New York - Media giant Time Warner (NYSE: TWX) has completed the tedious process of separating AOL's dial-up business from its advertising and content business, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. The move, deemed a priority by CEO Jeff Bewkes when he assumed the role seven months ago, seemingly clears the way for Time Warner to potentially deal part or all of AOL.

Though the company has held discussions about its ad business with potential deal partners such as Yahoo and Microsoft, "talks have been held back by uncertainty about how revenue and liabilities would be split between the two sides, which complicated putting a value on the businesses," The Journal reported.

EarthLink reportedly has shown interest in AOL's dial-up business, as well.

Related Links:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121779084359008083.html (subscription required)

http://www.aol.com