Getty Images Files for Chapter 11 to Pursue Restructuring

Getty Images filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 21, 2026, to implement a restructuring intended to reduce its debt and take the stock-image company private. The voluntary proceedings began in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The plan, announced October 12, calls for affiliates of the Getty family and Koch Equity Development to provide up to $533 million in new equity and own the reorganized company. Getty has also begun seeking creditor votes on the prepackaged reorganization plan. Its completion remains subject to court and regulatory approvals, and Getty expects the process to conclude by the end of 2026. Getty said it expects to continue ordinary operations throughout the bankruptcy process, with no disruption to customers, employees, vendors, partners or content contributors. The company said a Koch affiliate may provide up to $143 million in financing, alongside cash generated by its operations, to support the restructuring. The court filing estimates Getty’s assets and liabilities at between $1 billion and $10 billion each. The filing covers certain U.S. entities. The company’s stated figures are broad ranges, rather than precise...