The proposed merger between Getty Images and Shutterstock is up for discussion with the UK Government’s Competition and Markets Authority who have opened their inquiry into the tie up.
You have until 7th July to comment.
They say: ‘The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.’
‘The CMA is issuing this ‘invitation to comment’ to allow interested parties to submit to the CMA any views on the impact that the transaction could have on competition in the UK. The CMA has not yet launched its formal investigation into this transaction.’
‘To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the transaction from any interested party.’
• Related on PAN Getty Images Shutterstock tie up expected second half of 2025
This merger must be firmly opposed, as it threatens to create a dangerous monopoly in the content and editorial market. Allowing such consolidation would severely limit competition, reduce diversity, and place too much power in the hands of a single entity. This is not only detrimental to consumers — who would face fewer choices and potentially higher costs — but also deeply harmful to contributors, whose livelihoods depend on fair access and balanced platforms. The merger represents a direct threat to the sustainability, independence, and integrity of the industry.
Please make sure to send comments to [email protected]
I have been working with Getty Images and Shutterstock for more than 30 years now (I have seen the beginnings of Shutterstock too here in the UK).
Getty Images has already the monopoly of so many collections from around the world. Shutterstock and Alamy are their most competitive libraries. If the merger proceeds, a lot of Shutterstock great collections might disappear as it usually does when 2 companies merge because some contributors are against mergers and don’t want to be part of a never ending growing monopol from Getty Images in this line of business.They cut their prices more and more and I fear for the photographer’s that they will just not be able to survive much longer.Especially with the rise of Ai, also taking over the work of millions of photographers.
For many years I have seen prices go up from picture libraries but not anymore, since the disappearance of many picture libraries and collections being acquired by Getty Images years on years.
Creativity, diversity and choice of images are just shrinking all the time because photographer’s can’t live anymore of their trades.
This needs to be stopped.
This merger should not be allowed to go ahead. It gives Getty Images far too much power in the market.