After Gamma in 2009, it's Sygma (Corbis) agency's turn to go bankrupt :

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gxSLgz4m4974Xvzv4XyKrJebvC6w
(in french, sorry, didn't find an english article yet)

"The reason  (something we wrote about here a while back) :  Sygma was found guilty of losing original images  of photographer Dominique Aubert and fined 1.5 million Euros ( about $2 million Dollars) . The company had then its property, equipment and bank account seized by  the French Justice."

If losing 2 million bucks puts them out of business, they weren't much of a company to being with.  Heck, I have that much liability insurance.

Which site is next? I nominate Yay and Veer.

I'm putting a lot of effort in Veer lately. I wish it wasn't true. They still feel OK. At the moment I'm deleting my port at Dreamstime slowly. They r not ok, selling avalanches of subs for max size .35$subs is not what I signed up for. Corbis still gets a chance.

Is there a site that has a richer owner than Veer?  I don't see them going bankrupt, it is just as likely that they will buy istock.

you must be right (i guess you're referring corbis' deep pockets vis a vis bill gates), since their dash for cash is so unrestrictive compared to other's recent similar offers. ie deposit photos only offering .2 vs veer's (up to) $1.4/image, no time hostage (dp's 6 months tie up), no canceling the offer midstream, setting clear deadline, etc. they also have a responsive rep on msg which make you like and trust veer. if they have the money to purchase istock, go for it! (might be better than purchase photos outright)

on the other hand, sygma is also a subsidiary of corbis and they finally let them go...

The concept of "bankruptcy" varies from country to country.  Sometimes it's a preventive action to impede further loss.

Thanks for clarifying that Brian. I'm sure it makes a lot feel better