mr. Demo exercisable within 60 days after July 1, 2005.

(6)
Mr. Heeger's employment with Adobe terminated effective March 2, 2005.

(7)
Consists of 103,904 shares held by the Narayen Family Trust, of which Mr. Narayen is a trustee, and 1,661,850 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options held by Mr. Narayen exercisable within 60 days after July 1, 2005.

(8)
Includes 392,041 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options held by Mr. Stephens exercisable within 60 days after July 1, 2005. Effective March 31, 2005, Mr. Stephens was no longer an executive officer of Adobe.

112

(9)
Consists of 50,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options held by Mr. Cannon exercisable within 60 days after July 1, 2005.

(10)
Includes 82,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options held by Mr. Daley exercisable within 60 days after July 1, 2005.

(11)
Consists of 560,064 shares held by the Geschke Family Trust, of which Dr. Geschke is a trustee, and 292,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options held by Dr. Geschke exercisable within 60 days after July 1, 2005.

(12)
Includes 152,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options held by Ms. Mills exercisable within 60 days after July 1, 2005.

(13)
Consists of 30,000 shares held by the Pouliot Family Trust, of which Ms. Pouliot is a trustee, and 72,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options held by Ms. Pouliot exercisable within 60 days after July 1, 2005.

(14)
Includes 1,200 shares held by Dr. Sedgewick's minor children, as to all of which Dr. Sedgewick disclaims beneficial ownership, and 292,500 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options held by Dr. Sedgewick exercisable within 60 days after July 1, 2005.

(15)
Includes 44,800 shares held by trusts for the benefit of Dr. Warnock's children, over which he shares voting and investment power with his spouse and Dr. Geschke, and 212,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options held by Dr. Warnock exercisable within 60 days after July 1, 2005.

(16)
Includes 192,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options held by Mr. Yocam exercisable within 60 days after July 1, 2005.

(17)
Includes 12,712,047 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding options exercisable within 60 days after July 1, 2005 and shares beneficially owned by Messrs. Heeger and Stephens, former executive officers of Adobe. See also Notes 4 through 16.

Beneficial Ownership of Macromedia Shares

        The following table and the related notes present information on the beneficial ownership of shares of Macromedia common stock, as of July 1, 2005 (except as noted in the footnotes), by each director and executive officer of Macromedia and by each person or group who is known to the management of Macromedia to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Macromedia common stock outstanding as of July 1, 2005. This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal stockholders and Schedules 13D and 13G filed with the SEC. Where information regarding stockholders is based on Schedules 13D and 13G, the number of shares owned is as of the date for which information was provided in those schedules, as noted. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to community property laws where applicable and the voting agreements entered into by executive officers and directors of Macromedia with Adobe, Macromedia believes that each of the stockholders named in this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned. Applicable percentages are based on 75,868,426 shares outstanding on July 1, 2005, adjusted as required by rules promulgated by the SEC. Shares of Macromedia common stock subject to options that are currently exercisable or are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005 are treated as outstanding and beneficially owned by the person holding them for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other stockholder. Unless otherwise indicated below, the address for each person and entity named in the table is: c/o Macromedia, Inc., 601 Townsend Street, San Francisco, California 94103.

113

Beneficial Owner
   Number of
Shares
   Percent of
Totals
  
FMR Corp.(1)
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109		   7,866,250   10.4 %

Robert K. Burgess(2)
 
1,256,224
 
1.6
 

Elizabeth A. Nelson(3)
 
605,713
 
*
 

Kevin M. Lynch(4)
 
346,595
 
*
 

Stephen A. Elop(5)
 
314,916
 
*
 

Alan S. Ramadan(6)
 
116,625
 
*
 

William H. Harris, Jr.(7)
 
87,500
 
*
 

Thomas E. Hale(8)
 
66,751
 
*
 

Timothy F. O'Reilly(9)
 
44,868
 
*
 

Donald L. Lucas(10)
 
44,464
 
*
 

Steven J. Gomo(11)
 
36,669
 
*
 

William B. Welty(12)
 
14,167
 
*
 

Charles M. Boesenberg(13)
 
13,336
 
*
 

John (Ian) Giffen(14)
 
11,667
 
*
 

All directors and executive officers as a group (15 persons)(15)
 
3,261,879
 
4.1
 
*
Less than 1%.

(1)
In its Schedule 13G filed on April 11, 2005, FMR Corp. reported sole voting power as to 764,914 shares of Macromedia's common stock, sole dispositive power as to 7,866,250 shares of Macromedia's common stock, and beneficial ownership of 7,866,250 shares of Macromedia's common stock.

(2)
Includes 1,149,091 shares subject to options held by Mr. Burgess that are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005, 75,000 shares subject to a restricted stock award held by Mr. Burgess and 1,176 shares, for which Mr. Burgess has shared voting and dispositive power, held in trust for the benefit of the children of Mr. Burgess. Macromedia has a right of repurchase with respect to unvested shares subject to the restricted stock award, which lapses January 24, 2009.

(3)
Includes 505,921 shares subject to options held by Ms. Nelson that are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005 and 75,000 shares subject to a restricted stock award held by Ms. Nelson. Macromedia has a right of repurchase with respect to unvested shares subject to the restricted stock award, which lapses January 24, 2009.

(4)
Includes 335,719 shares subject to options held by Mr. Lynch that are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005.

(5)
Includes 213,647 shares subject to options held by Mr. Elop that are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005 and 100,000 shares subject to a restricted stock award held by Mr. Elop. Macromedia has a right of repurchase with respect to unvested shares subject to the restricted stock award, which lapses January 24, 2009.

(6)
Represents 116,625 shares subject to options held by Mr. Ramadan that are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005.

114

(7)
Represents 87,500 shares subject to options held by Mr. Harris that are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005.

(8)
Includes 66,251 shares subject to options held by Mr. Hale that are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005.

(9)
Includes 41,668 shares subject to options held by Mr. O'Reilly that are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005.

(10)
Includes 44,167 shares subject to options held by Mr. Lucas that are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005.

(11)
Represents 36,669 shares subject to options held by Mr. Gomo that are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005.

(12)
Represents 14,167 shares subject to options held by Mr. Welty that are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005.

(13)
Represents 13,336 shares subject to options held by Mr. Boesenberg that are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005.

(14)
Represents 11,667 shares subject to options held by Mr. Giffen that are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005.

(15)
Includes 2,934,337 shares subject to options that are exercisable within 60 days of July 1, 2005.

115


UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

        Unless specifically stated otherwise, the following information and all other information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus, including that regarding the exchange ratio pursuant to the merger agreement, gives effect to the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend of Adobe common stock paid on May 23, 2005 to Adobe stockholders of record as of May 2, 2005.

        On April 17, 2005, Adobe entered into an agreement to merge with Macromedia in a transaction to be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting for business combinations. Under the terms of the merger agreement, each issued and outstanding common share of Macromedia will be exchanged for 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock. Additionally, the merger agreement provides that, subject to certain exceptions, at the effective time of the merger, each Macromedia stock option that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the effective time will be converted into an option to purchase Adobe common stock and Adobe will assume that stock option (or will replace that stock option by issuing a materially equivalent replacement stock option to purchase Adobe common stock) in accordance with the terms of the applicable Macromedia stock option plan and terms of the stock option agreement relating to that Macromedia stock option.

        The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet is based on historical balance sheets of Adobe and Macromedia and has been prepared to reflect the merger as if it had been consummated on June 3, 2005. Such pro forma information is based upon the historical consolidated balance sheet data of Adobe at June 3, 2005 and Macromedia at March 31, 2005. The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of income for the fiscal year ended December 3, 2004 combines Adobe's historical consolidated statement of income for the year then ended with Macromedia's historical consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 and the three months ended March 31, 2004. The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of income for the six months ended June 3, 2005 combines Adobe's historical consolidated statement of income for the six months then ended with Macromedia's historical consolidated statement of income for the six months ended March 31, 2005.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are based on the estimates and assumptions set forth in the notes to such statements, which are preliminary and have been made solely for purposes of developing such pro forma information. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are not necessarily an indication of the results that would have been achieved had the merger been consummated as of the dates indicated or that may be achieved in the future.

        Adobe estimates that it will incur direct transaction costs of approximately $26.0 million, which is included as part of the purchase price of the acquisition. This amount is a preliminary estimate and is therefore subject to change. There can be no assurance that Adobe will not incur additional costs in subsequent quarters associated with the proposed merger.

        These unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Adobe and Macromedia and other financial information pertaining to Adobe and Macromedia including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" incorporated by reference or included herein.

116


PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

(in thousands, except per share data)

 
   Adobe
As of
June 3, 2005
   Macromedia
As of
March 31, 2005
   Pro Forma
Adjustments
   Pro Forma
Combined
  
Assets                          
Current assets:                          
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 253,302   $ 106,854   $ —   $ 360,156  
  Short-term investments     1,437,264     271,424     —     1,708,688  
  Trade receivables     172,173     57,582     30,476   (l)   260,231  
  Other receivables     36,466     7,875     —     44,341  
  Deferred income taxes     56,513     3,389     7,182   (o)   67,084  
  Other current assets     43,850     12,410     —     56,260  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total current assets     1,999,568     459,534     37,658     2,496,760  
Property and equipment, net     98,934     109,509     9,569   (i)   218,012  
Goodwill     119,082     226,937     (226,937
2,101,069		 )(b)
  (n)		   2,220,151  
Purchased and other intangible assets, net     17,108     13,864     (13,864
693,200		 )(a)
  (h)		   710,308  
Investment in lease receivable     126,800     —     —     126,800  
Other assets     59,724     11,765     10,000   (m)   81,489  
Deferred income taxes, long-term     —     22,272     163,818
(186,090		   (o)
)(p)		   —  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total assets   $ 2,421,216   $ 843,881   $ 2,588,423   $ 5,853,520  
   
 
 
 
 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:                          
  Trade and other payables   $ 38,717   $ 5,355   $ —   $ 44,072  
  Accrued expenses     215,755     70,372     26,000
13,370		   (g)
  (k)		   325,497  
  Income taxes payable     202,419     21,849     —     224,268  
  Deferred revenue     61,033     42,604     (12,287 )(j)   91,350  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total current liabilities     517,924     140,180     27,083     685,187  

Other long-term liabilities
 
 
4,767
 
 
24,041
 
 
—
 
 
28,808
 
Deferred income taxes     28,622     —     171,000
(186,090		   (o)
)(p)		   13,532  
Deferred revenue, less current portion     —     9,413     (9,413 )(j)   —  
Stockholders' equity                          
  Common stock, $0.0001 par value     29,600     77     (77 )(c)   29,600  
  Additional paid-in capital     1,264,712     958,937     (958,937
1,091,524
311,560		 )(c)
  (d)
  (e)		   2,667,796
    		  
  Deferred stock-based compensation     —     (8,879 )   8,879
(109,325		   (c)
)(f)		   (109,325 )
  Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)     2,537,399     (243,878 )   243,878   (c)   2,537,399  
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)     523     (2,361 )   2,361   (c)   523  
  Treasury stock at cost, net of reissuances     (1,962,331 )   (33,649 )   33,649
1,962,331		   (c)
  (d)		   —  
   
 
 
 
 
    Total stockholders' equity     1,869,903     670,247     2,585,843     5,125,993  
   
 
 
 
 
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 2,421,216   $ 843,881   $ 2,588,423   $ 5,853,520  
   
 
 
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial statements.

117


PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)

 
   Historical
    
    
    
  
 
   Adobe
Twelve Months
Ended
December 3,
2004
   Macromedia
Twelve Months
Ended
December 31,
2004
   Reclassifications
   Pro Forma
Adjustments
   Pro Forma
Combined
  
Revenue:                                
  Products   $ 1,633,959   $ 422,120   $ (15,787 )(B) $ —   $ 2,040,292  
  Services and support     32,622     —     15,787   (B)   —     48,409  
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenue     1,666,581     422,120     —     —     2,088,701  
Cost of revenue:                                
  Products     86,572     33,856 (1)   (7,985 )(C)   (7,918
84,060
892		 )(q)
  (t)
  (v)		   189,477  
  Services and support     17,806     —     7,985   (C)   —     25,791  
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total cost of revenue     104,378     33,856     —     77,034     215,268  
Gross profit     1,562,203     388,264     —     (77,034 )   1,873,433  
Operating expenses:                                
  Research and development     311,296     97,142     —     —     408,438  
  Sales and marketing     521,143     177,301     893   (A)   —     699,337  
  General and administrative     137,970     41,309     (893 )(A)   (2,674 )(w)   175,712  
  Amortization of intangible assets     —     1,099     —     (1,099 )(s)   44,913  
                        44,913   (u)      
  Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation     —     —     —     43,700   (v)   43,700  
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total operating expenses     970,409     316,851     —     84,840     1,372,100  
Operating income     591,794     71,413     —     (161,874 )   501,333  
Non-operating income                                
  Investment gains (losses)     2,506     1,340     —     —     3,846  
  Interest and other income     14,345     3,910     —     —     18,255  
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total non-operating income     16,851     5,250     —     —     22,101  
Income before taxes     608,645     76,663     —     (161,874 )   523,434  
Provision for income taxes     158,247     17,467     —     (30,249 )(x)   145,465  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income   $ 450,398   $ 59,196   $ —   $ (131,625 ) $ 377,969  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per share   $ 0.94   $ 0.85               $ 0.66  
   
 
             
 
Shares used in computing basic income per share     477,658     69,320                 573,320 (2)
   
 
             
 
Diluted net income per share   $ 0.91   $ 0.79               $ 0.63  
   
 
             
 
Shares used in computing diluted income per share     495,626     74,470                 598,395 (2)
   
 
             
 
(1)
Includes amortization of acquired developed technology.

(2)
Shares used in computing basic and diluted income per share is the sum of Adobe shares plus Macromedia's shares (adjusted for the exchange ratio). Macromedia's shares are calculated by multiplying each share of Macromedia common stock by the exchange ratio of 1.38 Adobe shares for each share of Macromedia common stock.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial statements.

118


PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)

 
   Adobe
Six Months
Ended
June 3, 2005
   Macromedia Six
Months Ended
March 31, 2005
   Reclassifications
   Pro Forma
Adjustments
   Pro Forma
Combined
  
Revenue:                                
  Products   $ 948,767   $ 224,689   $ (8,892 )(B) $ —   $ 1,164,564  
  Services and support     20,144     —     8,892   (B)   —     29,036  
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total revenue     968,911     224,689     —     —     1,193,600  
Cost of revenue:                                
  Products     43,629     18,278   (1)   (6,201 )(C)   (4,326
42,030
446		 )(q)
  (t)
  (v)		   93,856  
  Services and support     10,774     —     6,201   (C)   —     16,975  
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total cost of revenue     54,403     18,278     —     38,150     110,831  
Gross profit     914,508     206,411     —     (38,150 )   1,082,769  
Operating expenses:                                
  Research and development     176,095     49,591     —     —     225,686  
  Sales and marketing     302,346     94,128     668   (A)   —     397,142  
  General and administrative     83,151     22,079     (668) (A)   (1,337) (w)   102,856  
                        (369 )(r)      
  Restructuring and other charges     —     19,172     —     —     19,172  
  Amortization of intangible assets     —     483     —     (483) (s)   22,457  
                        22,457   (u)      
  Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation     —     —     —     21,850   (v)   21,850  
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total operating expenses     561,592     185,453     —     42,118     789,163  
Operating income     352,916     20,958     —     (80,268 )   293,606  
Non-operating income                                
  Investment gains (losses)     (4,255 )   304     —     —     (3,951 )
  Interest and other income     15,932     4,435     —     —     20,367  
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total non-operating income     11,677     4,739     —     —     16,416  
Income before taxes     364,593     25,697     —     (80,268 )   310,022  
Provision for income taxes     62,921     10,824     —     (14,584 )(x)   59,161  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net income   $ 301,672   $ 14,873   $ —   $ (65,684 ) $ 250,861  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income per share   $ 0.62   $ 0.20               $ 0.43  
   
 
             
 
Shares used in computing basic income per share     487,610     72,610                 587,812 (2)
   
 
             
 
Diluted net income per share   $ 0.59   $ 0.19               $ 0.41  
   
 
             
 
Shares used in computing diluted income per share     507,851     78,880                 616,705 (2)
   
 
             
 
(1)
Includes amortization of acquired developed technology.

(2)
Shares used in computing basic and diluted income per share is the sum of Adobe shares plus Macromedia's shares (adjusted for the exchange ratio). Macromedia's shares are calculated by multiplying each share of Macromedia common stock by the exchange ratio of 1.38 Adobe shares for each share of Macromedia common stock.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
unaudited pro forma combined condensed financial statements.

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NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.     Basis of Presentation

        On April 17, 2005, Adobe and Macromedia entered into a definitive agreement under which Macromedia will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe in a transaction to be accounted for using the purchase method. The total estimated purchase price of approximately $3.4 billion includes common stock valued at $3.1 billion, stock options assumed and restricted stock exchanged with a fair value of $311.6 million, and estimated direct transaction costs of $26.0 million.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements assume the issuance of approximately 103.8 million shares of Adobe common stock based on an exchange ratio of 1.38 shares of Adobe common stock for each outstanding share of Macromedia common stock as of June 3, 2005. The actual number of shares of Adobe common stock to be issued will be determined based on the actual number of shares of Macromedia common stock outstanding upon the consummation of the merger. The average market price per share of Macromedia common stock of $29.43 is based on an average of the closing prices for a range of trading days (April 14, 2005 through April 20, 2005) around the announcement date (April 18, 2005) of the proposed transaction.

        Under the terms of the merger agreement, subject to certain exceptions, at the effective time of the merger, each Macromedia stock option that is outstanding and unexercised immediately prior to the effective time will be converted into an option to purchase Adobe common stock and Adobe will assume that stock option (or will replace that stock option by issuing a materially equivalent replacement stock option to purchase Adobe common stock) in accordance with the terms of the applicable Macromedia stock option plan and terms of the stock option agreement relating to that Macromedia stock option. Based on Macromedia's stock options outstanding at June 3, 2005, Adobe would convert options to purchase approximately 13.0 million shares of Macromedia common stock into options to purchase approximately 17.9 million shares of Adobe common stock. The actual number of Adobe stock options into which Macromedia stock options will be converted will be determined based on the actual number of Macromedia stock options outstanding at the consummation of the merger. The fair value of the outstanding options was determined using a Black-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions: volatility of 32%; risk-free interest rates ranging from 2.98%-3.98%, expected lives ranging from 1-3 years and dividend yield of zero. In addition, Adobe will exchange Adobe's restricted stock for all of Macromedia's outstanding restricted stock, after applying the exchange ratio. Based on the total number of shares of Macromedia restricted stock outstanding at June 3, 2005, Adobe would exchange approximately 0.4 million shares of restricted stock for the outstanding Macromedia restricted stock. The actual number of shares of restricted stock to be exchanged will be determined based on the actual number of shares of Macromedia restricted stock outstanding upon the consummation of the merger. The fair value of the outstanding shares of restricted stock was determined based on their intrinsic value at the announcement date.

        The estimated purchase price and the allocation of the estimated purchase price discussed below are preliminary because the proposed merger has not yet been consummated. The actual purchase price will be based on the Adobe shares issued to Macromedia stockholders, the options to purchase Macromedia stock assumed by Adobe and the restricted stock exchanged on the closing date of the merger. The final allocation of the purchase price will be based on Macromedia's assets and liabilities on the date the merger is consummated.

120


        The preliminary estimated total purchase price of the merger is as follows (in thousands):

Value of Adobe stock issued   $ 3,053,855
Estimated fair value of options assumed and restricted stock exchanged     311,560
Direct transaction costs     26,000
   
Total preliminary estimated purchase price   $ 3,391,415
   

        Under the purchase method of accounting, the total estimated purchase price as shown in the table above is allocated to Macromedia's net tangible and intangible assets based on their estimated fair values as of the date of the completion of the merger. The management of Adobe and Macromedia have allocated the preliminary estimated purchase price based on preliminary estimates that are described in the introduction to these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements. The allocation of the preliminary purchase price and the estimated useful lives and first year amortization associated with certain assets is as follows (in thousands):

 
   Amount
   First Year
Amortization
   Estimated Useful
Life
  
Net tangible assets   $ 487,821     —   N/A  
Identifiable intangible assets:                  
  Acquired product rights     372,700   $ 84,060   3-4 years  
  Customer contracts and relationships     190,000     25,484   1-8 years  
  Non-competition agreements     400     129   2 years  
  Trademarks     130,100     19,300   5 years  
Goodwill     2,101,069     —   N/A  
Deferred stock-based compensation     109,325     44,592   2.5 years (1)
   
 
     
Total preliminary estimated purchase price   $ 3,391,415   $ 173,565      
   
 
     
(1)
Estimated weighted-average remaining vesting period.

        A preliminary estimate of $487.8 million has been allocated to net tangible assets acquired and approximately $693.2 million has been allocated to amortizable intangible assets acquired. The amortization related to the amortizable intangible assets is reflected as pro forma adjustments to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations.

        Identifiable intangible assets.    Acquired product rights include developed and core technology and patents. Developed technology relates to Macromedia products across all of their product lines that have reached technological feasibility. Core technology and patents represent a combination of Macromedia's processes, patents and trade secrets developed through years of experience in design and development of their products. Adobe expects to amortize the fair value of the acquired product rights based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset will be consumed.

        Customer contracts and relationships represent existing contracts that relate primarily to underlying customer relationships. Adobe expects to amortize the fair value of these assets based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset will be consumed.

        Trademarks primarily relate to the Flash trade name and other product names, which Adobe expects to amortize based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible asset will be consumed.

        The method of future amortization will be based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed. This results in total estimated amortization expense for fiscal years

121


2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 of $129.0 million, $209.6 million, $202.1 million, $75.0 million and $77.5 million, respectively.

        In-process research and development.    As of the filing date, no amounts have been allocated to in-process research and development. This determination was based on the assumption that some research and development projects which are currently in process may not be in process upon consummation of the merger. In-process research and development will be dependent on the status of new projects on the date the merger is consummated. Accordingly, actual results may vary from projected results.

        Goodwill.    Approximately $2.1 billion has been allocated to goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the underlying net tangible and intangible assets. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill will not be amortized but instead will be tested for impairment at least annually (more frequently if certain indicators are present). In the event that the management of the combined company determines that the value of goodwill has become impaired, the combined company will incur an accounting charge for the amount of impairment during the fiscal quarter in which the determination is made.

        Deferred tax liability.    Approximately $171.0 million was established as a deferred tax liability for the future amortization of the intangible assets. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting For Income Taxes, the valuation allowance on Macromedia's financial statements as of March 31, 2005 was reduced by $171.0 million to the extent the deferred tax assets are more likely than not realizable.

2.     Reclassifications

        Certain reclassification adjustments have been made to conform Adobe's and Macromedia's historical reported balances to the pro forma combined condensed financial statement basis of presentation. The reclassifications are as follows:


3.     Pro Forma Adjustments

        Pro forma adjustments are necessary to reflect the estimated purchase price, to reflect amounts related to Macromedia's net tangible and intangible assets at an amount equal to the preliminary estimate of their fair values, to reflect the amortization expense related to the estimated amortizable intangible assets and deferred stock-based compensation, to reflect changes in depreciation and amortization expense resulting from the estimated fair value adjustments to net tangible assets and to reflect the income tax effect related to the pro forma adjustments.

        There were no significant intercompany balances and transactions between Adobe and Macromedia as of the dates and for the periods of these pro forma condensed combined financial statements.

        The pro forma combined provision for income taxes does not necessarily reflect the amounts that would have resulted had Adobe and Macromedia filed consolidated income tax returns during the periods presented.

122


        The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements do not include any adjustments for liabilities that may result from integration activities, as management of Adobe and Macromedia are in the process of making these assessments, and estimates of these costs are not currently known. However, liabilities ultimately may be recorded for severance or relocation costs related to Macromedia employees, costs of vacating some facilities (leased or owned) of Macromedia, or other costs associated with exiting activities of Macromedia that would affect amounts in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements. Any such liabilities would be recorded as an adjustment to the purchase price and an increase in goodwill. In addition, Adobe may incur significant restructuring charges upon consummation of the merger or in subsequent quarters for severance or relocation costs related to Adobe employees, costs of vacating some facilities (leased or owned) of Adobe, and other costs associated with exiting activities of Adobe. Any such restructuring charges would be recorded as an expense in the consolidated statement of income in the period in which they were incurred.

        Adobe has not identified any pre-merger contingencies where the related asset, liability or impairment is probable and the amount of the asset, liability or impairment can be reasonably estimated. Prior to the end of the purchase price allocation period, if information becomes available which would indicate it is probable that such events have occurred and the amounts can be reasonably estimated, such items will be included in the purchase price allocation.

        The pro forma adjustments included in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are as follows:

123

4.     Pro Forma Net Income Per Share

        The pro forma basic and diluted net income per share are based on the number of Adobe shares used in computing basic and diluted net income per share plus the number of Macromedia shares used in computing basic and diluted net income per share multiplied by the exchange ratio. All Adobe historical and pro forma per-share amounts reflect the retroactive effects of all Adobe stock splits including the two-for-one stock split in the form of a stock dividend effective May 23, 2005.

124


DESCRIPTION OF ADOBE COMMON STOCK AND
PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS

Adobe Common Stock

        The following describes certain provisions of the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Adobe. Adobe's restated certificate of incorporation, as corrected by the certificate of correction of restated certificate of incorporation, and amended and restated bylaws are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part. Adobe's certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of 902,000,000 shares, consisting of two classes: 900,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share.

        As of July 19, 2005, there were 492,276,674 shares of Adobe common stock outstanding held of record by 1,668 stockholders.

        Voting Rights.    Each holder of shares of Adobe common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of Adobe stockholders. Adobe's certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting, and as a result, the holders of a majority of the shares of Adobe common stock voted can elect all of the directors then standing for election.

        Dividend Rights.    Adobe's bylaws provide that, subject to the provisions of Adobe's certificate of incorporation, the Adobe board of directors may declare dividends pursuant to law at any regular or special meeting. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property or in shares of capital stock, subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation. Before payment of any dividend, the board may set aside any funds of the corporation available for dividends as the board from time to time, in its absolute discretion, thinks proper as a reserve for any purpose the board thinks conducive to the interests of Adobe.

        No Preemptive or Similar Rights.    The Adobe common stock is not entitled to preemptive rights and is not subject to conversion or redemption.

        Right to Receive Liquidation Distributions.    Upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Adobe, holders of Adobe common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities and the liquidation preference of any then outstanding preferred stock.

        Anti-Takeover Provisions.    The provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law and Adobe's certificate of incorporation and bylaws may have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another person's acquiring control of Adobe.

        A corporation can elect not to be governed by Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which generally protects publicly traded Delaware corporations from hostile takeovers and from certain actions following such takeovers. Adobe has not made this election and is therefore governed by Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which as a result, may discourage attempts to acquire Adobe.

        In addition, provisions of Adobe's certificate of incorporation and rights agreement, as amended, described below under the captions "Comparative Rights of Adobe Stockholders and Macromedia Stockholders—Classification of Board of Directors" and "—Stockholder Rights Plan," respectively, may also have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another person's acquiring control of Adobe.

        Transfer Agent.    The transfer agent for Adobe common stock is Computershare Investor Services, LLC.

125


        Listing.    Adobe common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "ADBE."

Adobe Preferred Stock Purchase Rights

        The following describes certain provisions of the rights agreement, as amended, of Adobe. The rights agreement and the amendment thereto are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part. In 2000, Adobe adopted the Fourth Amended and Restated Rights Agreement with Computershare Investors Services, LLC as rights agent. In 2003, Adobe and Computershare Investors Services, LLC agreed to Amendment No. 1 to the rights agreement. In connection with the initial adoption of the rights agreement, Adobe's board of directors declared a dividend of one preferred stock purchase right for each share of Adobe common stock outstanding on July 24, 1990 and authorized the further issuance of one preferred stock purchase right with respect to each share of Adobe common stock that was subsequently issued between that date and the distribution date described below. Each right entitles the holder, under certain circumstances, to purchase from Adobe one-thousandth of a share of Adobe's Series A preferred stock at a price of $700 per one thousandth of a share of Series A preferred stock, subject to adjustment. The rights, preferences and privileges of Adobe's Series A preferred stock are described in the certificate of designation of Series A preferred stock included as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part.

        Initially, the rights are attached to outstanding certificates representing Adobe common stock, and no separate certificates representing the rights are distributed. The rights will be represented by separate certificates and will become exercisable upon the earlier of:

        Under the rights agreement, as amended, the "distribution date" means the earlier of the two dates described above. The proposed merger involving Adobe and Macromedia will not cause the rights to become exercisable.

        "Flip-In" Feature.    In the event any person or group, subject to certain exceptions, becomes the beneficial owner of more than 15% of the outstanding common stock of Adobe, then each holder of a right (other than such person or group acquiring such beneficial ownership) will have the right to receive, upon exercise and payment of the exercise price, that number of shares of Adobe common stock having a market value of two times the exercise price of the right. If Adobe does not have enough authorized but unissued shares of common stock to satisfy this obligation, then Adobe will deliver an amount in cash equivalent in value to the common stock issuable upon exercise of a right.

        "Flip-Over" Feature.    In the event that at any time after the distribution date Adobe is acquired in a merger or other business combination, then each holder of a right will have the right to purchase the number of shares of validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and freely tradable common stock of the acquiring company equal to the result obtained by dividing the exercise price of the right by 50% of the current market price of the common stock of such acquiring company.

126


        "Exchange" Feature.    At any time after any person or group has acquired, subject to certain exceptions, without the approval of the Adobe board of directors, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of Adobe's outstanding common stock and prior to the time such person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 50% or more of the shares of Adobe common stock, the board may exchange all or part of the then outstanding and exercisable rights for units of Series A preferred stock at an exchange ratio of one unit of Series A preferred stock per right. Each unit of Series A preferred stock is equal to one-thousandth of a share of Series A preferred stock.

        Redemption of Rights.    The Adobe board of directors may, at any time prior to the tenth day following the first public announcement that a person or group, subject to certain exceptions, has acquired beneficial ownership of more than 15% of Adobe's outstanding common stock or July 23, 2010, redeem all but not less than all the then outstanding rights at a redemption price of $0.01 per right.

        Amendment of Rights.    The terms of the rights agreement, as amended, may be amended from time to time:

        Final Expiration Date.    The rights will expire at the close of business on July 23, 2010 unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by Adobe.

        Anti-takeover Effects.    The rights agreement, as amended, approved by the Adobe board of directors is designed to protect and maximize the value of Adobe's outstanding equity interests in the event of an unsolicited attempt to acquire Adobe in a manner or on terms not approved by the board of directors and that prevent Adobe's stockholders from realizing the full value of their shares of Adobe common stock. However, the rights may have the effect of rendering more difficult or discouraging an acquisition of Adobe that is deemed undesirable by Adobe's board of directors. The rights may cause substantial dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire Adobe on terms or in a manner not approved by Adobe's board of directors, except pursuant to an offer conditioned upon the negation, purchase or redemption of the rights.

        This summary of the rights does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the rights agreement, as amended, which is incorporated herein by reference. You should read the rights agreement, as amended, carefully. For information on how to get a copy of the rights agreement, as amended, see "Where You Can Find More Information" below.

127


COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF ADOBE STOCKHOLDERS
AND MACROMEDIA STOCKHOLDERS

        Both Adobe and Macromedia are incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and, accordingly, the rights of the stockholders of each are currently, and will continue to be, governed by the Delaware General Corporation Law. Before the consummation of the merger, the rights of holders of Macromedia common stock are also governed by the amended and restated certificate of incorporation of Macromedia, the amended and restated bylaws of Macromedia and the Rights Agreement between Macromedia and Mellon Investor Services LLC, as amended. After the consummation of the merger, Macromedia stockholders will become stockholders of Adobe, and their rights will be governed by the Delaware General Corporation Law, the restated certificate of incorporation of Adobe, as corrected by the certificate of correction of restated certificate of incorporation, the amended and restated bylaws of Adobe and the Fourth Amended and Restated Rights Agreement between Adobe and Computershare Investor Services, LLC, as amended.

        The following is a summary of the material differences between the rights of Macromedia stockholders and the rights of Adobe stockholders. While we believe that this summary covers the material differences between the two, this summary may not contain all of the information that is important to you. This summary is not intended to be a complete discussion of the respective rights of Macromedia and Adobe stockholders and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the DGCL and the various documents of Adobe and Macromedia that we refer to in this summary. You should carefully read this entire joint proxy statement/prospectus and the other documents we refer to in this joint proxy statement/prospectus for a more complete understanding of the differences between being a stockholder of Adobe and being a stockholder of Macromedia. Adobe and Macromedia have filed their respective documents referred to herein with the SEC and will send copies of these documents to you upon your request. See "Additional Information—Where You Can Find More Information."

 
   Macromedia
   Adobe

Authorized Capital Stock
 
Macromedia's certificate of incorporation, as amended, authorizes the issuance of 205,000,000 shares, consisting of two classes: 200,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share.
 
Adobe's certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of 902,000,000 shares, consisting of two classes: 900,000,000 shares of common stock, $0.0001 par value per share, and 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.0001 par value per share.

Number of Directors
 
Macromedia's bylaws, as amended, provide that the number of directors shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the board.
 
Adobe's certificate of incorporation provides that the number of directors shall be fixed exclusively by one or more resolutions adopted by the board.

Cumulative Voting
 
Macromedia's certificate of incorporation, as amended, does not provide for cumulative voting, and as a result, holders of Macromedia common stock have no cumulative voting rights in connection with the election of directors.
 
Adobe's certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting, and as a result, holders of Adobe common stock have no cumulative voting rights in connection with the election of directors.
         

128


Classification of Board of Directors
 
Macromedia does not have a classified board. Macromedia's bylaws, as amended, provide that directors shall be elected annually and hold office until the next annual meeting.
 
Adobe has a classified board. Adobe's certificate of incorporation provides that the board is divided into two classes, with board members serving two-year terms, and that directors shall be assigned to each class in accordance with a resolution or resolutions adopted by Adobe's board.

Removal of Directors
 
Macromedia's bylaws, as amended, provide that any director or the entire board may be removed from office at any time with or without cause by an affirmative vote by the holders of a majority of the shares of Macromedia then entitled to vote at an election of directors.
 
Adobe's certificate of incorporation provides that any director or the entire board may be removed from office at any time with or without cause by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of voting stock of Adobe, entitled to vote at an election of directors.

Vacancies on the Board of Directors
 
Macromedia's bylaws, as amended, provide that any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors for any cause, and any newly created directorship resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors, shall, unless otherwise provided by law, be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and not by the stockholders.
 
Adobe's certificate of incorporation provides that any vacancy on the board shall, unless the board determines by resolution that any such vacancies or newly created directorships shall be filled by stockholders, be filled only by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum of the board. Any director elected in accordance with the preceding sentence shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the director for which the vacancy was created or occurred and until such director's successor shall have been elected and qualified.

Stockholder Action by Written Consent
 
Macromedia's bylaws, as amended, permit stockholder action by written consent of the stockholders.
 
Adobe's bylaws specify that no action shall be taken by the stockholders except at an annual or special meeting of the stockholders and that no action shall be taken by the stockholders by written consent.
         

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Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation
 
Macromedia's certificate of incorporation may be amended in any manner otherwise permitted by law.
 
Adobe's certificate of incorporation may be amended in any manner otherwise permitted by law, with the exception that Article V (relating to the composition of the board, alterations and amendments to Adobe's bylaws, stockholder meetings and stockholder nominations for the election of directors and proposals for other business), Article VI (relating to director indemnification) and Article VII (relating to amendments and alterations to Adobe's certificate of incorporation) require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of voting stock, voting together as a single class.

Amendment of Bylaws
 
The Macromedia bylaws, as amended, permit the bylaws to be amended by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of the voting stock. Macromedia's certificate of incorporation, as amended, also permits the board to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws except insofar as bylaws adopted by the stockholders shall provide otherwise.
 
Adobe's bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of voting stock. Adobe's bylaws also permit the board to adopt, amend or repeal the bylaws. However, any repeal or modification of the indemnification provisions of Adobe's bylaws will only be prospective and will not affect the indemnification rights under Adobe's bylaws in effect at the time of ny action or omission giving rise to a claim for indemnification.

Special meetings of Stockholders
 
Macromedia's bylaws, as amended, provide that special meetings of the stockholders may be called, at any time and for any purpose, at the request of (i) the chairman of the board, (ii) a majority of the members of the board of directors, or (iii) the chief executive officer or president.
 
Adobe's bylaws provide that special meetings of the stockholders may be called, for any purpose, by (i) the chairman of the board, (ii) the president, (iii) the board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopt by a majority of the total number of authorized directors, or (iv) the holders of shares entitled to cast not less than 10% of the votes at the meeting.

Notice of Stockholder Meetings
 
Macromedia's bylaws, as amended, require that notice of a meeting shall be given to stockholders not less than 10 days or more than 60 days before the date of the meeting.
 
Adobe's bylaws require that notice of a meeting shall be given to stockholders not less than 10 days or more than 60 days before the date of the meeting.
         

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Delivery and Notice Requirements of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals
 
Macromedia's bylaws, as amended, provide that in order for a stockholder to make a nomination or propose business at an annual meeting of the stockholders, the stockholder must give timely written notice to Macromedia's secretary not later than the 75th day nor earlier than 105 days in advance of the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting; provided however, that if the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or 60 days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be received not earlier than the 105th day prior to such annual meeting or later than the close of business on the later of the 75th day prior to such annual meeting or the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which a notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or public announcement thereof was made.
  
The Macromedia stockholder's written notice must set forth: (i) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; (ii) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; and (iii) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made the name and address of such stockholder and the class and number of shares of the corporation that are beneficially owned and held of record by the stockholder.
 
Adobe's bylaws provide that in order for a stockholder to make a nomination or propose business at an annual meeting of the stockholders, the stockholder must give timely written notice to Adobe' secretary not less than 120 days in advance of the first anniversary of the date that the corporation's proxy statement was released to stockholders in connection with the previous year's annual meeting; provided however, that if no annual meeting was held in the previous year of if the date of the annual meeting has changed by more than 30 days from the date contemplated at the time of the previous year's proxy statement, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be received not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which a notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or public announcement thereof was made.
  
The Adobe stockholder's written notice must set forth: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; (ii) the text of the proposal to be presented at the annual meeting; (iii) a statement in support of the proposal; (iv) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting; (v) the name and address of the stockholder proposing such business; (vi) the class and number of shares of the corporation which are beneficially owned by the stockholder; (vii) any material interests of the stockholder in such business; and (viii) any other information that is required to be provided by the stockholder pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
         

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Proxy
 
Macromedia's bylaws, as amended, provide that each person entitled to vote at a meeting of the stockholders, or to take action by written consent without a meeting, may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy. Such a proxy may be prepared, transmitted and delivered in any manner permitted by applicable law.
 
Adobe's bylaws provide that every person entitled to vote shall have the right to do so either in person or by an agent or agents authorized by a proxy granted in accordance with Delaware law. An agent so appointed need not be a stockholder. No proxy shall be voted after three years from its date of creation unless the proxy provides for a longer period.

Preemptive Rights
 
Macromedia's certificate of incorporation, as amended, does not grant any preemptive rights. Macromedia's bylaws are silent as to preemptive rights.
 
Adobe's certificate of incorporation does not grant any preemptive rights. Adobe's bylaws are silent as to preemptive rights.

Dividends
 
Macromedia's bylaws, as amended, are silent as to dividends.
 
Adobe's bylaws provide that, subject to the provisions of Adobe's certificate of incorporation, the board may declare dividends pursuant to law at any regular or special meeting. Dividends may be paid in cash, in property, or in shares of capital stock, subject to the provisions of the certificate of incorporation. Before payment of any dividend, the board may set aside any funds of the corporation available for dividends as the board from time to time, in its absolute discretion, thinks proper as a reserve for any purpose the board thinks conducive to the interests of Adobe.

Limitation of Personal Liability of Directors
 
Macromedia's certificate of incorporation, as amended, provides that a director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
 
Adobe's certificate of incorporation provides that a director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation or law (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
         

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Furthermore, if the Delaware General Corporation Law is hereafter amended to authorize the further elimination or limitation of the liability of a director, then the liability of a director of the corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as so amended.
 
Furthermore, if the Delaware General Corporation Law is amended after approval by the stockholders of this Article to authorize corporate action further eliminating or limiting the personal liability of directors, then the liability of a director shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as so amended.

Indemnification of Officers and Directors
 
Macromedia's bylaws, as amended, provide a person who is made a party to, or is threatened to be made a party to, or is involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person was a director or officer of the corporation or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the corporation to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law against all expenses, liability and loss (including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by that person in connection with the proceeding, provided such person acted in good faith and in a manner which the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person's conduct was unlawful. The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that
 
Adobe's bylaws require that the corporation shall indemnify its directors and executive officers to the fullest extent not prohibited by the Delaware General Corporation Law; provided, however, that the corporation may modify the extent of such indemnification by individual contracts with its directors and executive officers. The corporation shall not be required to indemnify any director or executive officer in connection with any proceeding initiated by the person unless (i) such indemnification is expressly required to be made by law, (ii) the proceeding was authorized by the board, (iii) such indemnification is provided by the corporation, in its sole discretion, pursuant to the powers vested in the corporation under the Delaware General Corporation Law or (iv) such indemnification is required to be made under the provisions of the bylaws.
 
The corporation shall have power to indemnify its other officers, employees and other agents as set forth in the Delaware General Corporation Law.
  
Adobe shall advance to any executive officer or director who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, because such person
         

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the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, that he had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. Such indemnification shall continue for persons who have are no longer directors or officers.
  
Macromedia shall pay all expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred by a director or officer in defending any proceeding as they are incurred in advance of its final disposition; provided, however, that if the Delaware General Corporation Law then so requires, the payment of expenses incurred by a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding shall be made only after receiving an undertaking by the director or officer to repay all amounts advanced if it should be determined ultimately that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this provisions of the bylaws or otherwise.
 
was a director or executive officer of the corporation, or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or executive officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, prior to the final disposition of the proceeding, all expenses incurred by any director or executive officer in connection with such proceeding if such person provides an undertaking to repay all amounts if it is ultimately determined that the person is not entitled to be indemnified under the bylaw or otherwise.

Stockholder Rights Plan
 
In 2001, Macromedia adopted a Rights Agreement with Mellon Investors Services, LLC as rights agent. On April 17, 2005, Macromedia and Mellon Investors Services LLC agreed to Amendment No. 1 to the rights agreement. The following description of the rights agreement, as amended, is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the rights agreement, as amended. You should read the rights agreement, as amended, carefully. For information on how to get a copy of the rights agreement, as amended, see "Where You Can Find More Information" below.
 
In 2000, Adobe adopted the Fourth Amended and Restated Rights Agreement with Computershare Investors Services, LLC as rights agent. In 2003, Adobe and Computershare Investors Services, LLC agreed to Amendment No. 1 to the rights agreement. The following description of the rights agreement, as amended, is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the rights agreement, as amended. You should read the rights agreement, as amended, carefully. For information on how to get a copy of the rights agreement, as amended, see "Where You Can Find More Information" below.
         

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Exercisability of Rights. The rights will become exercisable on the earlier of: (i) 10 days following a public announcement by Macromedia or any person or group that any person or group has acquired, subject to certain exceptions, beneficial ownership of 20% or more of Macromedia's outstanding common stock; or (ii) 10 business days following the announcement of an intention to make a tender offer or exchange offer the consummation of which will result in any person or group acquiring, subject to certain exceptions, beneficial ownership of 20% or more of Macromedia's outstanding common stock.
  
"Flip-In" Feature. In the event any person or group, subject to certain exceptions, becomes the beneficial owner of more than 20% of the outstanding common stock of Macromedia, then each holder of a right (other than such person or group acquiring such beneficial ownership) will have the right to receive upon exercise and payment of the exercise price that number of shares of Macromedia common stock having a market value of two times the exercise price of the right. If Macromedia does not have enough authorized but unissued shares of common stock to satisfy this obligation, then Macromedia will deliver an amount in cash equivalent in value to the common stock issuable upon exercise of a right.
  
"Flip-Over" Feature. In the event that at any time after the distribution date Macromedia is acquired in a merger or another business combination then each holder of a right (other than such acquiring person or group) shall have the right to purchase the number of shares of common stock of the acquiring company that at the time of the transaction will have a market value of two times the exercise price of the right.
 
Exercisability of Rights. The rights become exercisable on the earlier of: (i) the close of business on the tenth day following a public announcement by Adobe or any person or group that any person or group has acquired, subject to certain exceptions, without the approval of the board, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of Adobe's outstanding common stock (or such earlier date that the board becomes aware that any such person or group has acquired, without the approval of the board, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of Adobe's outstanding common stock); or (ii) the tenth business day following commencement by any person or group of a tender offer which would result in such person or group, subject to certain exceptions, owning 15% or more of Adobe's outstanding common stock. Under the rights agreement, as amended, the "distribution date" means the earlier of the two dates described above.
  
"Flip-In" Feature. In the event any person or group, subject to certain exceptions, becomes the beneficial owner of more than 15% of the outstanding common stock of Adobe, then each holder of a right (other than such person or group acquiring such beneficial ownership) will have the right to receive, upon exercise and payment of the exercise price, that number of shares of Adobe common stock having a market value of two times the exercise price of the right. If Adobe does not have enough authorized but unissued shares of common stock to satisfy this obligation, then Adobe will deliver an amount in cash equivalent in value to the common stock issuable upon exercise of a right.
  
"Flip-Over" Feature. In the event that at any time after the distribution date Adobe is acquired in a merger or another business combination, then
         

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"Exchange" Feature. At any time after a person or group, subject to certain exceptions, has become the beneficial owner of more than 20% of the outstanding common stock of Macromedia but before that person has acquired a majority of the outstanding common stock, the board may exchange all or some of the rights at an exchange ratio of one common share per right.
  
Redemption of Rights. At any time before a person or group, subject to certain exceptions, has become the beneficial owner of more than 20% of the outstanding common stock of Macromedia, the board may redeem all, but not some, of the rights at a price of $0.001 per right on terms and conditions established by the board. After the period for redemption of rights has expired, the board may not amend the rights agreement to extend the period for redemption of the rights. Immediately upon any redemption of the rights, the right to exercise the rights will terminate and the only right of the holders of rights will be to receive the redemption price.
  
Amendment of Rights. The terms of the rights may be amended by a resolution of the board without the consent of the holders of the rights, except that after a person or group, subject to certain exceptions becomes the beneficial owner of more than 20% of the outstanding common stock of Macromedia, no amendment may adversely affect the interests of the holders of the rights.
  
Final Expiration Date. The rights will expire at the close of business on October 28, 2011 unless the expiration date is extended or the rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by Macromedia.
  
Anti-takeover Effects. The Macromedia rights agreement is designed to cause significant dilution
 
each holder of a right shall have the right to purchase the number of shares of validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and freely tradable common stock of the acquiring company equal to the result obtained by dividing the exercise price of the right by 50% of the current market price of such common stock of the acquiring company.
  
"Exchange" Feature. At any time after any person or group has acquired, subject to certain exceptions, without the approval of the board, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of Adobe's outstanding common stock and prior to the time such person or group becomes the beneficial owner of 50% or more of the shares of Adobe common stock, the board may exchange all or part of the then outstanding and exercisable rights for units of Series A preferred stock at an exchange ratio of one unit of Series A preferred stock per right. Each unit of Series A preferred stock is equal to one-thousandth of a share of Series A preferred stock.
  
Redemption of Rights. The board may, at any time prior to the tenth day following the first public announcement that a person or group, subject to certain exceptions, has acquired beneficial ownership of more than 15% of Adobe's outstanding common stock or July 23, 2010, redeem all but not less than all the then outstanding rights at a redemption price of $0.01 per right.
  
Amendment of Rights. The terms of the rights agreement may be amended from time to time: (i) to cure any ambiguity; (ii) to correct or supplement any provision which may be defective; (iii) prior to the close of business on the tenth day following a public announcement that any person or group has acquired, subject to
         

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to a person or group that attempts to acquire or merge with Macromedia in a manner or on terms that are not approved by Macromedia's board.
  
The Macromedia rights agreement was amended in connection with the execution of the merger agreement to exclude Adobe, Merger Sub or any their affiliates from the definition of "Acquiring Person." Accordingly, none of the provisions of the rights agreement will be triggered by the proposed merger with Adobe described in this joint proxy statement/prospectus.
 
certain exceptions, without the approval of the board, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of Adobe's outstanding common stock (or such earlier date that the board becomes aware that any such person or group has acquired, without the approval of the board, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of Adobe's outstanding common stock); or (iv) after the rights are no longer redeemable, to amend the provisions as Adobe may deem necessary, but not in any way that will adversely affect the interests of rights holders, provided however, that the rights may not be amended in order to lengthen the period of time when the rights may be redeemed.
  
Final Expiration Date. The rights will expire at the close of business on July 23, 2010 unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by Adobe.
 
Anti-takeover Effects. The Adobe rights agreement is designed to cause significant dilution to a person or group that attempts to acquire or merge with Adobe in a manner or on terms that are not approved by Adobe's board.

Dissenters' Rights
 
Appraisal rights are not available to Macromedia stockholders with respect to the merger.
 
Appraisal rights are not available to Adobe stockholders with respect to the merger.

Certain Business Combination Restrictions
 
Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law generally protects publicly traded Delaware corporations from hostile takeovers and from certain actions following such takeovers. The restrictions set forth in Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, with respect to the merger with Merger Sub, do not apply because Macromedia's board has expressly approved the merger agreement and the stockholder voting agreements.
 
Under Delaware law a corporation can elect not to be governed by Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which generally protects publicly traded Delaware corporations from hostile takeovers and from certain actions following such takeovers. Adobe has not made this election and is therefore governed by Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Vote on Business Combinations
 
Neither the Macromedia certificate of incorporation nor its bylaws contain any provisions relating to business combinations.
 
Neither the Adobe certificate of incorporation nor its bylaws contain any provisions relating to business combinations.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        The validity of the Adobe common stock to be issued in the merger has been passed upon for Adobe by Cooley Godward LLP. Certain tax consequences of the merger have been passed upon for Adobe by Cooley Godward LLP and for Macromedia by Fenwick & West LLP.


EXPERTS

        The consolidated financial statements of Adobe as of December 3, 2004 and November 28, 2003, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 3, 2004, and related financial statement schedule, and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 3, 2004, incorporated in this joint proxy statement/prospectus by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 3, 2004, have been so incorporated in reliance on the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of that firm as experts in auditing and accounting. The audit report covering the December 3, 2004 and November 28, 2003 consolidated financial statements refers to changes in the method of accounting for goodwill in 2003, as discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

        The consolidated financial statements and schedule of Macromedia and its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2005 and 2004, and for each of the years in the three-year period ended March 31, 2005, and management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2005, have been incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus in reliance upon the reports of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

        The audit report dated June 14, 2005, on management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2005, expresses an opinion that Macromedia and its subsidiaries did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2005, because of the effect of a material weakness on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria and contains an explanatory paragraph that states that the policies and procedures of Macromedia and its subsidiaries did not include adequate management oversight and review of Macromedia and its subsidiaries' accounting for income taxes. This lack of adequate management oversight and review resulted in errors in Macromedia and its subsidiaries' income tax expense and the corresponding deferred tax assets and liabilities. Because of this deficiency, there is more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement in Macromedia and its subsidiaries' annual or interim consolidated financial statements would not be prevented or detected.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        Adobe and Macromedia each file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information that the companies file at the SEC's public reference rooms in Washington, D.C.; New York, New York; and Chicago, Illinois. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. Adobe's and Macromedia's public filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at the Internet web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning Adobe and Macromedia also may be inspected at the offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., Listing Section, 1735 K Street, Washington, D.C. 20006.

        Adobe has filed a Form S-4 registration statement to register with the SEC the offering and sale of the shares of Adobe common stock to be issued to Macromedia stockholders in the merger. This joint proxy statement/prospectus is a part of that registration statement and constitutes a prospectus and proxy statement of Adobe and a proxy statement of Macromedia for the special meeting.

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        As allowed by SEC rules, this joint proxy statement/prospectus does not contain all the information that stockholders can find in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement.

        The SEC allows Adobe and Macromedia to incorporate information into this joint proxy statement/prospectus "by reference," which means that the companies can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this joint proxy statement/prospectus, except for any information superseded by information contained directly in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. This joint proxy statement/prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below that Adobe and Macromedia have previously filed with the SEC. These documents contain important information about the companies and their financial condition.

Adobe Filings (File No. 0-15175):

Macromedia Filings (File No. 000-22688):

        Adobe and Macromedia also hereby incorporate by reference all additional documents that Adobe or Macromedia may file with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 between the date of this joint proxy statement/prospectus and the date of the special meetings. These include periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as proxy statements.

        Adobe and Macromedia also incorporate by reference the following additional documents:

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        Adobe has supplied all information contained or incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus relating to Adobe or Merger Sub, and Macromedia has supplied all information relating to Macromedia.

        If you are a stockholder, you may have received some of the documents incorporated by reference. You may also obtain any of those documents from the appropriate company or the SEC or the SEC's Internet web site described above. Documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus are available from the appropriate company without charge, excluding all exhibits unless specifically incorporated by reference in such documents. Stockholders may obtain documents incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus by requesting them in writing or by telephone from the appropriate company at the following addresses:

Adobe Systems Incorporated
Attn: Investor Relations
345 Park Avenue
San Jose, California 95110
Telephone: (408) 536-4416
E-mail: ir@adobe.com

Macromedia, Inc.
Attn: Investor Relations
601 Townsend Street
San Francisco, California 94103
Telephone: (415) 832-5995
E-mail: ir@macromedia.com

        If you would like to request documents, please do so by August 17, 2005 to receive them before the special meetings. If you request any incorporated documents, the appropriate company will strive to mail them to you by first-class mail, or other equally prompt means, within one business day of receipt of your request.

        You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this joint proxy statement/prospectus to vote your shares at the special meeting. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with information that differs from that contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus. This joint proxy statement/prospectus is dated July 20, 2005. You should not assume that the information contained in this joint proxy statement/prospectus is accurate as of any date other than that date, and neither the mailing of this joint proxy statement/prospectus to stockholders nor the issuance of shares of Adobe common stock in the merger shall create any implication to the contrary.

        Adobe Systems, the Adobe Systems logos and all other Adobe product and service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and in other select countries. Macromedia, the Macromedia logos and all other Macromedia product and service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of Macromedia, Inc. in the United States and in other select countries. "®" and "™" indicate U.S. registration and U.S. trademark, respectively. Other third party logos and product/trade names are registered trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

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ANNEX A


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION

among:

ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED,
a Delaware corporation;

AVNER ACQUISITION SUB, INC.,
a Delaware corporation; and

MACROMEDIA, INC.,
a Delaware corporation

Dated as of April 17, 2005


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
    
   PAGE
SECTION 1.   DESCRIPTION OF TRANSACTION   A-1
  1.1   Merger of Merger Sub into the Company   A-1
  1.2   Effects of the Merger   A-1
  1.3   Closing; Effective Time   A-1
  1.4   Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws; Directors and Officers   A-2
  1.5   Conversion of Shares   A-2
  1.6   Closing of the Company's Transfer Books   A-3
  1.7   Exchange of Certificates   A-3
  1.8   Tax Consequences   A-5
  1.9   Further Action   A-5
SECTION 2.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY   A-5
  2.1   Subsidiaries; Due Organization; Etc.   A-5
  2.2   Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws   A-6
  2.3   Capitalization, Etc.   A-6
  2.4   SEC Filings; Financial Statements   A-8
  2.5   Absence of Changes   A-9
  2.6   Title to Assets   A-11
  2.7   Loans; Customers   A-11
  2.8   Real Property; Leasehold   A-11
  2.9   Intellectual Property   A-12
  2.10   Contracts   A-14
  2.11   Liabilities   A-16
  2.12   Compliance with Legal Requirements   A-17
  2.13   Certain Business Practices   A-17
  2.14   Governmental Authorizations   A-17
  2.15   Tax Matters   A-17
  2.16   Employee and Labor Matters; Benefit Plans   A-19
  2.17   Environmental Matters   A-23
  2.18   Insurance   A-23
  2.19   Transactions with Affiliates   A-24
  2.20   Legal Proceedings; Orders   A-24
  2.21   Authority; Binding Nature of Agreement   A-24
  2.22   Inapplicability of Section 203 of the DGCL and other Anti-takeover Statutes   A-25
  2.23   Vote Required   A-25
  2.24   Non-Contravention; Consents   A-25
  2.25   Fairness Opinion   A-26
  2.26   Financial Advisor   A-26
  2.27   Company Rights Agreement   A-26
  2.28   Disclosure   A-26
SECTION 3.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB   A-27
  3.1   Due Organization   A-27
  3.2   Capitalization, Etc.   A-27
  3.3   SEC Filings; Financial Statements   A-28
  3.4   Absence of Changes   A-29
  3.5   Intellectual Property   A-30
  3.6   Compliance with Legal Requirements   A-30
         

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  3.7   Certain Business Practices   A-30
  3.8   Legal Proceedings; Orders   A-30
  3.9   Authority; Binding Nature of Agreement   A-31
  3.10   Vote Required   A-31
  3.11   Ownership of Company Common Stock   A-31
  3.12   Non-Contravention; Consents   A-31
  3.13   Fairness Opinion   A-32
  3.14   Financial Advisor   A-32
  3.15   Valid Issuance   A-32
  3.16   Disclosure   A-32
SECTION 4.   CERTAIN COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES   A-32
  4.1   Access and Investigation   A-32
  4.2   Operations Prior to Closing   A-33
  4.3   No Solicitation   A-38
SECTION 5.   ADDITIONAL COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES   A-40
  5.1   Registration Statement; Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus   A-40
  5.2   Company Stockholders' Meeting   A-40
  5.3   Parent Stockholders' Meeting   A-42
  5.4   Stock Options and Company ESPP   A-43
  5.5   Employee Benefits   A-45
  5.6   Indemnification of Officers and Directors   A-46
  5.7   Regulatory Approvals and Related Matters   A-46
  5.8   Disclosure   A-47
  5.9   Affiliate Agreements   A-48
  5.10   Tax Matters   A-48
  5.11   Letter of the Company's Accountants   A-48
  5.12   Listing   A-48
  5.13   Section 16 Matters   A-48
  5.14   Resignation of Officers and Directors   A-49
  5.15   Board of Directors   A-49
  5.16   Internal Controls   A-49
SECTION 6.   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF PARENT AND MERGER SUB   A-49
  6.1   Accuracy of Company Specified Representations   A-49
  6.2   Accuracy of Company Other Representations   A-49
  6.3   Performance of Covenants   A-50
  6.4   Effectiveness of Registration Statement   A-50
  6.5   Company Stockholder Approval   A-50
  6.6   Parent Stockholder Approval   A-50
  6.7   Documents   A-50
  6.8   No Company Material Adverse Effect   A-50
  6.9   HSR Waiting Period   A-50
  6.10   Other Antitrust Waiting Periods   A-50
  6.11   Other Governmental Approvals   A-51
  6.12   Listing   A-51
  6.13   No Restraints   A-51
  6.14   No Governmental Litigation   A-51
  6.15   Sarbanes-Oxley Certifications   A-51
SECTION 7.   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATION OF THE COMPANY   A-52
  7.1   Accuracy of Parent Specified Representations   A-52
         

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  7.2   Accuracy of Parent Other Representations   A-52
  7.3   Performance of Covenants   A-52
  7.4   Effectiveness of Registration Statement   A-52
  7.5   Company Stockholder Approval   A-52
  7.6   Parent Stockholder Approval   A-52
  7.7   Documents   A-52
  7.8   No Parent Material Adverse Effect   A-53
  7.9   Listing   A-53
  7.10   HSR Waiting Period   A-53
  7.11   No Restraints   A-53
  7.12   Sarbanes-Oxley Certifications   A-53
SECTION 8.   TERMINATION   A-53
  8.1   Termination   A-53
  8.2   Effect of Termination   A-56
  8.3   Expenses; Termination Fees   A-56
SECTION 9.   MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS   A-59
  9.1   Amendment   A-59
  9.2   Extension; Waiver   A-59
  9.3   No Survival of Representations and Warranties   A-59
  9.4   Entire Agreement; Counterparts; Exchanges by Facsimile or Electronic Delivery   A-59
  9.5   Applicable Law; Jurisdiction   A-60
  9.6   Disclosure Schedules   A-60
  9.7   Attorneys' Fees   A-60
  9.8   Assignability; No Third Party Rights   A-60
  9.9   Notices   A-60
  9.10   Severability   A-61
  9.11   Construction   A-61

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AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION

        THIS AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of April 17, 2005, by and among: ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED, a Delaware corporation ("Parent"); AVNER ACQUISITION SUB, INC., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"); and MACROMEDIA, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"). Certain capitalized terms used in this Agreement are defined in EXHIBIT A.


RECITALS

        A.    Parent, Merger Sub and the Company intend to effect a merger of Merger Sub into the Company in accordance with this Agreement and the DGCL (the "Merger"). Upon consummation of the Merger, Merger Sub will cease to exist, and the Company will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent.

        B.    It is intended that the Merger qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.

        C.    The respective boards of directors of Parent, Merger Sub and the Company have approved this Agreement and the Merger.

        D.    In order to induce Parent to enter into this Agreement and cause the Merger to be consummated, certain stockholders of the Company are executing voting agreements in favor of Parent concurrently with the execution of this Agreement (the "Company Stockholder Voting Agreements").

        E.    In order to induce the Company to enter into this Agreement and consummate the Merger, certain stockholders of Parent are executing voting agreements in favor of the Company concurrently with the execution of this Agreement (the "Parent Stockholder Voting Agreements").


AGREEMENT

        The parties to this Agreement, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

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The fraction of a share of Parent Common Stock specified in Section 1.5(a)(iii) (as such fraction may be adjusted in accordance with this Section 1.5(b)) is referred to as the "Exchange Ratio."

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        The Company represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub as follows (it being understood that each representation and warranty contained in this Section 2 is subject to: (a) the exceptions and disclosures set forth in the part or subpart of the Company Disclosure Schedule corresponding to the particular Section or subsection in this Section 2 in which such representation and warranty appears; (b) any exceptions or disclosures explicitly cross-referenced in such part or subpart of the Company Disclosure Schedule by reference to another part or subpart of the Company Disclosure Schedule; and (c) any exception or disclosure set forth in any other part or subpart of the Company Disclosure Schedule to the extent it is reasonably apparent from the wording of such exception or disclosure that such exception or disclosure is intended to qualify such representation and warranty):

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The Company has delivered to Parent an accurate and complete copy of each Company Contract that constitutes a Company Significant Contract.

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except, in the case of clauses "(a)" through "(f)" of this sentence, as would not and would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Acquired Corporations taken as a whole. Except: (A) as may be required by the Exchange Act, the DGCL, the HSR Act, any foreign Antitrust Law and the rules and regulations of The NASDAQ Stock Market (as they relate to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus); and (B) as would not and would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Acquired Corporations taken as a whole, none of the Acquired Corporations was, is or will be required to make any filing with or give any notice to, or to obtain any Consent from, any Person in connection with: (1) the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement; or (2) the consummation of the Merger or any of the other Contemplated Transactions.

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        Parent and Merger Sub represent and warrant to the Company as follows (it being understood that each representation and warranty contained in this Section 3 is subject to: (a) the exceptions and disclosures set forth in the part or subpart of the Parent Disclosure Schedule corresponding to the particular Section or subsection in this Section 3 in which such representation and warranty appears; (b) any exceptions or disclosures explicitly cross-referenced in such part or subpart of the Company Disclosure Schedule by reference to another part or subpart of the Parent Disclosure Schedule; and (c) any exception or disclosure set forth in any other part or subpart of the Parent Disclosure Schedule to the extent it is reasonably apparent from the wording of such exception or disclosure that such exception or disclosure is intended to qualify such representation and warranty):

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        The obligations of Parent and Merger Sub to cause the Merger to be effected and otherwise cause the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be consummated are subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing, of each of the following conditions:

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        The obligation of the Company to effect the Merger and otherwise consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is subject to the satisfaction, at or prior to the Closing, of the following conditions:

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[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.


 
 
ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED

 
 
By:
 
/s/  BRUCE R. CHIZEN      
    Name:   Bruce R. Chizen
    Title:   Chief Executive Officer

 
 
AVNER ACQUISITION SUB, INC.

 
 
By:
 
/s/  BRUCE R. CHIZEN      
    Name:   Bruce R. Chizen
    Title:   President

 
 
MACROMEDIA, INC.

 
 
By:
 
/s/  STEPHEN ELOP      
    Name:   Stephen Elop
    Title:   CEO

Merger Agreement Signature Page

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Exhibit A to Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization

CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

        For purposes of the Agreement (including this Exhibit A):

        Acquired Corporations.    "Acquired Corporations" shall mean: (a) the Company; and (b) each of the Company's Subsidiaries.

        Acquisition Inquiry.    "Acquisition Inquiry" shall mean an inquiry, indication of interest or request for nonpublic information (other than an inquiry, indication of interest or request for nonpublic information made or submitted by Parent) that would reasonably be expected to lead to an Acquisition Proposal.

        Acquisition Proposal.    "Acquisition Proposal" shall mean any offer or proposal (other than an offer or proposal made or submitted by Parent) contemplating or otherwise relating to any Acquisition Transaction.

        Acquisition Transaction.    "Acquisition Transaction" shall mean any transaction or series of related transactions (other than: (1) the Contemplated Transactions; (2) any transaction identified on Part 4.2 of the Company Disclosure Schedule; and (3) any transaction in furtherance of the consummation of the Contemplated Transactions with the express consent of Parent) involving:

        For purposes of the preceding sentence, a "material Subsidiary" of the Company shall mean any Subsidiary of the Company, that, together with all Subsidiaries of such Subsidiary on a consolidated basis, accounts for 15% or more of the consolidated net revenues, consolidated net income or consolidated assets of the Acquired Corporations.

        Agreement.    "Agreement" shall mean the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization to which this Exhibit A is attached, as it may be amended from time to time.

        Change in Control Resolutions.    "Change in Control Resolutions" shall mean the resolutions adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Company's board of directors on February 26, 1997, as amended by resolutions adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Company's board of directors on April 7, 2005.

        COBRA. "COBRA" shall mean the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended.

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        Code.    "Code" shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

        Company Affiliate.    "Company Affiliate" shall mean any Person under common control with any of the Acquired Corporations within the meaning of Section 414(b), Section 414(c), Section 414(m) or Section 414(o) of the Code, and the regulations issued thereunder.

        Company Associate.    "Company Associate" shall mean any current or former officer or other employee, or current or former independent contractor, consultant or director, of or to any of the Acquired Corporations or any Company Affiliate.

        Company Common Stock.    "Company Common Stock" shall mean the Common Stock, $.001 par value per share, of the Company.

        Company Contract.    "Company Contract" shall mean any Contract: (a) to which any of the Acquired Corporations is a party; (b) by which any of the Acquired Corporations is bound; or (c) under which any of the Acquired Corporations is a beneficiary or under which any of the Acquired Corporations has any right, any liability or any potential liability.

        Company Disclosure Schedule.    "Company Disclosure Schedule" shall mean the Company Disclosure Schedule and exhibits thereto that have been prepared by the Company in accordance with the requirements of Section 9.6 of the Agreement and that has been delivered by the Company to Parent upon the execution of the Agreement.

        Company Employee.    "Company Employee" shall mean any director or any officer or other employee of any of the Acquired Corporations.

        Company Employee Agreement.    "Company Employee Agreement" shall mean any management, employment, severance, retention, transaction bonus, change in control, consulting, relocation, repatriation or expatriation agreement or other similar Contract between: (a) any of the Acquired Corporations or any Company Affiliate; and (b) any Company Associate, other than any such Contract that is terminable "at will" (or following a notice period imposed by applicable law) without any obligation on the part of any Acquired Corporation or any Company Affiliate to make any severance, termination, change in control or similar payment or to provide any benefit, other than severance payments required to be made by any Acquired Corporation under applicable foreign law.

        Company Employee Plan.    "Company Employee Plan" shall mean any plan, program, policy, practice or Contract providing for compensation, severance, termination pay, deferred compensation, performance awards, stock or stock-related awards, fringe benefits, retirement benefits or other benefits or remuneration of any kind, whether or not in writing and whether or not funded, including each "employee benefit plan," within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (whether or not ERISA is applicable to such plan): (a) that is or has been maintained or contributed to, or required to be maintained or contributed to, by any of the Acquired Corporations or any Company Affiliate for the benefit of any Company Associate; or (b) with respect to which any of the Acquired Corporations or any Company Affiliate has or may incur or become subject to any liability or obligation; provided, however, that a Company Employee Agreement shall not be considered a Company Employee Plan.

        Company IP.    "Company IP" shall mean: (a) all Intellectual Property Rights in or to the Company Products and all Intellectual Property Rights in or to Company Product Software; and (b) all other Intellectual Property Rights and Intellectual Property that are material to the business of the Acquired Corporations as currently conducted with respect to which any of the Acquired Corporations has (or purports to have) an ownership interest or an exclusive license or similar exclusive right.

        Company Material Adverse Effect.    "Company Material Adverse Effect" shall mean any effect, change, event or circumstance (each, an "Effect") that, considered together with all other Effects, has a

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material adverse effect on: (a) the business, financial condition, operations or results of operations of the Acquired Corporations taken as a whole; provided, however, that, in no event shall any of the following, alone or in combination, be deemed to constitute, nor shall any of the following be taken into account in determining whether there has occurred, a Company Material Adverse Effect: (i) Effects resulting from conditions generally affecting the industries in which the Acquired Corporations participate or the U.S. or global economy or capital markets as a whole, to the extent that such conditions do not have a disproportionate impact on the Acquired Corporations taken as a whole; (ii) changes in the trading price or trading volume of Company Common Stock (it being understood, however, that any Effect causing or contributing to such changes in the trading price or trading volume of Company Common Stock may constitute a Company Material Adverse Effect and may be taken into account in determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred); (iii) the loss of (or failure to generate) revenues resulting directly from any delay or cancellation of product orders arising directly from the announcement or pendency of the Merger; (iv) resignations of employees of the Company resulting directly from the announcement or pendency of the Merger; (v) any failure by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to meet internal projections or forecasts or third party revenue or earnings predictions for any period ending (or for which revenues or earnings are released) on or after the date of the Agreement (it being understood, however, that any Effect causing or contributing to such failures to meet projections or predictions may constitute a Company Material Adverse Effect and may be taken into account in determining whether a Company Material Adverse Effect has occurred); (vi) Effects resulting from any Stockholder Merger Litigation in which, based on the underlying merits of such Stockholder Merger Litigation, the prospects for an award of damages or injunctive relief against the Company and its directors are very unlikely; (vii) Effects resulting from the taking of any action taken by the Company pursuant to Sections 5.7(c) and 5.7(d) of the Agreement; (viii) Effects resulting from: (A) the expenditures contemplated by the Retention Plan set forth in Part 4.2(b)(xiii) of the Company Disclosure Schedule; and (B) the payment by the Acquired Corporations of the legal, investment banking and other professional advisory fees and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Acquired Corporations in connection with the Contemplated Transactions; and (ix) Effects resulting from the adoption or implementation by the Company of any required stock option expensing; (b) the ability of the Company to consummate the Merger or to perform any of its covenants or obligations under the Agreement; or (c) Parent's ability to vote, transfer, receive dividends with respect to or otherwise exercise ownership rights with respect to the stock of the Surviving Corporation.

        Company Materiality Qualified Representations.    "Company Materiality Qualified Representations" shall mean the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Sections 2.4(a)(ii), 2.4(b), 2.4(f), 2.5(a), 2.5(k), 2.5(l), 2.5(m), 2.5(n), the first sentence of 2.9(c) (other than in clause "(y)" of such sentence), 2.16(f)(i) and 2.28 of the Agreement.

        Company Materiality Qualified Terms.    "Company Materiality Qualified Terms" shall mean the defined terms "Company IP," "Company Product," "Company Product Software" and "Company Source Code."

        Company Option Plans.    "Company Option Plans" shall mean: (a) the Company's 2002 Equity Incentive Plan; (b) the Company's 1999 Stock Option Plan; (c) the Company's 1993 Directors Stock Option Plan; (d) the Company's 1992 Equity Incentive Plan; (e) the Company's Allaire Corporation 1997 Stock Incentive Plan; (f) the Company's Allaire Corporation 1998 Stock Incentive Plan; (g) the Company's Allaire Corporation 2000 Stock Incentive Plan; (h) the Company's eHelp Corporation 1999 Equity Incentive Plan; (i) the Company's Middlesoft, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan; (j) the Company's Blue Sky Software Corporation 1995 Stock Option Plan; (k) the Company's Blue Sky Software Corporation 1996 Stock Option Plan; (l) the Company's Bright Tiger Technologies 1996 Stock Option Plan; (m) the Company's Live Software 1999 Stock Option/Issuance Plan; (n) the Company's

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Andromedia 1996 Stock Plan; (o) the Company's Andromedia 1997 Stock Plan; (p) the Company's Andromedia 1999 Stock Plan; and (q) the Company's ESI 1996 Equity Incentive Plan.

        Company Options.    "Company Options" shall mean options to purchase shares of Company Common Stock from the Company (whether granted by the Company pursuant to the Company Option Plans, assumed by the Company or otherwise).

        Company Other Representations.    "Company Other Representations" shall mean the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3(b), 2.3(c), 2.3(e), 2.3(f), 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, 2.11, 2.12, 2.13, 2.14, 2.15, 2.16, 2.17, 2.18, 2.19, 2.20, 2.24, 2.26 and 2.28 of the Agreement.

        Company Owned IP.    "Company Owned IP" shall mean all Company IP with respect to which any of the Acquired Corporations has (or purports to have) an ownership interest.

        Company Pension Plan.    "Company Pension Plan" shall mean each: (a) Company Employee Plan that is an "employee pension benefit plan," within the meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA; or (b) other occupational pension plan, including any final salary or money purchase plan.

        Company Preferred Stock.    "Company Preferred Stock" shall mean the Preferred Stock, $.001 par value per share, of the Company.

        Company Product.    "Company Product" shall mean: (a) any product or service developed, manufactured, marketed, distributed, provided, leased, licensed or sold, directly or indirectly, by or on behalf of any Acquired Corporation that is material to the business of the Acquired Corporations as currently conducted; and (b) any product that, as of the date of the Agreement, is not distributed, licensed or sold, directly or indirectly, by or on behalf of any Acquired Corporation, but is intended by the Company to be so distributed, licensed or sold within three months following the date of the Agreement.

        Company Product Software.    "Company Product Software" shall mean any software (regardless of whether such software is owned by an Acquired Corporation or licensed to an Acquired Corporation by a third party) contained or included in or provided with any Company Product or used in the development, manufacturing, maintenance, repair, support, testing or performance of any Company Product.

        Company Registered IP.    "Company Registered IP" shall mean any Company Owned IP that is Registered IP.

        Company Source Code.    "Company Source Code" shall mean any source code, or any portion, aspect or segment of any source code, that is material to any Company Product.

        Company Specified Circumstance. A "Company Specified Circumstance" shall be deemed to exist if: (a) the condition set forth in Section 7.10 of the Agreement is not satisfied and has not been waived; or (b) as a result of a challenge by a Governmental Body under any Antitrust Law, the condition set forth in Section 7.11 of the Agreement is not satisfied and has not been waived.

        Company Specified Representations. "Company Specified Representations" shall mean the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Sections 2.3(a), 2.3(d), 2.21, 2.22, 2.23, 2.25 and 2.27 of the Agreement.

        Company Triggering Event. A "Company Triggering Event" shall be deemed to have occurred if: (a) the board of directors of the Company shall have failed to recommend that the Company's stockholders vote to adopt the Agreement, or shall have withdrawn or shall have modified in a manner adverse to Parent the Company Board Recommendation; (b) the Company shall have failed to include

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in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus the Company Board Recommendation or a statement to the effect that the board of directors of the Company has determined and believes that the Merger is advisable to, and in the best interests of, the Company's stockholders; (c) the board of directors of the Company fails to reaffirm the Company Board Recommendation, or fails to reaffirm its determination that the Merger is in the best interests of the Company's stockholders, within 10 days after Parent requests in writing that such recommendation or determination be reaffirmed; (d) the board of directors of the Company shall have approved, endorsed or recommended any Acquisition Proposal; (e) the Company shall have entered into any letter of intent or similar document or any Contract relating to any Acquisition Proposal, other than confidentiality agreements that the Company is required to enter into pursuant to the proviso to Section 4.3(a) of the Agreement; (f) a tender or exchange offer relating to securities of the Company shall have been commenced and the Company shall not have sent to its securityholders, within 10 business days after the commencement of such tender or exchange offer, a statement disclosing that the Company recommends rejection of such tender or exchange offer; or (g) any director or executive officer of the Company shall have materially breached, or shall have directly or indirectly induced or encouraged any other Person to materially breach, any of the provisions set forth in Section 4.3 of the Agreement.

        Company Unaudited Balance Sheet.    "Company Unaudited Balance Sheet" shall mean the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2004, included in the Company's Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2004, as filed with the SEC prior to the date of the Agreement.

        Confidentiality Agreement.    "Confidentiality Agreement" shall mean that certain Mutual Nondisclosure Agreement dated as of February 9, 2005, between the Company and Parent, as amended by that certain letter agreement dated as of April 1, 2005, between the Company and Parent.

        Consent.    "Consent" shall mean any approval, consent, ratification, permission, waiver or authorization (including any Governmental Authorization).

        Contemplated Transactions.    "Contemplated Transactions" shall mean the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Agreement, the Company Stockholder Voting Agreements, the Parent Stockholder Voting Agreements, the Rights Agreement Amendment and the Noncompetition Agreements to be entered into by certain stockholders of the Company in favor of Parent in connection with the Merger.

        Contract.    "Contract" shall mean any legally binding written, oral or other agreement, contract, subcontract, lease, understanding, arrangement, instrument, note, option, warranty, purchase order, license, sublicense, insurance policy or commitment or undertaking of any nature.

        Delivered.    Any statement in Section 2 of the Agreement to the effect that any information, document or other material has been "delivered" to Parent shall mean that such information, document or material was: (a) available for review by Parent in the virtual data room set up by Fenwick & West LLP in connection with the Contemplated Transactions as of 5:00 p.m. on April 16, 2005; (b) delivered to Parent or Parent's Representatives via electronic mail or in hard copy form; (c) with respect to Acquired Corporation Returns and other Tax-, audit- and Sarbanes-Oxley Act-related materials, available for review by Parent's Representatives: (i) in a data room located at KPMG LLP; and (ii) at the Company's offices located at 99 Rhode Island Street, San Francisco on April 17, 2005; or (d) otherwise made available for review by Parent in a data room located at the offices of Fenwick & West LLP, 801 California Street, Mountain View on April 17, 2005.

        DGCL.    "DGCL" shall mean the Delaware General Corporation Law.

        DOL.    "DOL" shall mean the United States Department of Labor.

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        Encumbrance.    "Encumbrance" shall mean any lien, pledge, hypothecation, charge, mortgage, easement, encroachment, imperfection of title, title exception, title defect, right of possession, lease, security interest, encumbrance, adverse claim, interference, option, right of first refusal, preemptive right or restriction of any nature (including any restriction on the voting of any security, any restriction on the transfer of any security or other asset, any restriction on the receipt of any income derived from any asset, any restriction on the use of any asset and any restriction on the possession, exercise or transfer of any other attribute of ownership of any asset).

        Entity.    "Entity" shall mean any corporation (including any non-profit corporation), general partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, estate, trust, company (including any company limited by shares, limited liability company or joint stock company), firm, society or other enterprise, association, organization or entity.

        ERISA.    "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

        Exchange Act.    "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

        Foreign Plan. "Foreign Plan" shall mean any: (a) plan, program, policy, practice, Contract or other arrangement of any Acquired Corporation mandated by a Governmental Body outside the United States; (b) Company Employee Plan that is subject to any of the Legal Requirements of any jurisdiction outside the United States; or (c) Company Employee Plan that covers or has covered any Company Associate whose services are or have been performed primarily outside the United States.

        Form S-4 Registration Statement.    "Form S-4 Registration Statement" shall mean the registration statement on Form S-4 to be filed with the SEC by Parent in connection with the issuance of Parent Common Stock in the Merger, as said registration statement may be amended.

        GAAP.    "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.

        Government Bid.    "Government Bid" shall mean any quotation, bid or proposal submitted to any Governmental Body or any proposed prime contractor or higher-tier subcontractor of any Governmental Body.

        Government Contract.    "Government Contract" shall mean any prime contract, subcontract, letter contract, purchase order or delivery order executed or submitted to or on behalf of any Governmental Body or any prime contractor or higher-tier subcontractor, or under which any Governmental Body or any such prime contractor or subcontractor otherwise has or may acquire any right or interest.

        Governmental Authorization.    "Governmental Authorization" shall mean any permit, license, certificate, franchise, permission, variance, clearance, registration, qualification or authorization issued, granted, given or otherwise made available by or under the authority of any Governmental Body or pursuant to any Legal Requirement.

        Governmental Body.    "Governmental Body" shall mean any: (a) nation, state, commonwealth, province, territory, county, municipality, district or other jurisdiction of any nature; (b) federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other government; (c) governmental or quasi-governmental authority of any nature (including any governmental division, department, agency, commission, instrumentality, official, ministry, fund, foundation, center, organization, unit, body or Entity and any court or other tribunal); or (d) self-regulatory organization (including the NASDAQ National Market).

        HSR Act.    "HSR Act" shall mean the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.

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        Intellectual Property.    "Intellectual Property" shall mean algorithms, apparatus, databases, data collections, diagrams, formulae, inventions (whether or not patentable), know-how, logos, marks (including brand names, product names, logos, and slogans), methods, processes, proprietary information, protocols, schematics, specifications, software, software code (in any form, including source code and executable or object code), techniques, user interfaces, URLs, web sites, works of authorship and other forms of technology (whether or not embodied in any tangible form and including all tangible embodiments of the foregoing, such as instruction manuals, laboratory notebooks, prototypes, samples, studies and summaries).

        Intellectual Property Rights.    "Intellectual Property Rights" shall mean all rights of the following types, which may exist or be created under the laws of any jurisdiction in the world: (a) rights associated with works of authorship, including exclusive exploitation rights, copyrights, moral rights and mask works; (b) trademark, trade name and domain name rights and similar rights; (c) trade secret rights; (d) patent and industrial property rights; (e) other proprietary rights in Intellectual Property; and (f) rights in or relating to registrations, renewals, extensions, combinations, divisions and reissues of, and applications for, any of the rights referred to in clauses "(a)" through "(e)" above.

        International Employee.    "International Employee" shall mean any Company Employee who performs services to any Acquired Corporation as an employee outside of the United States.

        IRS.    "IRS" shall mean the United States Internal Revenue Service.

        Joint Defense Agreement.    "Joint Defense Agreement" shall mean that certain Confidentiality and Joint Defense Agreement dated February 8, 2005 among the Company, Parent and the respective antitrust counsel to the Company and Parent.

        Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.    "Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus" shall mean the joint proxy statement/prospectus to be sent to the Company's stockholders in connection with the Company Stockholders' Meeting and to Parent's stockholders in connection with the Parent Stockholders' Meeting.

        Knowledge.    "knowledge" shall mean, with respect to any particular matter: (a) with respect to the Company, the actual knowledge of the executive officers, the acting general counsel and the Chairman of the board of directors of the Company regarding such matter; and (b) with respect to Parent, the actual knowledge of Parent's Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel regarding such matter.

        Legal Proceeding.    "Legal Proceeding" shall mean any action, suit, litigation, arbitration, proceeding (including any civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or appellate proceeding), hearing, inquiry, audit, examination or investigation commenced, brought, conducted or heard by or before, or otherwise involving, any court or other Governmental Body or any arbitrator or arbitration panel.

        Legal Requirement.    "Legal Requirement" shall mean any federal, state, local, municipal, foreign or other law, statute, constitution, principle of common law, resolution, ordinance, code, edict, decree, rule, regulation, order, award, ruling or requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Body (or under the authority of the NASD or The NASDAQ Stock Market).

        Order.    "Order" shall mean any order, writ, injunction, judgment or decree.

        Parent Common Stock.    "Parent Common Stock" shall mean the Common Stock, $.0001 par value per share, of Parent.

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        Parent Disclosure Schedule.    "Parent Disclosure Schedule" shall mean the Parent Disclosure Schedule that has been prepared by Parent in accordance with the requirements of Section 9.6 of the Agreement and that has been delivered by Parent to the Company on the date of the Agreement.

        Parent Material Adverse Effect.    "Parent Material Adverse Effect" shall mean any Effect that, considered together with all other Effects, has a material adverse effect on: (a) the business, financial condition, operations or results of operations of Parent and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole; provided, however, that, in no event shall any of the following, alone or in combination, be deemed to constitute, nor shall any of the following be taken into account in determining whether there has occurred, a Parent Material Adverse Effect: (i) Effects resulting from conditions generally affecting the industries in which Parent participates or the U.S. or global economy or capital markets as a whole, to the extent that such conditions do not have a disproportionate impact on Parent and its Subsidiaries; (ii) changes in the trading price or trading volume of Parent Common Stock (it being understood, however, that any Effect causing or contributing to such changes in the trading price or trading volume of Parent Common Stock may constitute a Parent Material Adverse Effect and may be taken into account in determining whether a Parent Material Adverse Effect has occurred); (iii) the loss of (or failure to generate) revenues resulting directly from any delay or cancellation of product orders arising directly from the announcement or pendency of the Merger; (iv) resignations of employees of Parent resulting directly from the announcement or pendency of the Merger; (v) any failure by Parent or any of its Subsidiaries to meet internal projections or forecasts or third party revenue or earnings predictions for any period ending (or for which revenues or earnings are released) on or after the date of the Agreement (it being understood, however, that any Effect causing or contributing to such failures to meet projections or predictions may constitute a Parent Material Adverse Effect and may be taken into account in determining whether a Parent Material Adverse Effect has occurred); (vi) Effects resulting from the taking of any action taken by Parent pursuant to Sections 5.7(c) and 5.7(d) of the Agreement; (vii) Effects resulting from the payment by Parent of the legal, investment banking and other professional advisory fees and out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Parent in connection with the Contemplated Transactions; and (viii) Effects resulting from the adoption or implementation by Parent of any required stock option expensing; or (b) the ability of Parent to consummate the Merger or to perform any of its covenants or obligations under the Agreement.

        Parent Materiality Qualified Representations.    "Parent Materiality Qualified Representations" shall mean the representations and warranties of Parent and Merger Sub contained in Sections 3.3(a), 3.3(b), 3.3(d), 3.4(a), 3.4(c), 3.4(d), 3.4(e), 3.12(c) and 3.16 of the Agreement.

        Parent Options.    "Parent Options" shall mean options to purchase shares of Parent Common Stock from Parent (whether granted by Parent pursuant to Parent's stock option plans, assumed by the Parent or otherwise).

        Parent Other Representations.    "Parent Other Representations" shall mean the representations and warranties of Parent and Merger Sub contained in Sections 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.12, 3.14 and 3.16 of the Agreement.

        Parent Preferred Stock.    "Parent Preferred Stock" shall mean Preferred Stock, $.0001 par value per share, of Parent.

        Parent Primary Exchange.    "Parent Primary Exchange" shall mean the NASDAQ National Market, or such other primary stock exchange on which Parent Common Stock is listed as of the Closing.

        Parent Specified Circumstance. A "Parent Specified Circumstance" shall be deemed to exist if: (a) any of the conditions set forth in Sections 6.9, 6.10 and 6.11 of the Agreement is not satisfied and has not been waived; or (b) as a result of a challenge by a Governmental Body under any Antitrust

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Law, the condition set forth in Section 6.13 of the Agreement or the condition set forth in Section 6.14 of the Agreement is not satisfied and has not been waived.

        Parent Specified Representations.    "Parent Specified Representations" shall mean the representations and warranties of Parent and Merger Sub contained in Sections 3.2, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 3.13 and 3.15 of the Agreement.

        Parent Triggering Event. A "Parent Triggering Event" shall be deemed to have occurred if: (a) the board of directors of Parent shall have failed to recommend that Parent's stockholders vote to approve the issuance of Parent Common Stock in the Merger, or shall have withdrawn or shall have modified in a manner adverse to the Company the Parent Board Recommendation; (b) Parent shall have failed to include in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus the Parent Board Recommendation or a statement to the effect that that board of directors of Parent has determined and believes that the issuance of Parent Common Stock in the Merger is in the best interests of Parent's stockholders; or (c) the board of directors of Parent fails to reaffirm the Parent Board Recommendation, or fails to reaffirm its determination that the issuance of Parent Common Stock in the Merger is in the best interests of Parent's stockholders, within 10 days after the Company requests in writing that such recommendation or determination be reaffirmed.

        Person.    "Person" shall mean any individual, Entity or Governmental Body.

        Registered IP.    "Registered IP" shall mean all Intellectual Property Rights that are registered, filed or issued with, by or under the authority of any Governmental Body, including all patents, registered copyrights, registered mask works and registered trademarks and all applications for any of the foregoing.

        Representatives.    "Representatives" shall mean directors, officers, other employees, agents, attorneys, accountants, advisors and representatives.

        Sarbanes-Oxley Act.    "Sarbanes-Oxley Act" shall mean the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as it may be amended from time to time.

        SEC.    "SEC" shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

        Securities Act.    "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

        Specified Governmental Representative.    "Specified Governmental Representative" shall mean any official or representative of any Governmental Body; provided, however, that in the case of the FTC/DOJ, Specified Governmental Representative shall not include any official or representative below the level of: (a) with respect to the Federal Trade Commission, Director of the Bureau of Competition; and (b) with respect to the U.S. Department of Justice, Assistant Attorney General.

        Specified Antitrust Law.    An Antitrust Law shall be deemed to be a "Specified Antitrust Law" if, in the good faith judgment of Parent's board of directors, the violation of such Antitrust Law would not reasonably be expected to result in material harm to Parent or the Company or any Subsidiary of Parent or the Company, or to the business, financial condition, legal standing or status, governmental relations, reputation or future ability or authority to conduct business of Parent or the Company or any Subsidiary of Parent or the Company (it being understood that, without limiting the foregoing, for purposes of this definition of "Specified Antitrust Law" only, the violation of any Antitrust Law of any jurisdiction in which either Parent and its Subsidiaries or the Company and its Subsidiaries generated more than 1% of the consolidated revenue of Parent and its Subsidiaries or the Company and its Subsidiaries in fiscal year 2004 would conclusively be deemed to be reasonably expected to result in material harm to Parent or the Company).

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        Stockholder Merger Litigation.    "Stockholder Merger Litigation" shall mean any stockholder class action or derivative litigation commenced against the Company or its directors on or after the date of the Agreement based on allegations that either the Company's entry into the Agreement or the terms and conditions of the Agreement constituted a breach of the fiduciary duties of the Company's board of directors.

        Subsidiary.    An Entity shall be deemed to be a "Subsidiary" of another Person if such Person directly or indirectly owns or purports to own, beneficially or of record: (a) an amount of voting securities of or other interests in such Entity that is sufficient to enable such Person to elect at least a majority of the members of such Entity's board of directors or other governing body; or (b) at least 50% of the outstanding equity, voting or financial interests in such Entity.

        Superior Offer.    "Superior Offer" shall mean an unsolicited bona fide written offer by an unaffiliated third party to acquire pursuant to a tender offer, exchange offer, merger, consolidation or other business combination: (a) all or substantially all of the assets of the Acquired Corporations; or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Company and as a result of which the stockholders of the Company immediately preceding such transaction would cease to hold at least 50% of the equity interests in the surviving or resulting Entity of such transaction or any direct or indirect parent thereof, in exchange for consideration consisting exclusively of cash or publicly traded equity securities (or a combination of cash and publicly traded equity securities) that: (i) was not obtained or made as a direct or indirect result of a breach of Section 4.3 of the Agreement; (ii) is not subject to a financing contingency; and (iii) is determined by the board of directors of the Company, in its good faith judgment, after obtaining and taking into account the advice of an independent financial advisor of nationally recognized reputation, and after taking into account the likelihood and anticipated timing of consummation, to be more favorable from a financial point of view to the Company's stockholders than the Merger.

        Tax.    "Tax" shall mean any federal, state, local, foreign or other tax (including any income tax, franchise tax, capital gains tax, gross receipts tax, value-added tax, surtax, estimated tax, unemployment tax, national health insurance tax, excise tax, ad valorem tax, transfer tax, stamp tax, sales tax, use tax, property tax, business tax, withholding tax or payroll tax), levy, assessment, tariff, duty (including any customs duty), deficiency or fee, and any related charge or amount (including any fine, penalty or interest), imposed, assessed or collected by or under the authority of any Governmental Body.

        Tax Return.    "Tax Return" shall mean any return (including any information return), report, statement, declaration, estimate, schedule, notice, notification, form, election, certificate or other document or information, and any amendment or supplement to any of the foregoing, filed with or submitted to, or required to be filed with or submitted to, any Governmental Body relating to any Taxes.

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ANNEX B


VOTING AGREEMENT

        THIS VOTING AGREEMENT ("Voting Agreement") is entered into as of April 17, 2005, by and between ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED, a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), and                         ("Stockholder").


RECITALS

        A.    Stockholder is a holder of record and the "beneficial owner" (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of certain shares of common stock of Macromedia, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company").

        B.    Parent, Avner Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Merger Sub"), and the Company are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization of even date herewith (the "Merger Agreement"), which provides (subject to the conditions set forth therein) for the merger of Merger Sub into the Company (the "Merger"). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Voting Agreement have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Merger Agreement.

        C.    In the Merger, each outstanding share of common stock of the Company is to be converted into the right to receive 1.38 shares of Parent Common Stock.

        D.    Stockholder is entering into this Voting Agreement in order to induce Parent to enter into the Merger Agreement and cause the Merger to be consummated.


AGREEMENT

        The parties to this Voting Agreement, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

SECTION 1. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

        For purposes of this Voting Agreement:

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SECTION 2. TRANSFER OF SUBJECT SECURITIES AND VOTING RIGHTS

        2.1    Restriction on Transfer of Subject Securities.    Subject to Section 2.3, during the Voting Period, Stockholder shall not, directly or indirectly, cause or permit any Transfer of any of the Subject Securities to be effected; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Voting Agreement will be deemed to restrict the ability of Stockholder to exercise any Company Options held by Stockholder prior to the Expiration Date.

        2.2    Restriction on Transfer of Voting Rights.    During the Voting Period, Stockholder shall ensure that: (a) none of the Subject Securities is deposited into a voting trust; and (b) no proxy is granted, and no voting agreement or similar agreement is entered into, with respect to any of the Subject Securities that is inconsistent with this Voting Agreement.

        2.3    Permitted Transfers.    Section 2.1 shall not prohibit a transfer of Subject Securities by Stockholder: (a) if Stockholder is an individual: (i) to any member of Stockholder's immediate family; or to a trust for the benefit of Stockholder or any member of Stockholder's immediate family: or (ii) upon the death of Stockholder; or (b) if Stockholder is a partnership or limited liability company, to one or more partners or members of Stockholder or to an affiliated corporation under common control with Stockholder; provided, however, that a transfer referred to in this sentence shall be permitted only if, as a precondition to such transfer, the transferee agrees in a writing, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Parent, to be bound by all of the terms of this Voting Agreement.

SECTION 3. VOTING OF SHARES

        3.1    Voting Covenant.    Stockholder hereby agrees that, prior to the Expiration Date, at any meeting of the stockholders of the Company, however called, and in any written action by consent of stockholders of the Company, unless otherwise directed in writing by Parent, Stockholder shall cause any issued and outstanding shares of Company Common Stock Owned by Stockholder as of the record date with respect to such meeting or consent:

Prior to the Expiration Date, Stockholder shall not enter into any agreement or understanding with any Person to vote or give instructions in any manner inconsistent with clause "(a)" or clause "(b)" of the preceding sentence without the prior written consent of Parent.

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        3.2    PROXY; FURTHER ASSURANCES.    

SECTION 4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF STOCKHOLDER

        Stockholder hereby represents and warrants to Parent as follows:

        4.1    Authorization, etc.    Stockholder has the absolute and unrestricted power, authority and capacity to execute and deliver this Voting Agreement and the Proxy and to perform Stockholder's obligations hereunder and thereunder. This Voting Agreement and the Proxy have been duly executed and delivered by Stockholder and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of Stockholder, enforceable against Stockholder in accordance with their terms, subject to: (a) laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors; and (b) rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief and other equitable remedies.

        4.2    No Conflicts or Consents.    

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        4.3    Title to Securities.    As of the date of this Voting Agreement: (a) Stockholder holds of record (free and clear of any Encumbrances, except for: (i) applicable restrictions on transfer under applicable securities laws and community property laws; and (ii) the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 2) the number of outstanding shares of Company Common Stock set forth under the heading "Shares Held of Record" on the signature page hereof; (b) Stockholder holds (free and clear of any Encumbrances, except for: (i) applicable restrictions on transfer under applicable securities laws and community property laws; and (ii) the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 2) the options, warrants and other rights to acquire shares of Company Common Stock set forth under the heading "Options and Other Rights" on the signature page hereof; (c) Stockholder Owns the additional securities of the Company set forth under the heading "Additional Securities Beneficially Owned" on the signature page hereof; and (d) Stockholder does not directly or indirectly Own any shares of capital stock or other securities of the Company, or any option, warrant or other right to acquire (by purchase, conversion or otherwise) any shares of capital stock or other securities of the Company, other than the shares and options, warrants and other rights set forth on the signature page hereof.

        4.4    Accuracy of Representations.    The representations and warranties contained in this Voting Agreement are accurate in all respects as of the date of this Voting Agreement, and will be accurate in all respects at all times prior to the Expiration Date as if made as of any such time or date.

SECTION 5. MISCELLANEOUS

        5.1    Stockholder Information.    Stockholder hereby agrees to permit Parent and Merger Sub to publish and disclose in the Form S-4 Registration Statement and Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus Stockholder's identity and ownership of shares of Company Common Stock and the nature of Stockholder's commitments, arrangements and understandings under this Voting Agreement.

        5.2    Further Assurances.    From time to time and without additional consideration, Stockholder shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such additional transfers, assignments, endorsements, proxies, consents and other instruments, and shall take such further actions, as Parent may reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out and furthering the intent of this Voting Agreement.

        5.3    Expenses.    All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Voting Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses.

        5.4    Notices.    Any notice or other communication under this Voting Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made as follows: (a) if sent by registered or certified mail in the United States return receipt requested, upon receipt; (b) if sent designated for overnight delivery by nationally recognized overnight air courier (such as DHL or Federal Express), two business days after mailing; (c) if sent by facsimile transmission before 5:00 p.m., when transmitted and receipt is confirmed; (d) if sent by facsimile transmission after 5:00 p.m. and receipt is confirmed, on the following business day; and (e) if otherwise actually personally delivered, when delivered, provided that such notices, requests, demands and other communications are delivered to the address set forth below, or to such other address as any party shall provide by like notice to the other parties to this Voting Agreement:

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        5.5    Severability.    Any term or provision of this Voting Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction. If the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction declares that any term or provision hereof is invalid or unenforceable, the parties hereto agree that the court making such determination shall have the power to limit the term or provision, to delete specific words or phrases, or to replace any invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision, and this Voting Agreement shall be enforceable as so modified. In the event such court does not exercise the power granted to it in the prior sentence, the parties hereto agree to replace such invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a valid and enforceable term or provision that will achieve, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of such invalid or unenforceable term.

        5.6    Entire Agreement.    This Voting Agreement and the Proxy and any other documents delivered by the parties in connection herewith constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect thereto.

        5.7    Amendments.    This Voting Agreement may not be amended, modified, altered or supplemented other than by means of a written instrument duly executed and delivered on behalf of Parent and Stockholder.

        5.8    Assignment; Binding Effect; No Third Party Rights.    Except as provided herein, neither this Voting Agreement nor any of the interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned or delegated by Stockholder, and any attempted or purported assignment or delegation of any of such interests or obligations shall be void. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Voting Agreement shall be binding upon Stockholder and Stockholder's heirs, estate, executors and personal representatives and Stockholder's successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of Parent and its successors and assigns. Without limiting any of the restrictions set forth in Section 2, Section 3 or elsewhere in this Voting Agreement, this Voting Agreement shall be binding upon any Person to whom any Subject Securities are transferred. Nothing in this Voting Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer on any Person (other than the parties hereto) any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Voting Agreement.

        5.9    Specific Performance.    The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Voting Agreement or the Proxy were not performed in accordance with its specific terms or were otherwise breached. Stockholder agrees that, in the event of any breach

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or threatened breach by Stockholder of any covenant or obligation contained in this Voting Agreement or in the Proxy, Parent shall be entitled (in addition to any other remedy that may be available to it, including monetary damages) to seek and obtain: (a) a decree or order of specific performance to enforce the observance and performance of such covenant or obligation; and (b) an injunction restraining such breach or threatened breach. Stockholder further agrees that neither Parent nor any other Person shall be required to obtain, furnish or post any bond or similar instrument in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any remedy referred to in this Section 5.9, and Stockholder irrevocably waives any right he or it may have to require the obtaining, furnishing or posting of any such bond or similar instrument.

        5.10    Attorneys' Fees.    If any Legal Proceeding relating to this Voting Agreement or the enforcement of any provision of this Voting Agreement is brought against Stockholder, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and disbursements (in addition to any other relief to which the prevailing party may be entitled).

        5.11    Non-Exclusivity.    The rights and remedies of Parent under this Voting Agreement are not exclusive of or limited by any other rights or remedies which it may have, whether at law, in equity, by contract or otherwise, all of which shall be cumulative (and not alternative).

        5.12    Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.    This Voting Agreement and the Proxy shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof. In any action between any of the parties arising out of or relating to this Voting Agreement or the Proxy or any of the transactions contemplated by this Voting Agreement or the Proxy, each of the parties: (a) irrevocably and unconditionally consents and submits to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware; (b) irrevocably waives the right to trial by jury; and (c) irrevocably consents to service of process by first class certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepared, to the address at which Stockholder or Parent, as the case may be, is to receive notice in accordance with Section 5.4.

        5.13    Counterparts; Exchanges by Facsimile.    This Voting Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. The exchange of a fully executed Voting Agreement (in counterparts or otherwise) by facsimile shall be sufficient to bind the parties to the terms and conditions of this Voting Agreement.

        5.14    Captions.    The captions contained in this Voting Agreement are for convenience of reference only, shall not be deemed to be a part of this Voting Agreement and shall not be referred to in connection with the construction or interpretation of this Voting Agreement.

        5.15    Extension; Waiver.    Subject to the final two sentences of this Section 5.15, at any time prior to the Expiration Date, any party hereto may: (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties to this Voting Agreement; (b) waive any inaccuracy in or breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation of the other party in this Voting Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to this Voting Agreement; and (c) waive compliance with any covenant, obligation or condition for the benefit of such party contained in this Voting Agreement. No failure on the part of any party to exercise any power, right, privilege or remedy under this Voting Agreement, and no delay on the part of any party in exercising any power, right, privilege or remedy under this Voting Agreement, shall operate as a waiver of such power, right, privilege or remedy; and no single or partial exercise of any such power, right, privilege or remedy shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or of any other power, right, privilege or remedy. No party shall be deemed to have waived any claim available to such party arising out of this Voting Agreement, or any power, right, privilege or remedy of such party under this Voting Agreement, unless the waiver of such claim, power, right, privilege or remedy is expressly set forth in a written instrument duly executed

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and delivered on behalf of such party; and any such waiver shall not be applicable or have any effect except in the specific instance in which it is given.

        5.16    Independence of Obligations.    The covenants and obligations of Stockholder set forth in this Voting Agreement shall be construed as independent of any other Contract between Stockholder, on the one hand, and the Company or Parent, on the other. The existence of any claim or cause of action by Stockholder against the Company or Parent shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement of any of such covenants or obligations against Stockholder. Nothing in this Voting Agreement shall limit any of the rights or remedies of Parent under the Merger Agreement, or any of the rights or remedies of Parent or any of the obligations of Stockholder under any agreement between Stockholder and Parent (other than the Proxy) or any certificate or instrument executed by Stockholder in favor of Parent (other than the Proxy); and nothing in the Merger Agreement or in any other such agreement, certificate or instrument, shall limit any of the rights or remedies of Parent or any of the obligations of Stockholder under this Voting Agreement.

        5.17    Construction.    

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Parent and Stockholder have caused this Voting Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.

    ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED

 
 
    
By

 
 
    
Title

 
 
STOCKHOLDER

 
 
    
Signature
        
Printed Name

 
 
Address:
 
    
            
            

 
 
Facsimile:
 
    
Shares Held of Record
   Options and Other Rights
   Additional Securities
Beneficially Owned
         
         
         

Signature Page to Company Voting Agreement

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Exhibit A to Adobe Voting Agreement

FORM OF IRREVOCABLE PROXY

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IRREVOCABLE PROXY

        The undersigned stockholder (the "Stockholder") of MACROMEDIA, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), hereby irrevocably (to the fullest extent permitted by law) appoints and constitutes Karen Cottle, John Brennan and ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED, a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), and each of them, the attorneys and proxies of the Stockholder, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to the full extent of the Stockholder's rights with respect to the outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company owned of record by the Stockholder as of the date of this proxy, which shares are specified on the final page of this proxy. (The shares of the capital stock of the Company referred to in the immediately preceding sentence are referred to as the "Shares.") Upon the execution of this proxy, all prior proxies given by the Stockholder with respect to any of the Shares are hereby revoked, and the Stockholder agrees that no subsequent proxies that are inconsistent with this proxy will be given with respect to any of the Shares.

        This proxy is irrevocable, is coupled with an interest and is granted in connection with, and as security for, the Voting Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between Parent and the Stockholder (the "Voting Agreement"), and is granted in consideration of Parent entering into the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of the date hereof, among Parent, Avner Acquisition Sub, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, and the Company (the "Merger Agreement"). This proxy will terminate on the Expiration Date (as defined in the Voting Agreement).

        Prior to the Expiration Date, the attorneys and proxies named above will be empowered, and may exercise this proxy, to vote any Shares owned by the undersigned, at any meeting of the stockholders of the Company, however called, and in connection with any written action by consent of stockholders of the Company:

        The Stockholder may vote the Shares on all other matters not referred to in this proxy, and the attorneys and proxies named above may not exercise this proxy with respect to such other matters.

        This proxy shall be binding upon the heirs, estate, executors, personal representatives, successors and assigns of the Stockholder (including any transferee of any of the Shares).

        Any term or provision of this proxy that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction. If the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction declares that any term or provision hereof is invalid or unenforceable, the Stockholder agrees that the court making such determination shall have the power to limit the term or provision, to delete specific words or phrases, or to replace any invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or

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provision, and this proxy shall be enforceable as so modified. In the event such court does not exercise the power granted to it in the prior sentence, the parties hereto agree to replace such invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a valid and enforceable term or provision that will achieve, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of such invalid or unenforceable term.

Dated: April 17, 2005    

 
 
STOCKHOLDER

 
 
    
Signature
        
Printed Name

 
 
Number of shares of common stock of the Company owned of record as of the date of this proxy:

 
 
    

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ANNEX C

VOTING AGREEMENT

        THIS VOTING AGREEMENT ("Voting Agreement") is entered into as of April 17, 2005, by and between MACROMEDIA, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and                         ("Stockholder").


RECITALS

        A.    Stockholder is a holder of record and the "beneficial owner" (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of certain shares of common stock of Adobe Systems Incorporated, a Delaware corporation ("Parent").

        B.    Parent, Avner Acquisition Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Merger Sub"), and the Company are entering into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization of even date herewith (the "Merger Agreement"), which provides (subject to the conditions set forth therein) for the merger of Merger Sub into the Company (the "Merger"). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this Voting Agreement have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Merger Agreement.

        C.    In the Merger, each outstanding share of common stock of the Company is to be converted into the right to receive 1.38 shares of Parent Common Stock.

        D.    Stockholder is entering into this Voting Agreement in order to induce the Company to enter into the Merger Agreement and consummate the Merger.


AGREEMENT

        The parties to this Voting Agreement, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

SECTION 1. CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

        For purposes of this Voting Agreement:

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SECTION 2. TRANSFER OF SUBJECT SECURITIES AND VOTING RIGHTS

        2.1    Restriction on Transfer of Subject Securities.    Subject to Section 2.3, during the Voting Period, Stockholder shall not, directly or indirectly, cause or permit any Transfer of any of the Subject Securities to be effected; provided, however, that nothing contained in this Voting Agreement will be deemed to restrict the ability of Stockholder to exercise any Parent Options held by Stockholder prior to the Expiration Date.

        2.2    Restriction on Transfer of Voting Rights.    During the Voting Period, Stockholder shall ensure that: (a) none of the Subject Securities is deposited into a voting trust; and (b) no proxy is granted, and no voting agreement or similar agreement is entered into, with respect to any of the Subject Securities that is inconsistent with this Voting Agreement.

        2.3    Permitted Transfers.    Section 2.1 shall not prohibit a transfer of Subject Securities by Stockholder: (a) if Stockholder is an individual: (i) to any member of Stockholder's immediate family; or to a trust for the benefit of Stockholder or any member of Stockholder's immediate family: or (ii) upon the death of Stockholder; or (b) if Stockholder is a partnership or limited liability company, to one or more partners or members of Stockholder or to an affiliated corporation under common control with Stockholder; provided, however, that a transfer referred to in this sentence shall be permitted only if, as a precondition to such transfer, the transferee agrees in a writing, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company, to be bound by all of the terms of this Voting Agreement.

SECTION 3. VOTING OF SHARES

        3.1    Voting Covenant.    Stockholder hereby agrees that, prior to the Expiration Date, at any meeting of the stockholders of Parent, however called, and in any written action by consent of stockholders of Parent, unless otherwise directed in writing by the Company, Stockholder shall cause any issued and outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock Owned by Stockholder as of the record date with respect to such meeting or consent, in favor of: (a) the execution and delivery by Parent of the Merger Agreement; (b) the approval of the issuance of Parent Common Stock in the Merger; and (c) each of the other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Prior to the Expiration Date, Stockholder shall not enter into any agreement or understanding with any Person to vote or give instructions in any manner inconsistent with the preceding sentence without the prior written consent of the Company.

        3.2    PROXY; FURTHER ASSURANCES.    

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SECTION 4. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF STOCKHOLDER

        Stockholder hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows:

        4.1    Authorization, etc.    Stockholder has the absolute and unrestricted power, authority and capacity to execute and deliver this Voting Agreement and the Proxy and to perform Stockholder's obligations hereunder and thereunder. This Voting Agreement and the Proxy have been duly executed and delivered by Stockholder and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of Stockholder, enforceable against Stockholder in accordance with their terms, subject to: (a) laws of general application relating to bankruptcy, insolvency and the relief of debtors; and (b) rules of law governing specific performance, injunctive relief and other equitable remedies.

        4.2    No Conflicts or Consents.    

        4.3    Title to Securities.    As of the date of this Voting Agreement: (a) Stockholder holds of record (free and clear of any Encumbrances, except for: (i) applicable restrictions on transfer under applicable securities laws and community property laws; and (ii) the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 2) the number of outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock set forth under the heading "Shares Held of Record" on the signature page hereof; (b) Stockholder holds (free and clear of any Encumbrances, except for: (i) applicable restrictions on transfer under applicable securities laws and community property laws; and (ii) the restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 2) the options, warrants and other rights to acquire shares of Parent Common Stock set forth under the heading "Options and Other Rights" on the signature page hereof; (c) Stockholder Owns the additional securities of Parent set forth under the heading "Additional Securities Beneficially Owned" on the signature page hereof; and (d) Stockholder does not directly or indirectly Own any shares of capital stock or other securities

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of Parent, or any option, warrant or other right to acquire (by purchase, conversion or otherwise) any shares of capital stock or other securities of Parent, other than the shares and options, warrants and other rights set forth on the signature page hereof.

        4.4    Accuracy of Representations.    The representations and warranties contained in this Voting Agreement are accurate in all respects as of the date of this Voting Agreement, and will be accurate in all respects at all times prior to the Expiration Date as if made as of any such time or date.

SECTION 5. MISCELLANEOUS

        5.1    Stockholder Information.    Stockholder hereby agrees to permit the Company to publish and disclose in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus Stockholder's identity and ownership of shares of Parent Common Stock and the nature of Stockholder's commitments, arrangements and understandings under this Voting Agreement.

        5.2    Further Assurances.    From time to time and without additional consideration, Stockholder shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, such additional transfers, assignments, endorsements, proxies, consents and other instruments, and shall take such further actions, as the Company may reasonably request for the purpose of carrying out and furthering the intent of this Voting Agreement.

        5.3    Expenses.    All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Voting Agreement shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses.

        5.4    Notices.    Any notice or other communication under this Voting Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made as follows: (a) if sent by registered or certified mail in the United States return receipt requested, upon receipt; (b) if sent designated for overnight delivery by nationally recognized overnight air courier (such as DHL or Federal Express), two business days after mailing; (c) if sent by facsimile transmission before 5:00 p.m., when transmitted and receipt is confirmed; (d) if sent by facsimile transmission after 5:00 p.m. and receipt is confirmed, on the following business day; and (e) if otherwise actually personally delivered, when delivered, provided that such notices, requests, demands and other communications are delivered to the address set forth below, or to such other address as any party shall provide by like notice to the other parties to this Voting Agreement:

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        5.5    Severability.    Any term or provision of this Voting Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction. If the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction declares that any term or provision hereof is invalid or unenforceable, the parties hereto agree that the court making such determination shall have the power to limit the term or provision, to delete specific words or phrases, or to replace any invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision, and this Voting Agreement shall be enforceable as so modified. In the event such court does not exercise the power granted to it in the prior sentence, the parties hereto agree to replace such invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a valid and enforceable term or provision that will achieve, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of such invalid or unenforceable term.

        5.6    Entire Agreement.    This Voting Agreement and the Proxy and any other documents delivered by the parties in connection herewith constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect thereto.

        5.7    Amendments.    This Voting Agreement may not be amended, modified, altered or supplemented other than by means of a written instrument duly executed and delivered on behalf of the Company and Stockholder.

        5.8    Assignment; Binding Effect; No Third Party Rights.    Except as provided herein, neither this Voting Agreement nor any of the interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned or delegated by Stockholder, and any attempted or purported assignment or delegation of any of such interests or obligations shall be void. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Voting Agreement shall be binding upon Stockholder and Stockholder's heirs, estate, executors and personal representatives and Stockholder's successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns. Without limiting any of the restrictions set forth in Section 2, Section 3 or elsewhere in this Voting Agreement, this Voting Agreement shall be binding upon any Person to whom any Subject Securities are transferred. Nothing in this Voting Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer on any Person (other than the parties hereto) any rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Voting Agreement.

        5.9    Specific Performance.    The parties agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Voting Agreement or the Proxy were not performed in accordance with its specific terms or were otherwise breached. Stockholder agrees that, in the event of any breach or threatened breach by Stockholder of any covenant or obligation contained in this Voting Agreement or in the Proxy, the Company shall be entitled (in addition to any other remedy that may be available to it, including monetary damages) to seek and obtain: (a) a decree or order of specific performance to enforce the observance and performance of such covenant or obligation; and (b) an injunction restraining such breach or threatened breach. Stockholder further agrees that neither the Company nor any other Person shall be required to obtain, furnish or post any bond or similar instrument in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any remedy referred to in this Section 5.9, and Stockholder irrevocably waives any right he or it may have to require the obtaining, furnishing or posting of any such bond or similar instrument.

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        5.10    Attorneys' Fees.    If any Legal Proceeding relating to this Voting Agreement or the enforcement of any provision of this Voting Agreement is brought against Stockholder, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees, costs and disbursements (in addition to any other relief to which the prevailing party may be entitled).

        5.11    Non-Exclusivity.    The rights and remedies of the Company under this Voting Agreement are not exclusive of or limited by any other rights or remedies which it may have, whether at law, in equity, by contract or otherwise, all of which shall be cumulative (and not alternative).

        5.12    Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.    This Voting Agreement and the Proxy shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws thereof. In any action between any of the parties arising out of or relating to this Voting Agreement or the Proxy or any of the transactions contemplated by this Voting Agreement or the Proxy, each of the parties: (a) irrevocably and unconditionally consents and submits to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware; (b) irrevocably waives the right to trial by jury; and (c) irrevocably consents to service of process by first class certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepared, to the address at which Stockholder or the Company, as the case may be, is to receive notice in accordance with Section 5.4.

        5.13    Counterparts; Exchanges by Facsimile.    This Voting Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. The exchange of a fully executed Voting Agreement (in counterparts or otherwise) by facsimile shall be sufficient to bind the parties to the terms and conditions of this Voting Agreement.

        5.14    Captions.    The captions contained in this Voting Agreement are for convenience of reference only, shall not be deemed to be a part of this Voting Agreement and shall not be referred to in connection with the construction or interpretation of this Voting Agreement.

        5.15    Extension; Waiver.    Subject to the final two sentences of this Section 5.15, at any time prior to the Expiration Date, any party hereto may: (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties to this Voting Agreement; (b) waive any inaccuracy in or breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation of the other party in this Voting Agreement or in any document delivered pursuant to this Voting Agreement; and (c) waive compliance with any covenant, obligation or condition for the benefit of such party contained in this Voting Agreement. No failure on the part of any party to exercise any power, right, privilege or remedy under this Voting Agreement, and no delay on the part of any party in exercising any power, right, privilege or remedy under this Voting Agreement, shall operate as a waiver of such power, right, privilege or remedy; and no single or partial exercise of any such power, right, privilege or remedy shall preclude any other or further exercise thereof or of any other power, right, privilege or remedy. No party shall be deemed to have waived any claim available to such party arising out of this Voting Agreement, or any power, right, privilege or remedy of such party under this Voting Agreement, unless the waiver of such claim, power, right, privilege or remedy is expressly set forth in a written instrument duly executed and delivered on behalf of such party; and any such waiver shall not be applicable or have any effect except in the specific instance in which it is given.

        5.16    Independence of Obligations.    The covenants and obligations of Stockholder set forth in this Voting Agreement shall be construed as independent of any other Contract between Stockholder, on the one hand, and the Company or Parent, on the other. The existence of any claim or cause of action by Stockholder against the Company or Parent shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement of any of such covenants or obligations against Stockholder. Nothing in this Voting Agreement shall limit any of the rights or remedies of the Company under the Merger Agreement, or any of the rights or remedies of the Company or any of the obligations of Stockholder under any agreement between

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Stockholder and the Company (other than the Proxy) or any certificate or instrument executed by Stockholder in favor of the Company (other than the Proxy); and nothing in the Merger Agreement or in any other such agreement, certificate or instrument, shall limit any of the rights or remedies of the Company or any of the obligations of Stockholder under this Voting Agreement.

        5.17    Construction.    

        (a)   For purposes of this Voting Agreement, whenever the context requires: the singular number shall include the plural, and vice versa; the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders; the feminine gender shall include the masculine and neuter genders; and the neuter gender shall include masculine and feminine genders.

        (b)   The parties agree that any rule of construction to the effect that ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be applied in the construction or interpretation of this Voting Agreement.

        (c)   As used in this Voting Agreement, the words "include" and "including," and variations thereof, shall not be deemed to be terms of limitation, but rather shall be deemed to be followed by the words "without limitation."

        (d)   Except as otherwise indicated, all references in this Voting Agreement to "Sections" and "Exhibits" are intended to refer to Sections of this Voting Agreement and Exhibits to this Voting Agreement.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.]

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Stockholder have caused this Voting Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above.

    MACROMEDIA, INC.

 
 
    
By

 
 
    
Title

 
 
STOCKHOLDER

 
 
    
Signature

 
 
    
Printed Name

 
 
Address:
 
    
            
            

 
 
Facsimile:
 
    
Shares Held of Record
   Options and Other Rights
   Additional Securities
Beneficially Owned
         
         
         

Signature Page to Parent Voting Agreement

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Exhibit A to Macromedia Voting Agreement

FORM OF IRREVOCABLE PROXY

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IRREVOCABLE PROXY

        The undersigned stockholder (the "Stockholder") of ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED, a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), hereby irrevocably (to the fullest extent permitted by law) appoints and constitutes Clint Smith, Betsey Nelson and MACROMEDIA, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and each of them, the attorneys and proxies of the Stockholder, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, to the full extent of the Stockholder's rights with respect to the outstanding shares of capital stock of Parent owned of record by the Stockholder as of the date of this proxy, which shares are specified on the final page of this proxy. (The shares of the capital stock of Parent referred to in the immediately preceding sentence are referred to as the "Shares.") Upon the execution of this proxy, all prior proxies given by the Stockholder with respect to any of the Shares are hereby revoked, and the Stockholder agrees that no subsequent proxies that are inconsistent with this proxy will be given with respect to any of the Shares.

        This proxy is irrevocable, is coupled with an interest and is granted in connection with, and as security for, the Voting Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between the Company and the Stockholder (the "Voting Agreement"), and is granted in consideration of the Company entering into the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of the date hereof, among Parent, Avner Acquisition Sub, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, and the Company (the "Merger Agreement"). This proxy will terminate on the Expiration Date (as defined in the Voting Agreement).

        Prior to the Expiration Date, the attorneys and proxies named above will be empowered, and may exercise this proxy, to vote any Shares owned by the undersigned, at any meeting of the stockholders of Parent, however called, and in connection with any written action by consent of stockholders of Parent, in favor of: (a) the execution and delivery by Parent of the Merger Agreement; (b) the issuance of Parent Common Stock in the Merger; and (c) each of the other actions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

        The Stockholder may vote the Shares on all other matters not referred to in this proxy, and the attorneys and proxies named above may not exercise this proxy with respect to such other matters.

        This proxy shall be binding upon the heirs, estate, executors, personal representatives, successors and assigns of the Stockholder (including any transferee of any of the Shares).

        Any term or provision of this proxy that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction. If the final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction declares that any term or provision hereof is invalid or unenforceable, the Stockholder agrees that the court making such determination shall have the power to limit the term or provision, to delete specific words or phrases, or to replace any invalid or unenforceable term or provision with a term or provision that is valid and enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or unenforceable term or provision, and this proxy shall be enforceable as so modified. In the event such court does not exercise the power granted to it in the prior sentence, the parties hereto agree to replace such invalid or

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unenforceable term or provision with a valid and enforceable term or provision that will achieve, to the extent possible, the economic, business and other purposes of such invalid or unenforceable term.

Dated: April 17, 2005    

 
 
STOCKHOLDER

 
 
    
Signature

 
 
    
Printed Name

 
 
Number of shares of common stock of Parent owned of record as of the date of this proxy:

 
 
    

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ANNEX D

         GRAPHIC

PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL

April 17, 2005

Board of Directors
Adobe Systems Incorporated
345 Park Avenue
San Jose, California 95110

Ladies and Gentlemen:

        You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of view to Adobe Systems Incorporated (the "Company") of the exchange ratio (the "Exchange Ratio") of 0.69 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Company Common Stock"), of the Company to be issued in exchange for each share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Macromedia Common Stock"), of Macromedia, Inc. ("Macromedia") pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, dated as of April 17, 2005 (the "Agreement"), among the Company, Avner Acquisition Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and Macromedia.

        Goldman, Sachs & Co. and its affiliates, as part of their investment banking business, are continually engaged in performing financial analyses with respect to businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, negotiated underwritings, competitive biddings, secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities, private placements and other transactions as well as for estate, corporate and other purposes. We have acted as financial advisor to the Company in connection with, and have participated in certain of the negotiations leading to, the transaction contemplated by the Agreement (the "Transaction"). We expect to receive fees for our services in connection with the Transaction, the principal portion of which are contingent upon consummation of the Transaction, and the Company has agreed to reimburse our expenses and indemnify us against certain liabilities arising out of our engagement. In addition, we have provided certain investment banking services to the Company and Macromedia from time to time. We also may provide investment banking services to the Company and Macromedia in the future. In connection with the above-described investment banking services we have received, and may receive, compensation.

        Goldman, Sachs & Co. is a full service securities firm engaged, either directly or through its affiliates, in securities trading, investment management, financial planning and benefits counseling, risk management, hedging, financing and brokerage activities for both companies and individuals. In the ordinary course of these activities, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and its affiliates may provide such services to the Company, Macromedia and their affiliates, may actively trade the debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) of the Company and Macromedia for their own account and for the accounts of their customers and may at any time hold long and short positions of such securities.

D-1


        In connection with this opinion, we have reviewed, among other things, the Agreement; annual reports to stockholders and Annual Reports on Form 10-K of the Company and Macromedia for the five fiscal years ended December 3, 2004, in the case of the Company, and March 31, 2004, in the case of Macromedia; certain interim reports to stockholders and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of the Company and Macromedia; certain other communications from the Company and Macromedia to their respective stockholders; certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for Macromedia prepared by its management; certain internal financial analyses and forecasts for the Company and certain financial analyses and forecasts for Macromedia prepared by the management of the Company (the "Forecasts"), including certain cost savings and operating synergies projected by the management of the Company to result from the Transaction (the "Synergies"). We also have held discussions with members of the senior managements of the Company and Macromedia regarding their assessment of the strategic rationale for, and the potential benefits of, the Transaction and the past and current business operations, financial condition and future prospects of the Company and Macromedia. In addition, we have reviewed the reported price and trading activity for the shares of Company Common Stock and the shares of Macromedia Common Stock, compared certain financial and stock market information for the Company and Macromedia with similar information for certain other companies the securities of which are publicly traded, reviewed the financial terms of certain recent business combinations in the software industry specifically and in other industries generally and performed such other studies and analyses, and considered such other factors, as we considered appropriate.

        We have relied upon the accuracy and completeness of all of the financial, accounting, legal, tax and other information discussed with or reviewed by us and have assumed such accuracy and completeness for purposes of rendering this opinion. In that regard, we have assumed with your consent that the Forecasts, including the Synergies, have been reasonably prepared on a basis reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the Company. We also have assumed that all governmental, regulatory or other consents and approvals necessary for the consummation of the Transaction will be obtained without any adverse effect on the Company or Macromedia or on the expected benefits of the Transaction in any way meaningful to our analysis. In addition, we have not made an independent evaluation or appraisal of the assets and liabilities (including any contingent, derivative or off-balance-sheet assets and liabilities) of the Company or Macromedia or any of their respective subsidiaries and we have not been furnished with any such evaluation or appraisal.

        Our opinion does not address the underlying business decision of the Company to engage in the Transaction, nor are we expressing any opinion as to the prices at which shares of Company Common Stock will trade at any time. Our advisory services and the opinion expressed herein are provided for the information and assistance of the Board of Directors of the Company in connection with its consideration of the Transaction and such opinion does not constitute a recommendation as to how any holder of shares of Company Common Stock should vote with respect to such Transaction.

        Based upon and subject to the foregoing, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Exchange Ratio pursuant to the Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to the Company.

Very truly yours,
/s/ GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.


(GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.)

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ANNEX E

         GRAPHIC

April 17, 2005

Board of Directors
Macromedia, Inc.
601 Townsend Street
San Francisco, California 94103

Members of the Board:

        We understand that Macromedia, Inc. ("Macromedia" or the "Company"), Adobe Systems Incorporated ("Adobe") and Avner Acquisition Sub, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe ("Merger Sub"), propose to enter into an Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization, substantially in the form of the draft dated April 17, 2005 (the "Merger Agreement"), which provides, among other things, for the merger ("Merger") of Merger Sub with and into the Company. Pursuant to the Merger, Macromedia will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Adobe and each outstanding common share, par value $0.001 per share (the "Macromedia Common Stock"), of Macromedia, other than shares held in treasury or held by Adobe, Merger Sub or any wholly-owned subsidiary of Adobe or the Company, will be converted into the right to receive 0.69 ("Exchange Ratio") of a share of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the "Adobe Common Stock"), of Adobe. We note that the Exchange Ratio specified above does not reflect the two-for-one stock split announced by Adobe and having a proposed record date of May 2, 2005. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the Exchange Ratio will he adjusted accordingly if such split occurs. The terms and conditions of the Merger are more fully set forth in the Merger Agreement.

        You have asked for our opinion as to whether the Exchange Ratio pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to holders of Macromedia Common Stock.

        For purposes of the opinion set forth herein, we have:

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        We have assumed and relied upon without independent verification the accuracy and completeness of the information reviewed by us for the purposes of this opinion. With respect to the internal financial statements, including information relating to the strategic, financial and operational benefits anticipated from the Merger and assessments regarding the prospects of Adobe and Macromedia, we have assumed that they have been reasonably prepared on bases reflecting the best currently available estimates and judgments of the future financial performance of Adobe and Macromedia, respectively. In addition, we have assumed that the Merger will be consummated in accordance with the terms set forth in the Merger Agreement without material modification, waiver or delay, including, among other things, the Merger will be treated as a tax-free reorganization pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. We have also assumed that in connection with the receipt of all the necessary regulatory approvals for the proposed Merger, no restrictions will be imposed or delays will result that would have a material adverse affect on the contemplated benefits expected to be derived in the proposed Merger. We are not legal or regulatory advisors and have relied upon without independent verification, the assessment by the Company and its legal and regulatory advisors with respect to such matters.

        We have relied upon, without independent verification, the assessment by the managements of Adobe and Macromedia of: (i) the strategic, financial and other benefits expected to result from the Merger; (ii) the timing and risks associated with the integration of Adobe and Macromedia; (iii) their ability to retain key employees of Adobe and Macromedia, respectively and (iv) the validity of, and risks associated with, Adobe's and Macromedia's existing and future intellectual property, products, services and business models. We have not made any independent valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of Adobe and Macromedia, nor have we been furnished with any such appraisals. Our opinion is necessarily based on financial, economic, market and other conditions as in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof. Events occurring after the date hereof may affect this opinion and the assumptions used in preparing it, and we do not assume any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm this opinion.

        We were not authorized to solicit, and did not solicit, interest from any party with respect to the acquisition, business combination or any other extraordinary transaction, involving Macromedia.

        We have acted as financial advisor to the Board of Directors of Macromedia in connection with this transaction and will receive a fee for our services. In the past, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated ("Morgan Stanley") and its affiliates have provided financial advisory and financing services for the Company and Adobe and have received fees for the rendering of these services. In the ordinary course of our trading, brokerage, investment management and financing activities, Morgan Stanley or its affiliates may at any time hold long or short positions, and may trade or otherwise effect transactions, for our own account or the accounts of customers, in debt or equity securities or senior loans of Adobe, Macromedia or any other company or any currency or commodity that may be involved in this transaction.

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        It is understood that this letter is for the information of the Board of Directors of the Company and may not be used for any other purpose without our prior written consent, except that a copy of this opinion may be included in its entirety in any filing the Company is required to make with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with this transaction if such inclusion is required by applicable law. In addition, this opinion does not in any manner address the prices at which Macromedia Common Stock and Adobe Common Stock will trade at any time and Morgan Stanley expresses no opinion or recommendation as to how the shareholders of Macromedia should vote at the shareholders' meeting to be held in connection with the Merger.

        Based on and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion on the date hereof that the Exchange Ratio pursuant to the Merger Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to holders of Macromedia Common Stock.

    Very truly yours,

 
 
MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED

 
 
By:
/s/  CHARLES R. CORY      
Charles R. Cory
 Managing Director

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SPECIAL MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS MERGER PROPOSED—YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT
ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED 345 Park Avenue San Jose, California 95110 (408) 536-6000
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 24, 2005
MACROMEDIA, INC. 601 Townsend Street San Francisco, California 94103 (415) 832-2000
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 24, 2005
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MERGER
SUMMARY
MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND DATA
Adobe Common Stock
Macromedia Common Stock
ADOBE SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA (in thousands, except per share data)
MACROMEDIA SELECTED HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA (in thousands, except per share data)
SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA (in thousands, except per share data)
COMPARATIVE HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA PER SHARE DATA
Adobe
Macromedia
Adobe and Macromedia
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
RISK FACTORS
THE COMPANIES
THE ADOBE SPECIAL MEETING
THE MACROMEDIA SPECIAL MEETING
ADOBE PROPOSAL NO. 1 AND MACROMEDIA PROPOSAL NO. 1 THE MERGER
THE MERGER AGREEMENT
VOTING AGREEMENTS
MANAGEMENT AND OTHER INFORMATION
ADOBE PROPOSAL NO. 2 POSSIBLE ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
MACROMEDIA PROPOSAL NO. 2 POSSIBLE ADJOURNMENT OF THE SPECIAL MEETING
SECURITY OWNERSHIP BY CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET (in thousands, except per share data)
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME (in thousands, except per share data)
PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME (in thousands, except per share data)
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DESCRIPTION OF ADOBE COMMON STOCK AND PREFERRED STOCK PURCHASE RIGHTS
COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF ADOBE STOCKHOLDERS AND MACROMEDIA STOCKHOLDERS
LEGAL MATTERS
EXPERTS
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER AND REORGANIZATION
RECITALS
AGREEMENT
Exhibit A to Agreement and Plan of Merger and Reorganization CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
VOTING AGREEMENT
RECITALS
AGREEMENT
Exhibit A to Adobe Voting Agreement FORM OF IRREVOCABLE PROXY
IRREVOCABLE PROXY
VOTING AGREEMENT
RECITALS
AGREEMENT
Exhibit A to Macromedia Voting Agreement FORM OF IRREVOCABLE PROXY
IRREVOCABLE PROXY