EyeWire, Inc., a Canadian developer and distributor of digital visual and audio content, has been acquired by Seattle-based image content provider Getty Images, Inc.
Getty Images uses its Web technology to create e-commerce enabled sites that allow customers to easily access and purchase images.
“Becoming part of Getty Images takes us to the next step in realizing our vertical portal strategy: to provide the greatest breadth of visual and audio products to global audiences of creative professionals and business users,” said Brad Zumwalt, president and chief executive officer of EyeWire.
The addition of EyeWire’s branded Web site supports Getty Images’ strategy of migrating the visual content industry from analog to digital.
“EyeWire’s strong relationships with non-photographic content providers will add tremendous value to our hub Web sites,” said Jonathan Klein, co-founder and chief executive officer of Getty Images.
EyeWire provides visual and audio content, online software tools, design resources, and information for graphic designers. EyeWire will continue to serve its existing customer base from its Calgary headquarters until both companies integrate their product lines, marketing and distribution channels over the next several months.
Getty was ranked as the company with the largest image collection until June, when Microsoft-owned Corbis purchased UK-based Sygma.