Scripps Networks Interactive Inc. on Friday said that it agreed to sell its Los Angeles-based online comparison shopping business Shopzilla Inc. for $165 million to a private equity firm.

Knoxville, Tenn.-based Scripps said that Palo Alto-based Symphony Technology Group will pay for $150 million in cash at the time the deal closes on or near May 31, and $15 million in deferred payments. Scripps acquired Shopzilla for $525 million in 2005.

Shopzilla operates comparison shopping websites under the Shopzilla, Bizrate and Beso names. The sites combined have more than 40 million users in the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany.

“While we believe that Shopzilla has strong growth potential in the online retail space, its mission and future trajectory diverge from SNI’s focus on lifestyle media brands,” Joseph G. NeCastro, chief financial officer for Scripps Network Interactive, said in a statement. “The best way to create the most value for both parties was for Shopzilla to find a new partner.”