Google Exits Domain Registration Business, Sells to Squarespace

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Google has unexpectedly announced that it will sell its domain-hosting business to Squarespace. The deal, which is expected to close in the third quarter of 2023, will see Squarespace acquire approximately 10 million domains from Google.

The sale comes as a surprise to many, as Google has been a major player in the domain-hosting market for years. The company’s Google Domains service is one of the most popular domain registrars in the world, and it has been credited with helping to make domain names more accessible and affordable.

However, Google has faced increasing competition from other domain registrars in recent years. In addition, the company has been shifting its focus to other areas of its business, such as cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

The sale of Google Domains to Squarespace is a sign that Google is no longer interested in competing in the domain-hosting market. The company is likely to focus on its core businesses, while Squarespace will be able to expand its offerings and reach a wider audience.

What does this mean for users?

For existing Google Domains users, the sale is unlikely to have any immediate impact. Squarespace has said that it will honor existing customer pricing for at least 12 months following the completion of the purchase. The company also says that it will use Google’s infrastructure to ensure a “seamless transfer of domains.”

However, it is possible that Squarespace will make changes to Google Domains in the future. The company may introduce new features or pricing plans, or it may even discontinue some of the existing features.

What does this mean for the domain-hosting market?

The sale of Google Domains to Squarespace is a major development in the domain-hosting market. The deal will give Squarespace a major boost in terms of market share, and it will likely lead to increased competition in the industry.

It is also possible that other domain registrars will look to acquire smaller competitors in order to grow their businesses. This could lead to a consolidation of the domain-hosting market, which could benefit consumers by driving down prices and improving customer service.