The UK Competition and Markets Authority gave conditional clearance for Getty Images to acquire Shutterstock for $3.7 billion [1].
This decision marks a pivotal hurdle for the merger, as the regulator sought to prevent a monopoly in the editorial-images market. The requirement to divest specific assets ensures that competition remains viable for news organizations and publishers seeking editorial content.
The CMA said the decision was announced Oct. 20, 2025 [3]. To secure the approval, the regulator required Shutterstock to sell its global editorial business, which includes the assets of Backgrid and Splash [4].
The agency said the merger could negatively impact competition within the UK editorial-images market. By forcing the divestiture of these assets, the CMA aims to protect the availability and pricing of editorial photography, a critical resource for the press.
Following the announcement, the parties were given a deadline of Oct. 27, 2025, to submit a remedial plan [2]. This plan must detail how the sale of the editorial business will be executed to satisfy the regulator's competition requirements.
While the initial clearance provides a path forward, reports indicate a conflict regarding the outcome of the remedial phase. Some records suggest the CMA may launch an in-depth investigation if the proposed remedies fail to sufficiently address competition concerns [5].
“The CMA gave conditional clearance for Getty Images to acquire Shutterstock for $3.7 billion.”
The CMA's intervention highlights the increasing scrutiny of consolidation in the digital media and stock imagery sectors. By requiring the sale of editorial assets, the UK government is signaling that it will not allow a single entity to dominate the supply of news-related imagery, which could otherwise lead to higher costs and reduced variety for journalistic outlets.
