Jonny Gios on Unsplash 

Getty Images (GETY) and Shutterstock (SSTK) announced their intent to merge on January 7, 2025, in a $3.7 billion “merger of equals” transaction aimed at creating a premier visual content company. Recent updates as of March 20, 2025, indicate that the merger is progressing amid Getty Images’ latest financial performance reports. On March 17, 2025, Getty Images released its Q4 2024 results, showing a 9.5% year-over-year revenue increase to $247.3 million, surpassing Wall Street expectations. However, its full-year 2025 revenue guidance of $936.5 million fell 2.3% short of analysts’ estimates, reflecting some caution as the company prepares for merger-related activities.

The merger remains subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, with no definitive public announcement of delays or cancellations as of now. However, there are hints of potential hurdles: a March 18, 2025, report from TipRanks noted “significant business risks linked to the potential failure or delay” in completing the merger, citing regulatory challenges as a key concern. Despite this, the companies are pushing forward, expecting annual cost synergies of $150 million to $200 million within three years post-closure, with most savings anticipated within 12 to 24 months after the deal closes.

As for the scheduled closing date, no exact date has been publicly confirmed in the latest updates. The original announcement on January 7, 2025, described it as pending regulatory approval, and subsequent reports, including Getty’s Q4 earnings coverage on March 17-18, 2025, suggest the focus is now on preparing for integration, with no specific timeline beyond “expected in 2025” if approvals proceed smoothly. Given the regulatory scrutiny hinted at in recent analyses, the closing could extend into late 2025 if complications arise, but as of now, it’s on track pending those conditions.

For the latest developments, keep an eye on official statements from Getty Images or Shutterstock, as the situation could evolve with regulatory or financial updates.

More By This Author:

Cybersecurity Under Siege: How Investors Can Profit
Stocks Going Ex Dividend In March 2025
Forget Gold And Silver: The Growth Potential Of Platinum And Palladium