Getty Images calls off Shutterstock merger after UK regulator’s divestment demand

Getty Image has ended its planned $3.7 billion merger with Shutterstock. The UK competition regulator required Shutterstock to sell its editorial business. Getty’s board decided this condition was not in the company’s best interests. The companies had unveiled the deal in January 2025 to build a visual content powerhouse. Both firms now face increasing pressure from AI image generators.