Getty Images files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to restructure debt

International photography agency Getty Images officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on October 21, 2026, in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. This pre-negotiated move follows a debt restructuring agreement reached on October 12, which is intended to address the company's $2.1 billion in accumulated debt after failed merger talks with Shutterstock. The company declared assets and liabilities ranging between $1 billion and $10 billion.

Under this restructuring plan, which involves new capital and debt reduction, Getty Images is set to transition into a private company and withdraw from the New York Stock Exchange. The management stated that the business operations will continue normally during the reorganization process. The agency confirmed that there are no expected negative impacts for employees, photographers, content creators, partners, or customers. While some reports suggested the filing took place in New York, the official legal proceedings are being handled by the federal bankruptcy court in Delaware.