On January 7, 2025, Getty Images Holdings, Inc. and Shutterstock announced a definitive agreement to merge, forming a leading visual content company. The combined entity, valued at approximately $3.7 billion, will retain the name Getty Images Holdings, Inc. and trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GETY.
The merger aims to deliver a more comprehensive content library, enhance opportunities for contributors, and promote inclusive and representative content. The stronger financial foundation of the combined company is expected to support greater investments in product innovation and customer-focused technologies in a rapidly evolving industry.
Craig Peters, CEO of Getty Images, highlighted the transformational nature of the merger, emphasizing opportunities to enhance content offerings, expand event coverage, and integrate new technologies to better serve customers. He noted that the increasing demand for compelling visual content across industries makes this an ideal time for the two companies to unite, leveraging their complementary strengths to create value for customers, contributors, and stockholders.
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Paul Hennessy, CEO of Shutterstock, expressed enthusiasm about expanding the creative content library and product offerings to address diverse customer needs. He underscored the merger’s potential to unlock growth opportunities, drive innovation, realize cost synergies, and enhance cash flow, benefiting customers and stockholders alike.
Strategic and Financial Highlights
- Innovative Content and Technology: Enables increased investment in cutting-edge content creation, expanded event coverage, and advanced customer-facing technologies, including search, 3D imagery, and generative AI.
- Diverse Portfolio: Combines complementary products across still imagery, video, music, 3D assets, and more.
- Greater Reach for Creators: Provides contributors with broader access to global customers.
- Enhanced Financial Strength: Deleverages the combined balance sheet, improving cash flow for debt repayment, lower borrowing costs, and new growth opportunities.
- Cost Synergies: Targets annual cost savings of $150–$200 million within three years, with the majority achieved within the first 12–24 months.
- Compelling Financial Profile (Pro Forma 2024):
- Revenue: $1,979–$1,993 million, with 46% from subscriptions.
- EBITDA: $569–$574 million (pre-synergy).
- Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures: $461–$466 million (pre-synergy).
- Net leverage: 3.0x pro forma pre-synergy EBITDA.
The merger marks a pivotal moment in the visual content industry, positioning the combined company to deliver enhanced value to customers and stakeholders while driving innovation and growth.