Did EBay Spin Off PayPal to Attract Alibabas Interest?

The transcript discusses the dynamic nature of the business world, highlighting Apple's significant entry into the payments industry with its vast number of credit cards. It explores company management strategies, focusing on Jeff Bukas's decision to split off cable and AOL. The conversation shifts to comparing PayPal and eBay, noting PayPal's more intriguing business model. Finally, it examines Alibaba's interest in eBay, emphasizing the strategic advantage of making companies bite-sized for investment and market expansion in the US.

Why might Alibaba be more interested in eBay than in the payment system?

What are the potential benefits of making both companies 'bite size' for investors?