Progress

Current status
under investigation
26 Nov 2025 under investigation
03 Nov 2025 under investigation
20 Oct 2025 under investigation
22 Aug 2025 under deliberation
07 Jul 2025 processing consultation
23 Jun 2025 in consultation

Scope

Implementers
United Kingdom
Policy Area
Competition
Policy Instrument
Merger control regulation
Regulated Economic Activity
platform intermediary: user-generated content
Government Branch
executive
Government Body
competition authority
Implementation Level
national

Timeline of events

26 Nov 2025
under investigation

Competition and Markets Authority accepted commitments addressing competition concerns over Getty Images’ anticipated acquisition of Shutterstock

On 26 November 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) accepted the interim undertakings offered by Shutterstock, pursuant to Section 80 of the Enterprise Act 2002, in relation to the anticipated acquisition by Getty Images Holdings. The c…

Source
Event type investigation
Action type interim ruling
Government branch executive
Government body competition authority
03 Nov 2025
under investigation

Competition and Markets Authority opened phase 2 investigation into Shutterstock's acquisition of Getty Images

On 3 November 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) referred Getty Images’ proposed acquisition of Shutterstock to an in-depth Phase 2 investigation after identifying competition concerns. Following its initial review, the CMA found that…

Source
Event type investigation
Action type interim ruling
Government branch executive
Government body competition authority
20 Oct 2025
under investigation

Competition and Markets Authority found Shutterstock's acquisition of Getty Images may lessen competition and requested commitments to address competition concerns

On 20 October 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued its Phase 1 decision on Getty Images Holdings’ proposed acquisition of Shutterstock. The CMA found that the merger may result in a substantial lessening of competition in the sup…

Source
Event type investigation
Action type interim ruling
Government branch executive
Government body competition authority
22 Aug 2025
under deliberation

Competition and Markets Authority launched phase 1 merger inquiry into anticipated acquisition of Shutterstock by Getty Images

On 22 August 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched its phase 1 merger inquiry into the anticipated acquisition by Getty Images Holdings of Shutterstock by issuing a notice to the parties pursuant to paragraph (b) of the definiti…

Source
Event type investigation
Action type announcement
Government branch executive
Government body competition authority
07 Jul 2025
processing consultation

Competition and Markets Authority closes consultation on Shutterstock's acquisition of Getty Images

On 7 July 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) closes consultation on Shutterstock's acquisition of Getty Images under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002. The transaction may affect markets for goods or services in the Uni…

Source
Event type investigation
Action type consultation closed
Government branch executive
Government body competition authority
23 Jun 2025
in consultation

Competition and Markets Authority opened consultation on Shutterstock's acquisition of Getty Images

On 23 June 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) opened consultation on Shutterstock's acquisition of Getty Images under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002, until 7 July 2025. The transaction may affect markets for goods or…

Source
Event type investigation
Action type consultation opened
Government branch executive
Government body competition authority