Minds + Machines Group Limited (LSE:MMX) announced its agreement to acquire a 99% interest in Boston TLD Management LLC (“BTM”), the owner of rights to the .boston geo-TLD, and the agreement of its subsidiary, Minds + Machines Limited, to act as the Registry Service Provider for the geo-TLD (“the Acquisition”).
Boston Globe Media Partners LLC (“Boston Globe Media”) transferred into BTM its ownership rights to, and operating responsibilities for, the .boston geo-TLD. Boston Globe Media acquired the .boston rights from Globe Newspaper Company, Inc., the original .boston applicant, in October 2013. The formal completion of the Acquisition by MMX is subject, inter alia, to the receipt from ICANN of approvals by Boston Globe Media for the transfers of ownership rights in the .boston geo-TLD and BTM.
Antony Van Couvering, CEO of MMX, commented:
Over the last five years MMX has worked hard to establish itself as the owner/operator of choice for cities and municipalities on geo TLDs. We intend to continue growing this part of our portfolio as relevant opportunities emerge.
We look forward to working with BTM, Boston Globe Media, the City of Boston and our distribution partners to ensure the successful launch of .boston later this year, which we believe will become a major digital asset to the City of Boston, its businesses and communities.
BTM’s application to ICANN for delegation of the .boston geo-TLD remains pending. Details of the launch schedule will be announced post-completion of the relevant ICANN approvals. Regular updates on the forthcoming launch and registration information for .boston will be available at www.dotboston.co.