18 Dec 2013 07:00
For immediate release
18 December 2013
Top Level Domain Holdings Limited
("TLDH", the "Company" or "Group")
Sales Channel and gTLD Portfolio Update
The Directors of Top Level Domain Holdings (AIM: TLDH) are pleased to provide an update on the ongoing development of its sales channels to consumers, Minds + Machines' OPEN Priority Reservation program, and progress within its portfolio of gTLDs.
Development of Registrar Network
TLDH has now signed Registry-Registrar Agreements ("RRA's") with an initial twelve ICANN-accredited registrars in the US, Europe and Asia. Registrars are the entities authorised by the Internet's governing body, ICANN, to sell web addresses directly to the public. The Company plans to expand its registrar network in 2014 to complement its own direct sales channel to market through its wholly-owned registrar, Minds + Machines Registrar Limited.
OPEN Priority Reservation Platform Update
Of the initial twelve registrars that have signed RRAs, seven have signed up with Minds + Machines OPEN Priority Reservation Platform, thereby extending the reach of its Priority Reservation program. Currently reservations are being taken for five yet-to-launch top-level domains through the OPEN Priority Reservation Platform. The Company expects this number to increase significantly as a result of the interest being shown in the platform by registrars and other operators of new generic top-level domains.
gTLD Portfolio Update
The Directors expect to see the first of its portfolio of 25 uncontested top level domains in which it has an interest launch in Q1 2014 with a rolling program of launches continuing throughout the year. The Group will continue to participate in private auctions during the first half of 2014 to resolve contention on the Company's 43 wholly-owned gTLD applications currently contested between itself and one or more other parties. All applicants for a contested gTLD must consent to a private auction which enables the Group to determine the optimal time and basis for participating.
Antony Van Couvering, Group CEO, commented:
"2013 has been an exceptional year of achievement for TLDH and the new gTLD program. As we move into 2014 and commence the rolling launch of new domains within our portfolio, we are greatly encouraged by the consumer and industry response to the Minds + Machines OPEN Priority Reservation Platform and the level of interest from registrars wishing to work with us across our portfolio, as each brings important marketing and distribution reach."
Further Information:
Top Level Domain Holdings Limited
North America
Antony Van Couvering Tel: + 1 917 406 7126
Beaumont Cornish Limited (Nomad) Tel +44 (0) 20 7628 3396
Roland Cornish
Michael Cornish
N+1 Singer (Broker)
Matt Thomas/Shaun Dobson Tel +44 (0) 20 7496 3000
gth media relations
Toby Hall /Suzanne Johnson Walsh Tel: +44 (0) 20 7822 7493/2
Or visit the group's website at www.tldh.org
About Top Level Domain Holdings Limited
Top Level Domain Holding is a publicly traded holding company listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange focused on the new top-level domain space. Top-level domains, such as .com and .net are regulated by ICANN. ICANN is expanding the number of new generic top-level domains from the current 22 to over 1000. TLDH is making targeted investments in this space, focusing on both infrastructure technologies and specific top-level domains.
About Minds + Machines, http://mindsandmachines.com
Minds + Machines is a registry services provider that works internationally with commercial organisations, cities, not-for-profits and entrepreneurs to secure and operate new top-level domains (TLDs). Minds + Machines' registrar services are provided through Minds + Machines Registrar Limited. Both Minds + Machines LLC and Minds + Machines Registrar Limited are wholly owned subsidiaries of Top Level Domains Holdings Limited.