Barry Diller: “I am the Spin Master”

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We came across this gem recently while perusing a transcript of IAC/InterActiveCorp’s(IACI) 4th quarter

English: Barry Diller at the 2009 premiere of ...

The Spin Master

conference call.  Diller is indeed a veteran of many spinoffs, including Expedia(EXPE) and its new progeny, TripAdvisor(TRIP)

Ross Sandler – RBC Capital Markets

Just two quick questions. Barry on that theme of using the past to kind of look at the future, given the early successes of the Expedia, TripAdvisor spin, and the success of the original IAC split-up, do you think there is any efficiency to be gained by separating personals now that is a more global business?

….

Barry Diller

Well, I am the spin master. I am so pleased because we started doing this before it kind of became a bit popular spinning things off and when they got to be, we thought, of sufficient size that they ought to be up on their own. And that general sensibility prevails. But I do not think that it makes sense at this time. I don’t think my colleagues at all disagree with me that we would now spin off the personals business or spin off the search business. So I think the real test on that is: are they being maximally managed and in this configuration? And I think results would – could kind of confirm that.

As far as the future, I think that depending upon what happens with this company, company is this IAC company, having gone through these multiple spin-offs over these last years, is right now, at very good size with very good prospects. And I think we are going to keep these configurations for a period of time depending upon what happens and grow things and all sorts of other issues pertains. But I don’t certainly contemplate it.

So, no plans by “Spin Master” Barry Diller to spin off IAC’s Personals business, which consists mostly of Match.com. But check back in 6 months- this wheeler-dealer is always spinning.

Disclosure: The author holds no position in any stock mentioned.

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