Samsung denies reported interest in RIM takeover

News Wireless Global 18 JAN 2012
Samsung denies reported interest in RIM takeover
Samsung is the frontrunner to acquire Research In Motion if the BlackBerry maker opts for a sale of the company, Boy Genius Report writes, citing people familiar with the matter. Its sources said RIM is considering a wide range of options to turn around its fortunes, which could include licensing its software to other companies, selling one or more divisions or an outright sale of the company. Samsung is reportedly interested in BlackBerry Messenger as a way to distinguish its phones from other Android devices. Samsung could integrate BBM as well as other enterprise features into Android, the report said. RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie is "actively meeting with almost every company that might be interested in either a part or all of RIM, in addition to having talks about licensing", BGR writes. "Jim is going hard after Samsung," a source with knowledge of the negotiations said. However, no deal has been forthcoming as RIM is asking too high a price. This is thought to be around USAD 12-15 billion, or USD 22.90-28.60 per share. RIM's market capitalization is currently around USD 8.5 billion. Samsung told news wires that it was not interested in buying RIM. A spokesman for the Korean company told Bloomberg that the two had never been in talks, and Samsung was also not interested in licensing BlackBerry software. RIM shares closed up sharply after the report, at USD 17.47 per share.

Categories:

Mobile

Companies:

Samsung,  Research In Motion

Regions:

Global

Tags:

Wholesale, Handsets, M&A buyouts & divestments

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