Getty Images Considers Merger with Shutterstock, Reports Bloomberg

Investing.com -- Getty Images Holdings is exploring a potential merger with Shutterstock Inc. Bloomberg reported this information on Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter. Getty Images shares rose by 26%, while Shutterstock shares increased by 9%. This merger would bring together two of the most significant licensed visual content providers in the U.S. Discussions are still ongoing, and the report also indicated that it is possible Getty may prefer not to move forward with the deal. Getty Images has a market value of approximately $910 million, while Shutterstock is valued at around $1 billion. According to data compiled by Bloomberg, Getty's shares have lost 56% of their value over the past year, whereas Shutterstock's shares have decreased by 37%.