Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Getty Images Acquired By Carlyle For $3.3 Billion

Getty Images, the photography and video rights giant, has been acquired by private equity firm The Carlyle Group in a $3.3 billion deal, the two announced today. Getty Images, which was previously owned by private equity group Hellman & Friedman, said Carlyle will acquire the controlling stake in Getty Images, with Getty Images co-founder and Chairman Mark Getty and the Getty family rolling over their interest into the transactions. Carlyle and Getty said that the management of Getty Images will also invest "significant equity" in the company. Getty Images provides stock and other photography and video rights. Hellman & Friedman acquired Getty Images in 2008 for $2.4 billion.