#London #United Kingdom #Com Laude #Markmonitor #Domain Registration

Com Laude Completes Acquisition of Markmonitor

In a significant shift within the corporate domain registration landscape, Com Laude, a leading provider of corporate domain services based in London and owned by PX3 Partners, has officially acquired the prominent U.S. domain registrar, Markmonitor. This strategic merger, announced on January 12, 2026, is set to create the first full-service provider tailored to meet the intricate needs of corporate domain managers globally, boasting an enterprise value of approximately $450 million.

Expansion of Services and Expertise

The newly formed entity, named Markmonitor Group, combines the strengths and resources of both companies to offer expert guidance, advanced tools, and a bespoke customer experience unique to the realm of domain management. This merger is particularly poised to benefit companies managing vast domain portfolios or seeking to secure new top-level domains (TLDs).

Ben Crawford, who previously served as CEO of Com Laude, will take the helm as CEO of Markmonitor Group, while former Head of Markmonitor, Stu Homan, steps in as COO. Together, they will oversee a vast organization that includes regional headquarters in Boise, London, and Tokyo, as well as five other offices around the world. This extensive network aims to support clients generating trillions of dollars in revenue across various industries.

Bridging the Domain Management Gap

The challenges faced by corporations in managing their domain name portfolios are substantial. The Markmonitor Group meets these challenges head-on, offering a dedicated team of domain portfolio advisors and strategists—the largest in the industry—to ensure responsive, expert service across its global client base. This is especially crucial for addressing the needs of some of the largest enterprises in America.

Among their offerings, the Markmonitor Group provides proprietary Domain Intelligence software designed to optimize domain portfolios, enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness for clients.

Opportunities with New TLD Applications

Markmonitor Group's expertise extends deeply into the acquisition of new TLDs, having successfully supported clients with over 280 applications for new TLDs, including innovative dotBrand domains. These branded TLDs, such as `https://cloud.microsoft/` or `https://home.barclays/`, offer companies exclusive control over their URLs, effectively mitigating risks like cybersquatting. Businesses leveraging dotBrand TLDs not only enjoy heightened security and consumer trust but also gain creative freedom in establishing domain names that resonate with their brands, often leading to significant cost savings compared to traditional .com domains.

With the application window for new TLDs ending in mid-2026, companies eager to explore this unique opportunity must act swiftly. The Markmonitor Group’s deep expertise and structured processes can facilitate the application process, providing clients with the strategic advice necessary to navigate this time-sensitive landscape effectively.

Comprehensive Support Beyond Domain Management

Beyond TLD acquisition, the Markmonitor Group offers a broad spectrum of services. Their experts are equipped with cutting-edge tools and focus on various aspects of domain management, including cybersecurity, the buying and selling of domains, intellectual property protection, internet governance, and IT operations. Furthermore, with the advent of new digital technologies, including AI, the company is also advancing online brand protections and enforcement to support its clients.

For more information about Markmonitor Group and its range of services, you can visit their website at markmonitorgroup.com.

In conclusion, the successful acquisition of Markmonitor by Com Laude represents a major evolution in corporate domain registration, positioning the Markmonitor Group as a leader in the industry and setting a new standard for customer service and domain management solutions worldwide.