US-based e-commerce firm eBay is mulling to spinoff its payments unit, PayPal, as early as 2015, reported by The Information.

eBay told potential candidates for the position of PayPal CEO, a post that David Marcus vacated in June, about a possible spinoff of the payments unit, according to the website.

A PayPal spinoff would mark an about-face for the company. eBay CEO John Donahoe has resisted demands by activist investor Carl Icahn to hive off the payments service, saying PayPal was integral to eBay’s business – and vice versa – and a split would not make sense.

eBay spokeswoman Amanda Miller said: "The board will continue to assess all alternatives to create that long-term value and to enhance the growth and competitive positions of both eBay and PayPal. This position has not changed."

Whether eBay has decided to spin off all or part of PayPal, and what structure that could take, remained unclear, The Information reported.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.