Seattle - Getty Images, a provider of stock celebrity and other images to publishers, announced on Thursday that it will acquire WireImage, an agency that produces entertainment industry and events images, for about $200 million in cash.

Seattle-based Getty Images said that WireImage's founding photographers and key executives have signed long-term agreements to remain with the company.

"The demand for entertainment, event and celebrity imagery is growing exponentially, and Getty Images has determined that there are great growth opportunities in the category," said Getty Images co-founder and CEO Jonathan Klein.

The acquisition also includes WireImage parent company MediaVast, and sub-brands FilmMagic and Contour Photos.

Jupitermedia, another provider of stock photography collections, also confirmed on Thursday that it has received a buyout offer from Getty Images.

Related Links:
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/070222/nyth072.html?.v=82

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/070222/getty_wireimage_jupitermedia.html (AP)

http://www.gettyimages.com

http://www.wireimage.com