As planned for some time... *

<< Publicis Groupe [...] and Google [...] announced today that Publicis Groupe has agreed to acquire the Performics search marketing business (Performics) from Google. Chicago-based Performics, one of the leading search marketing services providers, helps to improve the performance of advertisers’ investments and maximize client campaign effectiveness. Its profit-driving suite of marketing solutions includes Performics’ reporting platform, local platform, advanced market expertise and active account management. >>

http://www.google.com/intl/en/press/pressrel/20080806_performics.html

I know Performics was part of the DoubleClick acquisition, but has Google ever sold any part of the company before?

* http://blogoscoped.com/archive/2008-04-03.html#n51 :

<< Google plans to sell of[f] the DoubleClick’s search engine marketing unit Performics, as it brings with it a conflict of interest for Google’s neutrality. >>

A search engine company running an SEO side business isn't exactly the best type of business to be in. Everyone would cry foul if Google didn't sell Performics.

Some more info on Performics according to Wikipedia:
<<Performics provides both search engine marketing and affiliate marketing services and is currently the 3rd largest affiliate network in the United States. When members of the industry refer to the "Big Three" affiliate networks, they mean the following 3 networks: Commission Junction/BeFree, Linkshare and Performics.

Performics is based in Chicago, Illinois and has more than 300 clients, including America Online, Blair Corp., Bose, Cingular, CompUSA, Eddie Bauer, Fairmont Hotels, HP, J. Jill, Jos. A. Banks, Kohl's, L.L. Bean, Motorola, OfficeMax, PC Connection, RedEnvelope, Sony, Intuit, Staples, Verizon Wireless, and Wyndham Hotels.>>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Performics