Ever since Google closed the DoubleClick acquisition, it’s been trying to sell off Performics, a unit of DoubleClick that does search-engine marketing and optimization. The business presented a conflict of interest for Google because its services are aimed at getting better placement on Google’ search results for its clients. Google announced today that it sold the business to France’s Publicis Groupe.

The French advertising giant will absorb the 200 “search marketing specialists” currently working for Performics. It will fold the business into its VivaKi Nerve Center (sounds scary). The purchase price was not disclosed.

Now Google can leave the SEO and SEM to others. It can spare the crumbs.