Getty Images Walks Away From Shutterstock Deal After UK Regulator Intervenes

Getty Images and Shutterstock terminated their merger on June 30, 2026, after the UK Competition and Markets Authority ordered a Phase 2 investigation. The US Department of Justice had approved the deal unconditionally in February. The CMA's move effectively killed the transaction by lengthening timelines and triggering remedies discussions neither party found acceptable. The collapse shows how UK regulators now wield gatekeeping power over data-intensive consolidations that US authorities permit.