Shutterstock rebuts CMA’s interim finding that Getty merger could harm UK editorial market

Shutterstock contests CMA interim view on UK editorial market

Regulatory response and next steps

Shutterstock issues a measured rebuttal after the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) publishes a provisional decision on its proposed merger with Getty Images, welcoming the CMA’s finding that the deal is unlikely to harm competition in the global stock content market but disputing the interim conclusion that the merger may substantially lessen competition in the UK editorial market. The company says the CMA’s analysis “does not believe the analysis or interim conclusions reflect the composition of the UK market, the level of regional competition within it or the alternatives available to customers,” and expresses disappointment in that element of the report.

The company states it will continue constructive engagement with the CMA and plans to file a formal response to the interim report on the regulator’s timeline, aiming to correct what it describes as factual and analytical errors in the UK editorial assessment. Shutterstock also confirms it remains cooperative with the U.S. Department of Justice as that review progresses, signalling parallel regulatory paths in two major jurisdictions even as it pushes back on the CMA’s UK-specific concerns.

Shutterstock frames its defence around its scale, product mix and the competitive dynamics of the sector, emphasising that it and Getty operate in a market with multiple customer alternatives and significant regional variation. The firm highlights its network of millions of creators, proprietary technology and generative-AI solutions, as well as exclusive editorial content and distribution services, positioning those assets as factors that mitigate any potential local market concentration the CMA identifies.

Company capabilities and market context

Shutterstock presents itself as a family of brands delivering scalable creative and AI-driven solutions, hosting one of the world’s largest collections of licensable assets and offering advertising, distribution and full-service studio production to support businesses and creatives. The company uses this description to underline arguments that customers in the UK editorial space have access to diverse suppliers and substitute services.

Regulatory cautions and communications

In its statement Shutterstock reiterates customary forward-looking disclaimers, warning that non-historical remarks about the transaction and future plans involve risks and uncertainties and speak only as of their dates. It directs stakeholders to its website and social channels on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook and YouTube for further information as the regulatory reviews continue.