AOL's
UK internet access division is up for sale, according to media reports today.
The
Time
Warner company has already appointed
Citigroup
to find a buyer for its ISP business in France and Germany, and its UK operation
has now been added to the list, according to The Guardian.
AOL refused to confirm or deny the report. AOL is the third largest ISP in
the UK, behind
BT
and the newly merged
NTL/Telewest group, and is thought to be looking for a deal that will allow
it to continue its content portal in the UK.
The company is reportedly seeking to increase its portal activity and
concentrate on the growing market for advertising and search revenues.
Depending on the outcome of Citigroup's review of AOL's European operation,
the banking group could suggest an outright sale or partnership.
Google
paid $1bn for a five per
cent stake in AOL at the end of last year, as part of a wide-ranging
advertising deal.
AOL's move follows recent launches of 'free' internet access from
Carphone
Warehouse and
Orange.
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