Seattle - Getty Images (NYSE: GYI), a producer and distributor of celebrity and other photography, on Tuesday confirmed that the company has retained Goldman Sachs and is exploring strategic alternatives. The New York Times reported that interested buyers include Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Bain Capital, and that the company could draw more than $1.5 billion from a potential sale.

Founded in 1995, Seattle-based Getty Images posted a profit of $130.4 million in 2006, and claims 4 million monthly viewers at its website, as well as 3.2 billion monthly impressions for its images.

The company acquired rival WireImage last year, and competes in the market with firms including Corbis and Jupitermedia.

Shares of Getty Images were up 14% on Tuesday after the announcement.

Related Links:
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/080122/20080122005677.html?.v=1

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/21/business/media/21deal.html

http://www.gettyimages.com