As anticipated, Verizon Communications is preparing to spin off its yellow pages division to instead focus on its wireless, broadband and television businesses, reports the New York Times. A move is expected by the end of the year, and may entail selling some or all of its Verizon Directories unit, which includes SuperPages.com.

The SuperPages.com site is a competitor in the local search and pay-per-click advertising market. A spinoff would avoid taxes, but a sale would mean having to pay them. Verizon is expected to use proceeds to help expand its fiber optic network or buy back Verizon Wireless shares from Vodafone.

Verizon said its directories business controlled 21 percent of the directories market and generated $1.03 billion in profit last year. Verizon Directories publishes in 35 states, primarily in the Northeast and Midwest, but also in California, Florida and Texas.

Prior coverage:

- Verizon SuperPages, Google Partner for AdWords
- MSN, SuperPages.com Partner for Local Ads
- SuperPages Campaign Draws 7 Million Users
- Verizon to Sell Off Directories Business
- SuperPages.com Adds User Reviews, Comparison Shopping
- YellowPages.com Taps GSD&M as Market Heats up
- Verizon SuperPages Enters Pay-per-Call Arena
- As Local Search Rises, SuperPages Tries Agency Role
- Verizon SuperPages to TM Advertising