I think that everyone who is assuming that 37 Signals is being neglectful or unprofessional here, may be missing the possibility that they let the auction fail with intent.
It is possible that private negotiations have been in process.
I'm ignorant to the rules of posting an auction on sortfolio, and to the fees, but I'd bet that there would be plenty of reasons for a buyer to prefer a different process, and once said buyer approached 37 Signals with a serious offer, they may have changed their mind about it "not being worth their time" [1].
Or, someone they respect and trust could have shown interest and taken initiative to run the site.
[1] I read an unsourced claim in another thread that 37 Signals felt that Sortfolio was not worth their time.
It is possible that private negotiations have been in process.
I'm ignorant to the rules of posting an auction on sortfolio, and to the fees, but I'd bet that there would be plenty of reasons for a buyer to prefer a different process, and once said buyer approached 37 Signals with a serious offer, they may have changed their mind about it "not being worth their time" [1].
Or, someone they respect and trust could have shown interest and taken initiative to run the site.
[1] I read an unsourced claim in another thread that 37 Signals felt that Sortfolio was not worth their time.