The CMA is questioning whether Getty and Shutterstock’s $3.7 billion merger could crush competition in the creative market.

A $3.7 Billion Deal Under the Microscope

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) the organisation that makes sure companies play fair has raised concerns about a $3.7 billion merger between Getty Images and Shutterstock. The CMA says the deal might make it harder for other companies to compete in the UK’s photo and media market.

Getty and Shutterstock are two of the biggest websites in the world for buying and selling professional photos. If they join forces, they would control a huge share of the market that media outlets, advertisers, and businesses depend on.

Fears That Competition Could Suffer

The CMA is worried that the deal could reduce choice, raise prices, and slow innovation for people and businesses that rely on stock images.

A CMA spokesperson said they are looking closely at whether this merger could leave customers with “higher costs or fewer options.”

This investigation is part of a larger trend. Regulators are now paying closer attention to big tech and media companies, especially when their deals could make them too powerful.

How the Industry Has Reacted

Shutterstock’s shareholders have already voted in favour of the merger, showing strong support from investors. The two companies say the deal will help them compete better worldwide and give customers a larger library of images and improved technology.

However, regulators like the CMA still have to give approval before the merger can go ahead. If the CMA isn’t convinced, it could delay the deal or even block it entirely.

A Sign of Stricter Rules Ahead

The CMA’s response shows that regulators are becoming tougher on big business deals, especially in digital and creative industries. They want to make sure that no single company becomes too dominant or limits opportunities for others.

For Getty and Shutterstock, this is a key moment. They need to prove that joining together will actually benefit customers and creators, not hurt them. Whatever happens, this case will likely influence how similar deals are judged in the future.