Who Owns the Domain? Why This Overlooked Detail Can Wreck Your Business Acquisition

In four of our last seven acquisitions, we were brought in after the deal started to unravel—because no one flagged a basic issue: the seller was using the business domain as their personal email. No asset list. No handoff plan. Just a seller refusing to give up access to something that controls the website, accounting logins, and team emails. It’s one of the most common digital landmines in small business deals and one we’ve had to defuse more than once.

Domains are more than just URLs. They’re digital command centers. If you don’t control the domain, you don’t control the business.

The Domain Controls More Than You Think

• Email accounts: From Admin@ to JohnDoe@, everything relies on domain ownership.
• Website & hosting: DNS access determines site uptime, rebuilds, redirects—the works.
• ERP, CRM & accounting software: Login credentials often tie directly to domain-based emails.
• Licensing & two-factor auth: Microsoft, Google, QuickBooks, and others use domain emails for validation.
• Brand trust & SEO history: Age, backlinks, and domain authority build long-term credibility online.

5 Steps to Prevent Domain Disasters in a Deal

1. Ask for a domain list early. Get this before the LOI if possible.
2. Call it out in the APA. Explicitly list domain ownership in the asset section.
3. Audit every login and software account that uses domain-based emails.
4. Negotiate transition time for email forwarding or migration (especially if personal use is involved).
5. Require sign-off. Get the seller to acknowledge domain transfer in writing—no surprises.

What If They Push Back?

Use your soft skills. Every case we've handled involved a signed non-compete. If they won’t be competing, they don’t need the domain. Be firm, but empathetic. This is usually an emotional (not strategic) issue.

The domain is part of the brand. Part of the tech stack. Part of the deal. Don’t leave it out.