Description

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 services in the United Kingdom, and the CMA is assessing whether it could create a relevant merger situation and result in a substantial lessening of competition. While a formal investigation has not yet been launched, the CMA is seeking written representations from interested parties on the transaction’s potential competition impact.

Original source

Scope

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

Complete timeline of this policy change

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2025-06-23
in consultation

On 23 June 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) opened consultation on Shutterstock's …

2025-07-07
processing consultation

On 7 July 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) closes consultation on Shutterstock's a…

2025-08-22
under deliberation

On 22 August 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched its phase 1 merger inquiry …

2025-10-20
under investigation

On 20 October 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued its Phase 1 decision on Gett…

2025-11-03
under investigation

On 3 November 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) referred Getty Images’ proposed acq…

2025-11-26
under investigation

On 26 November 2025, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) accepted the interim undertakings …