Fotosearch, a longtime stock distributor based in Wioming, has acquired micro-payment business Can Stock Photo for an undisclosed sum. The microstock Web site was founded in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 2004 by then-college student Duncan Enman, who will remain with the company.
Of the 31 agencies tracked by Microstock Group, an online forum that polls its contributors, Can Stock Photo places within the top dozen—well behind the top performers but in the upper tier of the market. Close to 60 microstock photographers report continuously increasing earnings. The agency shares revenues with contributors in an even split and is generally well regarded in the microstock community.
Fotosearch will now distribute Can Stock Photo imagery through its global distribution network, offering 30,000 microstock contributors direct access to an established image-buyer audience. Can Stock Photo will also remain a separate brand and Web site.
Can Stock images will also be marketed as prints. According to the statement, “the best content will be licensed in a professional brand,” which could mean the creation of a new, higher-priced collection by cherry-picking through images submitted to the microstock Web site. Enman said that the announcement of the deal has already resulted in increased traffic and upload activity.
Can Stock recently began accepting vectors. It also plans to integrate footage and market the Web site more aggressively.