Reglikedomain industry desk

GoDaddy is buying NamesCon

World’s largest domain name registrar will own NamesCon following it completes HEG buyout.

The rumors are true–GoDaddy (NYSE:GDDY) is acquiring Host Europe Group.

The US $1.79 billion transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of next year, and will include top European brands such as 123Reg and DomainFactory.

And NamesCon.

That’s right, GoDaddy will own the domain name industry’s biggest conference sometime next year. Host Europe Group owns WorldHostingDays, the webhosting conference that purchased NamesCon this year.

The deal won’t close ahead of next month’s conference, and it’s unclear what impact the buyout will have on the conference following that. GoDaddy states it will “continue to operate these brands independently and invest in their continued growth.” As industry conferences, it will be smart for GoDaddy to take a background role in the conference to keep it independent and not lose the support of competitors.

Also on the wire

Other reporting from the domain desk.

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