The merger between AOL and Time Warner symbolises the sommet of what was later known as the Internet bubble.
All is now good and finished. AOL Europe is to be sold in pieces.
Free and Neuf Cegetel would be in line to acquire the still 450,000 subscriber strong, but overdrawn, French subsidiary.
The battle is likely to be rough between the two, seeing that the number 2 French ADSL position is at stake.