Microsoft and Nokia in recent months considered making a joint bid for Research In Motion, people familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal. It was unclear how serious talks on the proposal were. Rumours of a takeover of RIM have increased following the BlackBerry's makers recent problems, which include slower sales, product delays and service disruptions. So far, no bids have emerged, and RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie has indicated he wants to wait until the launch of RIM's new BlackBerry next year before deciding whether to engage seriously with potential buyers, the paper's sources said. Separately, Reuters reports that Amazon.com also looked at a bid for RIM. Amazon hired an investment bank this summer to review a potential merger with RIM, but it did not make a formal offer, a source familiar with the matter said. Amazon and RIM are still discussing ways to expand their commercial ties, the report said.
