Getty Images to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a US$533 million restructuring

Getty Images announced a pre‑packaged Chapter 11 filing that will retire US$270 million of senior unsecured notes and reduce interest on its secured debt. The plan injects up to US$533 million of new equity from the Getty family and Koch Equity Development, and will convert the company into a privately held business. Completion is targeted for the end of 2026. A previously proposed $3.7 billion merger with Shutterstock was abandoned, contributing to the financial pressure.

The new equity and debt forgiveness will strengthen Getty Images’ balance sheet and lower its leverage, which the company says should improve financial flexibility and support ongoing operations. The transition to a private company ends public shareholder participation and may affect liquidity for existing investors.

Sources