Getty Images plans bankruptcy restructuring as owners pledge US$533m to cut debt

Getty disclosed in a securities filing earlier in early October 2026 that it had been notified of plans to delist its shares from the New York Stock Exchange because they had fallen below US$1 (RM4.23). — Unsplash pic

First Published: Tuesday, 13 Oct 2026 9:22 AM MYT

NEW YORK, Oct 13 — US photography company Getty Images announced Monday that it had reached an agreement with major lenders to restructure its debt, take the company private and undertake a “pre-packaged” bankruptcy.

Getty, which partners with AFP among numerous other media companies, said members of the Getty Family and affiliates of Koch Equity Development will invest up to US$533 million (RM2.25 billion) in new equity to pay down debt under the restructuring.

Getty “reached agreement with all of its major financial stakeholder groups on the terms of a comprehensive restructuring”, the company said.

Getty will continue to operate normally throughout the process, citing up to US$143 million (RM604.3 million) in financing from Koch, as well as cash from ongoing business.

“There is no anticipated impact on content contributors, partners, customers, or employees across the Company’s worldwide network,” Getty said.

The company plans a “prepackaged Chapter 11 filing” to win court approval of the restructuring.

“The requisite majority of creditors have committed to vote in favor of the Plan,” said Getty, which expects the restructuring to be complete by year’s end.

The announcement came after Getty disclosed in a securities filing earlier this month that it had been notified of plans to delist its shares from the New York Stock Exchange because they had fallen below US$1 (RM4.23).

Getty reported a loss of US$206.1 million (RM870 million) in 2025. — AFP