Web Hosting Leader GoDaddy.com Sold for $2.25 Billion

Its official: GoDaddy.com, the world’s biggest provider of Web hosting services, domain names and SSL Security Certificates, has been effectively bought by KKR, Silver Lake and Technology Crossover Ventures for $2.25 billion.

It should be noted though that in GoDaddy’s official statement, the deal is not a sale by a “partnership” or a “strategic investment.” In fact, Bob Parsons, GoDaddy’s Founder and CEO, stated that they are “partnering” with KKR, Silver Lake and TCV because these three private equity or venture capital firms are noted for their expertise, for having a keen understanding of Internet based businesses and because their corporate values are in alignment with GoDaddy.com’s. He also stated that GoDaddy.com believes that these three firms will help them reach the next level – especially when it comes to international growth.

And while GoDaddy.com did not disclose the monetary terms of the deal, the New York Times is reporting that the “partnership” is worth $2.25 billion. Moreover, Bob Parsons will remain GoDaddy.com’s largest shareholder but its also unclear whether he will retain a controlling interest in the firm once the deal is complete. It has also been noted by GoDaddy.com in Mashable that the terms of the deal do not mean that Bob has a controlling 51% stake in the firm.

GoDaddy.com has experienced significant growth over the past three years. In fact, GoDaddy.com’s sales rose by 25% to $947 million from 2009 to 2010 and the company is predicting such growth rates to continue for 2011 with $1.1 billion in revenue expected for 2011.

Links

• GoDaddy Official Website
• GoDaddy User Reviews
• GoDaddy Promo Codes