#United States #Jacksonville #Newfold Digital #Com Laude #Markmonitor

Newfold Digital's Strategic Move

Newfold Digital, a prominent web and commerce technology company, has recently unveiled plans to sell its subsidiary Markmonitor to Com Laude, a respected global corporate registrar managed by PX3 Partners. This transaction marks a significant step in Newfold's strategy to streamline its operations and focus on its primary brands, Bluehost and Network Solutions. In total, Newfold serves nearly seven million customers worldwide and is supported by firms such as Clearlake Capital and Siris Capital.

Why the Sale?

The sale of Markmonitor is a calculated move aimed at simplifying Newfold Digital’s portfolio. By divesting Markmonitor, Newfold can concentrate on what it does best – delivering exceptional web presence solutions through its flagship services, Bluehost and Network Solutions. Bluehost, catering to over five million WordPress users, and Network Solutions, with its extensive experience in domain management and SMB online presence, are critical to Newfold's long-term vision.

Sharon Rowlands, the CEO of Newfold Digital, expressed her confidence in this strategic move, stating, "This step strengthens our focus on Bluehost and Network Solutions, positioning us to accelerate growth and deliver even greater value to customers." With this transaction, Newfold Digital intends to enhance its service delivery and innovation capabilities, particularly in AI-driven website creation, thus helping customers to effectively establish and grow their online brand.

The Future of Markmonitor and Com Laude

As part of this acquisition, Com Laude is set to take the reins of Markmonitor, positioning it for its next chapter of growth. Markmonitor has established itself as a leader in the domain management space, and under Com Laude’s guidance, it is anticipated that the company will thrive further, offering superior services to its clients. Rowlands expressed her gratitude for the Markmonitor team's contributions, underscoring Com Laude as the ideal partner to elevate Markmonitor's presence in the corporate registrar domain.

The Implications for Newfold Digital

This transaction not only supports Newfold Digital’s commitment to focus on its core brands but also helps in driving its operational strategy. With the simplification of its portfolio, Newfold can better align its resources towards developing innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its vast customer base.

The formalities of the sale are currently underway, with the agreement being subject to standard closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial advisory for the transaction is provided by RBC Capital Markets, with KPMG overseeing accounting and tax matters and Sidley Austin acting as legal counsel.

Conclusion

The sale of Markmonitor is a pivotal moment for Newfold Digital as it seeks to innovate and strengthen its core offering through Bluehost and Network Solutions. This strategy suggests a forward-thinking approach in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on key areas that yield the highest value for customers. The future looks promising for both Newfold and Com Laude as they redefine their roles in the tech ecosystem.