Getty-Shutterstock deal axing sharpens political focus on UK merger enforcement
By Jon Menon ( July 1, 2026, 15:27 GMT | Comment) -- The UK antitrust regulator could come under the political spotlight after Getty Images said it intended to abandon its acquisition of US rival Shutterstock. Getty cited a Competition and Markets Authority requirement to divest Shutterstock’s editorial unit as the reason for abandoning the plan. There are also reasons why the regulator should feel comfortable with its decision, but that might not prevent pressure being applied.The UK antitrust regulator could come under the political spotlight after Getty Images said on Tuesday that it would abandon its acquisition of US rival Shutterstock, placing the blame squarely on the watchdog....
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