Getty Images said in a June 30 filing that its board unanimously decided not to pursue a U.K. Competition and Markets Authority-supervised sale of Shutterstock’s editorial business and intends to terminate the companies’ $3.7 billion merger agreement after the second extended end date of July 6, 2026, assuming no material change by July 7.
Getty said the CMA’s U.K. clearance required the divestment of Shutterstock’s editorial operations, and the remedy package covered the global editorial business, including Shutterstock Editorial and the Rex Features, Splash News and Backgrid brands. In May, the CMA said the merger raised competition concerns for the supply of editorial content to U.K. media customers, but not for stock content supplied globally.
Getty also said ending the merger would trigger a special mandatory redemption of Getty Images, Inc.’s 10.500% senior secured notes due 2030 under the applicable indenture. The company said its board intends to retain a financial adviser to review strategic financing alternatives.
The transaction had previously received U.S. antitrust clearance without conditions in February 2026. Reuters reported that Shutterstock shares fell in after-hours trading following the announcement, while Getty shares rose modestly.