Getty Images Plans to Raise $533 Million in Investment

Getty Images, the photo agency that supplies world-famous media outlets, major companies and creators with photos, videos and illustrations, has filed a petition with a US bankruptcy court.

The company aims to obtain corporate protection from creditors and restructure its finances. Getty Images plans to complete these organizational changes by the end of 2026 and raise up to $533 million in additional investment.

Once the process is fully completed, all of the photo agency’s projects will be transferred to entities affiliated with Getty Images and to Koch Equity Development, which is expected to provide up to $143 million in financial support.

According to official documents filed with a Delaware court, the company’s total assets and liabilities are listed in the range of $1 billion to $10 billion.

Company representatives emphasized that operations will continue as usual and that this financial process will not negatively affect photographers, partners, customers or employees.

Getty Images’ financial difficulties were also attributed to the failed merger agreement with its main competitor, Shutterstock, high levels of debt and the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies.

Modern AI tools are significantly reducing demand for the services of traditional photo agencies.