Gen Digital reportedly approaches GoDaddy about takeover
The Financial Times reported that Gen Digital, the cybersecurity company behind Norton and Avast, made an early takeover approach to GoDaddy. GoDaddy shares jumped more than 10% after the report, while Gen Digital shares fell about 7%. Gen Digital owns brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, and MoneyLion, while GoDaddy serves more than 20 million customers and manages roughly 81 million domains.
The Financial Times reported that Gen Digital recently contacted GoDaddy about a possible acquisition, though talks may not lead to a deal and no price was disclosed. After the report, GoDaddy stock rose over 10% and was briefly halted for volatility, while Gen Digital fell about 7%.
Gen Digital was created in 2022 by combining NortonLifeLock and Avast. It owns Norton, Avast, LifeLock and MoneyLion, reported $5 billion in fiscal 2026 revenue and had 81 million paid customers by July. GoDaddy serves over 20 million customers and manages about 81 million domains.
If completed, a combined company could touch millions of small businesses, website owners, and consumers who rely on domains and security tools. Greater bundling may simplify protection but could also concentrate sensitive account, identity, and domain data under one provider. Customers might see new packages or pricing changes; competitors may respond. Regulators could examine competition and privacy implications. The outcome remains uncertain because talks are early.