eBay plans Skype IPO for 2010, splitting companies that never meshed

eBay says it's planning an initial public offering for Skype's internet phone service, five years after it bought the company for $2.6 billion.

The auction company didn't say how much money it plans to raise in the IPO, which should happen during the first six months of 2010 but could be moved depending on market conditions, eBay said in a statement.

It's a marriage that never quite meshed. By planning this split, both parties may enjoy a post-IPO celebration.