这一潜在的合并来自于图片行业面临的巨大挑战。The rapid development of AI is disrupting the content creation Industry, and the popularity of smartphone photography has also lowered the value of stock photos. The globally renowned photo library Getty Images is evaluating the possibility of merging with its competitor Shutterstock. After the news was announced, Getty's stock price briefly rose by 32%, marking the largest increase since 2023.
As AI technology continues to deepen its application across various Industries, several Industry giants are facing impacts. Following advertising, image giants are also beginning to consider mergers to cope with the impact of AI on the content creation market.
This morning, according to sources cited by Bloomberg, the globally renowned image library Getty Images is assessing the possibility of a merger with its competitor Shutterstock. Following the announcement, both Shutterstock and Getty Images saw their stock prices rise, with Getty's share price at one point up by 32%, marking the largest increase since 2023, eventually closing with a gain of 13.27%.
This potential merger arises from the significant challenges faced by the image Industry. The rapid development of AI is disrupting the content creation Industry, while the widespread use of mobile photography has diminished the value of stock photos. Over the past year, Getty and Shutterstock's stock prices have fallen by 56% and 37% respectively, and this merger will help them better respond to market changes.
However, despite the merger news driving stock prices up, the stock prices of both companies remain far below the levels of a year ago, reflecting investors' vigilance towards the threats posed by AI.
In addition, the merger is also facing regulatory risks. While the new Trump administration may adopt a more relaxed regulatory policy, industry experts remain cautious about this deal, which may be scrutinized for antitrust reasons. Sources also revealed that discussions about the merger are ongoing, and Getty may decide not to proceed with the transaction.
Notably, just a month ago, leading American advertising company Omnicom and Interpublic were rumored to be negotiating a merger deal worth over 30 billion USD, aiming to address the impact of data, technology, and AI on the advertising Industry.
Analyses indicate that the traditional creativity-centered advertising model is being replaced by data-driven digital advertising, with 71% of global ad spending expected to flow to digital platforms.
The introduction of AI tools is having a significant impact on the entire advertising Industry, forcing all advertising companies to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in developing AI tools to respond to the survival threats posed by this new technology.
