United Kingdom: Competition and Markets Authority opened phase 2 investigation into Shutterstock's acquisition of Getty Images
Description
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…
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
Hide details
2025-06-23
in consultation
2025-07-07
processing consultation
2025-08-22
under deliberation
2025-10-20
under investigation
2025-11-03
under investigation
2025-11-26
under investigation
2026-02-19
in consultation
2026-03-11
in consultation
2026-03-12
processing consultation
2026-03-18
processing consultation