UK regulator begins probe into Shutterstock/Getty Images deal

[Getty images, iStock, Shutterstock, 500px, Dreamstime, Depositphotos and EyeEm apps]
Robert Way

The UK's antitrust regulator started an investigation into Getty Images's (NYSE:GETY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/GETY]) planned acquisition of Shutterstock (NYSE:SSTK [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/SSTK]).

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has a deadline of Oct. 20 to make a decision on the transaction, according to a filing on the regulator's website. [https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/getty-images-slash-shutterstock-merger-inquiry]

Getty Images (NYSE:GETY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/GETY]) agreed to purchase Shutterstock ( [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4392939-getty-images-shares-climb-on-confirmed-shutterstock-merger]SSTK) in a cash and stock deal in January, creating a new company valued at about $3.7 billion, including debt.

Shares of Getty Images (GETY [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/GETY]) rose 5.8% on Friday, while Shutterstock gained 3%.

MORE ON SHUTTERSTOCK, GETTY IMAGES HOLDINGS

* Getty Images Holdings, Inc. (GETY) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4812366-getty-images-holdings-inc-gety-q2-2025-earnings-call-transcript]
* Merger Approved, Getty Images Looks Well-Positioned For The Future [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4796911-merger-approved-getty-images-looks-well-positioned-for-the-future]
* Shutterstock: The Getty Images Merger Is An Excellent Arbitrage Opportunity [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4795041-shutterstock-getty-images-merger-excellent-arbitrage-opportunity]
* Getty Images outlines unchanged 2025 guidance with revenue range of $931M to $968M as subscription growth and AI integration continue [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4483590-getty-images-outlines-unchanged-2025-guidance-with-revenue-range-of-931m-to-968m-as]
* Seeking Alpha’s Quant Rating on Shutterstock [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/SSTK/ratings/quant-ratings]