Shutterstock shares plunged nearly 30% after the company and Getty Images called off their $3.7 billion merger due to regulatory roadblocks. Getty said the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority would have required it to sell Shutterstock's editorial division to approve the deal, a step Getty's board was not willing to take. Shutterstock shares closed at $9.90, their lowest since their 2012 debut, while Getty shares dropped more than 10% to 77 cents. The companies had announced the merger in January 2025 as a merger of equals, aiming to invest more in 3D imagery and generative AI tools, but both stocks have lost around 70% of their value since then amid concerns over AI image creation tools. Getty also said it will retain a financial advisor to explore strategic financing alternatives.
Getty Images Holdings Inc.Merger called off due to UK CMA regulatory roadblocks, causing stock drop.
ShutterstockMerger called off due to UK CMA regulatory roadblocks, causing stock plunge.