News
Corbis acquires Veer
Yesterday, Corbis announced it has purchased Veer, the RM and RF production and distribution company based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The stunning move solidifies Corbis’ position as a leader in the creative stills market. It also makes Corbis more like its two main competitors in the “big three,” Getty Images and Jupiterimages. Now, all three companies have multiple platforms for marketing to buyers at various price-points.
Over the last several years, Veer has built a strong following by developing a brand that connects directly with designers. Veer’s print materials and web-sites exhibit a cutting edge sensibility that stock photo users and buyers can relate to. Furthermore, as a distributor of third-party collections, Veer has insisted on editing down submissions from outside suppliers rather than take every image a supplier might offer. This has annoyed many suppliers, but Veer’s customers appreciate the move. According to a recent industry survey performed by the investment bank Piper Jaffray, Veer ranked first among high-end art-buyers' favored web-sites, beating out Getty, Corbis, Jupiterimages, Masterfile, Alamy and all others.
According the Corbis, Veer will continue to operate largely autonomously and will retain its brand independence. Founded in 2002, Veer is based in Calgary, Canada with offices in New York, Berlin and Düsseldorf, and employs 170 people. Veer management has reportedly made a long-term commitment to stay on with their new owners. Brad Zumwalt, Chief Executive Officer, Veer, and Nairn Nerland, Chief Operating Officer, Veer, will join Corbis’ Executive Team. Veer joins the Corbis flagship brand along with SnapVillage, Corbis' microstock brand, and Corbis Rights Services.
Web-sites: Veer.com and Corbis.com
Posted in: Corbis, News, Stock Photo Companies
