Getty Images and Shutterstock have announced their merger to form a leader in visual content. This operation, which values the combined entity at $3.7 billion, is based on a cash and stock transaction.
By merging their vast libraries of visual content, Getty Images and Shutterstock aim to enhance their competitiveness in the licensed image market. The merger is expected to create broader offerings and explore new opportunities for contributors and clients, particularly in the context of the growing influence of artificial intelligence on the industry.
The newly formed entity will be named "Getty Images Holdings, Inc." and will have a capital structure where Getty Images holds 54.7% and Shutterstock holds 45.3%. This merger may attract scrutiny from antitrust authorities as it involves the two largest companies in the licensed image market, potentially limiting competition and consumer choices.
