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Getty Images to go private after restructuring deal

Getty Images to go private after restructuring deal

Design KSL
Getty Images will go private via a prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing after a failed $3.7 billion merger attempt with Shutterstock.
What: The Getty family and Koch Equity Development are investing $533 million to restructure the company, which carries $1.3 billion in debt. The process is expected to conclude by the end of 2026.
Why it matters: The deal underscores the existential pressure stock-licensing businesses face as generative AI platforms erode traditional demand for licensed imagery.
Original article

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Getty Images will go private after securing a restructuring deal.
  • The Getty family and Koch Equity Development will invest $533 million.
  • The restructuring involves a prepackaged Chapter 11 process to complete by year-end.

NEW YORK — Getty Images said on Monday it had secured support from major creditors and investors for a comprehensive restructuring that will cut debt, raise fresh capital and take the visual-content provider private.

The company said affiliates of the Getty family and Koch Equity Development committed to invest up to $533 million of new equity under the restructuring support agreement.

Holders of Getty's unsecured bonds agreed to retire $270 million of notes, while secured lenders agreed to reduce interest costs and extend debt maturities under the restructuring plan.

Upon completion of the restructuring, affiliates of the Getty family and Koch Equity Development will own 100% of the reorganized company, Getty said.

Getty plans to implement the transaction through an expedited prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy process involving certain U.S. entities and expects the restructuring to be completed by year-end.

The announcement comes months after Getty abandoned its planned $3.7 billion merger with rival Shutterstock, after Britain's Competition and Markets Authority required Shutterstock to divest its editorial business as a condition for approving the transaction.

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