Shutterstock and Getty Images Merger Faces DOJ Scrutiny

By Bobby Samwell • Thursday, April 03 15:12 • Permanent Link

Getty Images Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: GETY) and Shutterstock, Inc. (NYSE: SSTK) have announced that they have received a second request from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with Getty Images' proposed merger with Shutterstock. The second request was issued under the notification requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. This request extends the waiting period imposed by the HSR Act until 30 days after Getty Images and Shutterstock have substantially complied with the request.

The proposed transaction remains subject to Shutterstock stockholder approval as well as other customary closing conditions. Both parties continue to expect the transaction to close in the second half of 2025.

In connection with the proposed transaction, Getty Images filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a preliminary registration statement on Form S-4 that includes an information statement of Getty Images and a proxy statement of Shutterstock. The information statement and proxy statement/prospectus is not final and may be amended.

Getty Images (NYSE: GETY) is a global visual content creator and marketplace that serves customers in almost every country in the world. It works with over 576,000 content creators and more than 340 content partners. Shutterstock, Inc. (NYSE: SSTK) is a premier partner for transformative brands, digital media, and marketing companies, offering a comprehensive selection of resources to bring storytelling to life.

The companies intend to continue working cooperatively with the DOJ and other non-U.S. regulators to obtain regulatory clearance for the proposed merger as expeditiously as possible.

Investors and security holders are urged to read the information statement and proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant documents that are or will be filed with or furnished to the SEC, as they contain important information about the proposed transaction and related matters. Today the company's shares have moved -9.7% to a price of $16.37. For the full picture, make sure to review Shutterstock's 8-K report.

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