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UK Regulator Probes Getty-Shutterstock Merger

By  |  August 24, 2025

The U.K.’s competition watchdog has launched an inquiry into the planned $3.7 billion merger between Getty Images Holdings and rival Shutterstock, according to Wall Street Journal.

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    The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced Friday that it is assessing whether the deal could reduce competition within its markets. The regulator set an initial deadline of October 20 to complete its first phase of review, per Wall Street Journal.

    Getty and Shutterstock first unveiled the merger in January, with the combined group valued at roughly $3.7 billion including debt. The transaction received approval from Shutterstock shareholders on June 20 and is anticipated to close in the second half of the year, pending clearance from regulators and other conditions, according to Wall Street Journal.

    Read more: UK Competition Regulator Investigates Getty-Shutterstock $3.7B Merger

    If finalized, the merger would bring together two of the world’s largest stock-image providers at a time when the industry is undergoing significant transformation.

    Source: Wall Street Journal