Getty Images and Shutterstock merger to end after UK regulator's conditions

The planned merger between Getty Images Holdings, Inc. and Shutterstock, Inc. (NYSE: SSTK) is set to be terminated after the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) conditioned its approval on a sale of Shutterstock's editorial business.

Getty Images filed an 8-K on June 30, 2026, disclosing that its board of directors unanimously decided not to proceed with the sale of Shutterstock's editorial business as required by the CMA, and to terminate the merger agreement following the passage of the Second Extended End Date on July 6, 2026, assuming no material change in circumstances prior to July 7, 2026.

The merger agreement had been announced on January 6, 2025.

Shutterstock CEO Paul Hennessy said in a statement that the company "has a strong track record as a standalone company" and cited its "strong cash position, modest leverage and robust free cash flow generation" as factors that will allow continued investment in products, customers, and employees.

Shutterstock said it will provide an update on its business and strategic plans as part of its second quarter earnings release.

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