Google announced today that they'll be selling their Performics Search Marketing branch to avoid clashes of interest.

"It’s clear to us that we do not want to be in the search engine marketing business. Maintaining objectivity in both search and advertising is paramount to Google’s mission and core to the trust we ask from our users. For this reason, we plan to sell the Performics search marketing business to a third party."

Last April, the internet giant dropped $3.1 billion in cash to acquire Doubleclick Performics. There hasn't been any offers so far.

The remainder affiliate marketing arm will be integrated into Google's operations.

[Google Blog]