Norton makes takeover offer for GoDaddy

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 25, 2026

Gen Digital, the maker of Norton 360, has made an initial takeover offer for web domain provider GoDaddy as part of its strategy to expand beyond cybersecurity into web services. If successful, the deal would combine two prominent internet companies with similar valuations, potentially reshaping their competitive positions amid evolving technology markets.

The maker of Norton 360 antivirus software, Gen Digital, has submitted a takeover offer for web domain provider GoDaddy in an effort to expand its business beyond cybersecurity and privacy technology. The discussions between Gen Digital and GoDaddy are in the early stages, and sources familiar with the matter have indicated that there is no certainty the initial approach will lead to a deal. The first offer was reportedly made in recent weeks.

Gen Digital was established in 2022 following the merger of NortonLifeLock and Czech antivirus company Avast. Since then, it has expanded by acquiring several consumer-focused cybersecurity brands, including computer clean-up software CCleaner, online privacy tool ReputationDefender, and identity theft protection provider LifeLock. The acquisition of GoDaddy would represent a significant move for Gen Digital, as both companies have similar market valuations, and the deal could reposition Gen Digital amid growing competitive pressures from artificial intelligence and evolving software markets.

GoDaddy, a major player in domain registration and management, controls approximately 81 million web domains—around one-fifth of the global total—and maintains a customer base of over 20 million small businesses and individuals. Combining GoDaddy’s offerings with Gen Digital’s portfolio would link two well-established internet brands that date back to the early days of the web.

Following the takeover reports, GoDaddy shares rose 8.7% on Wall Street, valuing the company at about $13.2 billion. Meanwhile, Gen Digital’s stock declined by 6.1%, bringing its market capitalization to roughly $14.7 billion. Both companies, which are headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, declined to comment on the discussions.

The potential deal comes amid renewed investor interest in legacy internet brands. This includes the recent high-profile listing of Italian software conglomerate Bending Spoons, which owns AOL and Vimeo and had an initial valuation of $25.7 billion earlier this summer.

Gen Digital has indicated ambitions to diversify beyond cybersecurity, demonstrated by its $1 billion purchase of fintech lender MoneyLion last year. Meanwhile, GoDaddy has faced challenges related to the rise of AI-driven website building tools. To counter concerns that such technologies might erode its market, GoDaddy recently launched Airo.ai, a platform designed to assist users in creating websites and logos with the help of an AI agent.

GoDaddy’s origins trace back to the dotcom boom, and it was taken private in 2011 by private equity firms Silver Lake Capital Management and KKR before relisting publicly four years later. The company reported nearly $5 billion in revenue last year, although its share price has declined 55% from a peak earlier in 2025.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether the talks between Gen Digital and GoDaddy will culminate in a definitive agreement.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.