Introduction to the Acquisition
London-based Com Laude, a corporate domain management company, has announced its acquisition of MarkMonitor, a competitor previously owned by Newfold Digital. This move marks a significant shift in the domain management landscape, particularly in the enterprise market.
Newfold Digital Simplifies Portfolio
Newfold Digital, the previous owner of MarkMonitor, owns several top internet brands, including Yoast, Bluehost, Register.com, and Domain.com. These businesses primarily focus on small and medium-sized businesses. The divestiture of MarkMonitor may indicate that Newfold Digital is shifting its focus away from the enterprise market and toward the small and medium-sized business (SMB) sector. According to the official press release, "The sale is part of Newfold Digital’s strategy to simplify its portfolio and double down on the areas where it can deliver the greatest value to customers – its core brands, Bluehost and Network Solutions."
Reaction from MarkMonitor
Stu Homan, the Head of MarkMonitor, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, "With this acquisition, Markmonitor has found owners who value our dedicated corporate services as much as our customers do. Com Laude is deeply committed to preserving and building upon our ability to continue to deliver industry-leading customer service while growing to new levels with dedication and investment." He also highlighted the excitement of the MarkMonitor team to bring Com Laude’s advanced tools and services to their customers.
Com Laude’s Plans for MarkMonitor
Com Laude, previously a competitor of MarkMonitor, offers similar services with key differences and technologies, such as an AI-powered domain management dashboard. Benjamin Crawford, CEO of Com Laude, remarked, "Markmonitor is the best-known name in domain services for corporate customers, having virtually invented the category twenty-six years ago, and since then grown a long list of blue-chip customers with its “white glove” customer service. Com Laude offers market-leading advanced tools and bespoke services in domains and online brand protection, developed for the world’s largest companies and most valuable brands. Together we will be uniquely positioned to protect and grow the digital presence of any company that needs assistance with its domain names, internet infrastructure and security, online brand protection, internet policy and compliance, and online strategy."
Conclusion
The acquisition of MarkMonitor by Com Laude marks a significant development in the domain management industry. With Com Laude’s advanced tools and MarkMonitor’s "white glove" customer service, the combined entity is poised to deliver exceptional services to corporate customers. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, this acquisition is likely to have a profound impact on the industry, and it will be interesting to see how Com Laude and MarkMonitor work together to protect and grow the digital presence of companies worldwide.