UK Watchdog Launches Probe into Getty-Shutterstock $3.7B Merger Concerns

The United Kingdoms Competition and Markets Authority has initiated an in-depth investigation into the $3.7 billion merger between Getty Images and Shutterstock due to significant competition concerns.

• The $3.7 billion merger between Getty Images and Shutterstock was announced in January but faced heightened scrutiny from the Competition and Markets Authority as of June.
• The Competition and Markets Authority has expressed substantial concerns that the merger could lead to a significant reduction in competition within the image licensing market.
• This investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority highlights ongoing regulatory vigilance in the United Kingdom concerning major mergers in the digital content sector.