Online solutions provider Network Solutions announced on Wednesday that private equity firm General Atlantic has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Network Solutions from Najafi Companies, formerly Pivotal Private Equity.

Champ Mitchell, chairman and CEO of Network Solutions, and the current Network Solutions management team will continue to lead the company.

“This new partnership should help us accelerate our current 30 percent top-line growth rate,” says Mitchell. “Network Solutions is gaining a strong long-term partner with a solid track record of investing in companies and assisting with their strategic growth initiatives.”

Network Solutions, which Najafi Companies purchased from VeriSign in November 2003, was the first company acquired by the newly formed private equity firm. During its tenure with Najafi Companies, Network Solutions transformed itself from a domain registrar to an online services and solutions provider for small business customers.