United Kingdom: 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 commitments follow the CMA’s 3 November 2025 referral of the transaction to a Phase 2 investigation, after identifying competition concerns that the merger could raise prices, worsen commercial terms, or reduce quality in UK markets for editorial content and stock imagery. The CMA reviewed the companies’ activities in supplying digital photos, videos, and music to UK media, advertisers, publishers, designers, and small businesses. Potential impacts were assessed across editorial material used for news and media and stock imagery used for commercial purposes, both of which may require UK-focused or localised content. Remedies submitted late in Phase 1 did not resolve concerns, leading an independent panel to open a Phase 2 inquiry. The interim undertakings require Shutterstock to prevent integration with Getty, maintain the Shutterstock Business as a going concern, preserve assets, contracts, organisational structure, key staff, and software and hardware platforms, and avoid any ownership or control changes without CMA consent. Shutterstock must issue compliance statements from 9 December 2025, report material developments, and follow any CMA directions. Enforcement may occur through civil proceedings or financial penalties under Sections 94AA, 94AB, and 110(1A), with criminal liability for false or misleading information under Section 117.