UK regulators conditionally clear the $3.7B merger, requiring Shutterstock to divest its editorial business to address competition concerns.
Britain’s Competition and Markets Authority approved Getty Images’ $3.7B acquisition of Shutterstock, contingent on the sale of Shutterstock’s editorial business. The condition aims to prevent reduced competition in the stock imagery market, the agency said.
The deal, announced earlier this year, faced scrutiny over potential market dominance. Analysts had expected regulatory hurdles, given the combined entity’s control over a significant share of global image licensing. The CMA’s decision follows a months-long review.
No immediate market reaction was reported following the announcement.