Alphabet sells Google Domains to Squarespace for reported $180 mn

In a surprising move, Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has announced that it is shutting down its Google Domains business and selling the assets to Squarespace, a leading website building and hosting platform. The deal, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023, is reportedly worth about $180 million.

What is Google Domains?

Google Domains is a service that allows users to buy and manage domain names for their websites. It was launched in 2015 as a beta product and became publicly available in 2017. Google Domains offers features such as domain privacy, email forwarding, DNS management, and integration with other Google products like Workspace and Blogger.

Why is Alphabet selling Google Domains?

According to a statement released by both companies, Alphabet decided to wind down its Google Domains business because it believes that Squarespace can provide a better and more integrated experience for customers who need domains and other web tools. Matt Madrigal, vice president and general manager of merchant shopping at Google, said:

> Supporting a smooth transition for customers over the coming months, with the help of the Google Domains team, is our top priority. Squarespace can provide an integrated experience of purchasing and managing domains along with offering other tools that these customers may need to build their online presence.

What does this mean for Squarespace?

Squarespace is acquiring the assets associated with Google Domains, which include 10 million domains hosted on Google Domains spread across millions of customers. This will make Squarespace one of the largest domain registrars in the world and boost its customer base and revenue. Anthony Casalena, founder and CEO of Squarespace, said:

> We are exceptionally proud to be chosen to serve the customers of the Google Domains business. Domains are a critical part of web infrastructure and an essential piece of every business’s online presence.

Squarespace said it will honor Google Domains customers’ renewal prices for at least 12 months following the close of the deal. Squarespace will also become the exclusive domains provider for customers who purchase a domain from Google along with their Workspace subscription.

What does this mean for Google Domains customers?

Google Domains customers will be notified by email about the transition process and will have the option to transfer their domains to Squarespace or another registrar of their choice. They will also be able to access their domains through their existing Google accounts until the transition is complete. Google said it will work closely with Squarespace to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for customers.

Conclusion

The sale of Google Domains to Squarespace is a significant development in the web hosting industry and reflects Alphabet’s strategy of focusing on its core businesses and products. Squarespace, on the other hand, is expanding its offerings and reach by acquiring a large portfolio of domains and customers. The deal is expected to benefit both companies and their customers in the long run.

Source: 

(1) Alphabet sells Google Domains to Squarespace for reported $180 mn. https://inshorts.com/en/news/alphabet-sells-google-domains-to-squarespace-for-reported-$180-mn-1686893096028.

(2) Alphabet Sells Google Domains Business to Squarespace for $180M. https://www.droid-life.com/2023/06/16/alphabet-sells-google-domains-business-to-squarespace-for-180m/.

(3) Alphabet Selling Google Domains Assets to Squarespace. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-06-15/alphabet-selling-google-domains-assets-to-squarespace.

(4) Alphabet selling Google domains assets to Squarespace. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/alphabet-selling-google-domains-assets-to-squarespace/articleshow/101031773.cms.