• PandoDaily.com, Wednesday, May 9, 2012 11:54 AM

Perhaps overshadowing a mixed Q1 earnings report on Wednesday, word is that AOL is exploring the sale of key technology properties, including Engadget and TechCrunch. “The two would likely be sold together as AOL Tech, possibly including smaller assets like TUAW and Joystiq,” reports PandoDaily.com, citing two independent sources. And how much is AOL asking for the lot? What Pando considers to be “a hefty” $70 million to $100 million. At $70 million, AOL would actually turn a profit on the price it originally paid for TechCrunch and Engadget.

As one source tells Pando, AOL management has been seriously considering the move since early this year. “The news also sheds light on why Arianna Huffington was so relaxed about relinquishing responsibility for the division last month, according to reports.” AOL is reportedly ready to wait 6-to-12 months to find the right buyer (or buyers) for the sites, but, needless to say, would rather do a deal sooner rather than later. Yet, at least according to Pando; “Even with an extended timeline, $70 million may be a tough sell. While the brand recognition of both Engadget and TechCrunch remain strong, the revenue side of the AOL Tech business has been hit hard in recent months. TechCrunch has now lost almost all of its internal revenue generating team.”

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