 Empics were the original official photographers of the UEFA Champions League with photographers shooting team photos and headshots of the participating teams for the TV broadcasters and also commercial and advertising photography for TEAM Marketing who produce the UCL.It acquired the collection of FIFA Photographer Peter Robinson gained the reputation as a worldwide stock football agency covering global soccer tournaments.On 11 May 2004, EMPICS Ltd was acquired by the Press Association with business partners Caroline Hodinott and Phil O'Brien eventually leaving the company to be managed by PA.

Past directors include award-winning photographers Ross Kinnaird, Steve Etherington, Neal Simpson and Phil O'Brien.