Newfold Digital Offloads MarkMonitor

Newfold Digital has sold MarkMonitor as part of its strategy to concentrate more on its main services for small and medium-sized businesses, including Bluehost and Network Solutions.

Meanwhile, Com Laude, a domain management firm based in London, confirmed it has acquired MarkMonitor, previously owned by Newfold Digital and known as one of its competitors in the corporate domain space.

Newfold Digital Simplifies Portfolio

Newfold Digital, a well-known internet services group, has announced the sale of MarkMonitor as part of a broader strategy to refine its portfolio. The company, which owns several high-profile brands, appears to be steering its attention towards small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), a market segment where it already holds significant influence.

The decision to let go of MarkMonitor signals a shift in priorities. Newfold has built its reputation on managing popular platforms such as Bluehost, Yoast, Register.com, and Domain.com. These services largely cater to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs, and the divestment suggests a move away from enterprise-level offerings.

According to the official announcement, the sale was made to streamline operations and focus resources where the company believes it can provide the greatest impact. In Newfold’s own words: “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.”

MarkMonitor, which has long been recognised as a leading name in corporate domain management, has now been acquired by Com Laude, a London-headquartered competitor. This move reshapes the competitive landscape of domain management services, particularly for large-scale corporate clients.

Stu Homan, Head of MarkMonitor, expressed optimism about the transition. He emphasised that the new ownership aligns with the company’s ethos and its dedication to providing high-quality service for corporate clients. For him, the acquisition offers an opportunity for MarkMonitor to continue evolving under leadership that truly values its specialist role.

Homan also highlighted how the deal strengthens MarkMonitor’s position for the future. He said: “Our entire team is excited to bring Com Laude’s advanced tools and services to our customers, and to be part of the most exciting development in corporate domain services since MarkMonitor pioneered the white glove service model twenty-six years ago.”

Com Laude itself has built a reputation as a forward-thinking provider of corporate domain management solutions. Before this acquisition, the company competed directly with MarkMonitor but distinguished itself by developing innovative features, including an AI-powered domain management dashboard that offers businesses greater efficiency and oversight.

By joining forces, MarkMonitor and Com Laude will combine established expertise with advanced technologies, creating a stronger proposition for clients who depend on reliable domain and brand protection services. The move also reflects the growing importance of technology-driven tools in managing digital assets at scale.

Geographically, the acquisition highlights a cross-Atlantic partnership. Com Laude operates out of London, one of the world’s key hubs for digital services, while MarkMonitor is based in Boise, Idaho. Though not traditionally viewed as a centre for internet innovation, Boise has quietly become an emerging regional hub for technology companies.

Benjamin Crawford, CEO of Com Laude, described the acquisition as a landmark moment in the industry. He praised MarkMonitor’s legacy and customer base, recognising it as one of the best-known names in the corporate domain space. Crawford noted: “MarkMonitor is the best-known name in domain services for corporate customers, having virtually invented the category twenty-six years ago, and since then built a long list of blue-chip clients through its white glove customer service.”

He went on to emphasise how Com Laude’s own offerings complement those of MarkMonitor. The company has developed bespoke tools and services for domain management, online brand protection, compliance, and internet strategy, making it a natural partner to expand MarkMonitor’s established services.

Together, the two organisations aim to provide a uniquely strong platform for businesses that need robust protection for their digital presence. With the combination of MarkMonitor’s heritage and Com Laude’s innovative tools, corporate clients are expected to benefit from enhanced support and solutions tailored to the needs of large, global enterprises.

The acquisition also reflects wider changes in the digital services industry. As businesses increasingly prioritise online brand protection and digital infrastructure, service providers are under pressure to deliver advanced tools while maintaining high levels of customer service. This partnership appears designed to meet those evolving demands.

For Newfold Digital, stepping back from MarkMonitor allows it to focus on growth in areas where it already holds market leadership. By concentrating on Bluehost, Network Solutions, and its other well-known brands, Newfold is reinforcing its position as a dominant provider of digital services for SMEs.

Overall, this move represents a strategic reshaping of priorities within the internet services market. While Com Laude gains one of the most recognisable corporate domain names, Newfold doubles down on supporting the SME sector. Both companies are positioning themselves for growth, but in very different corners of the industry.