Research in Motion (RIM) was approached by Microsoft earlier this year for a potential partnership including a potential stake sale to Microsoft, according to unnamed sources cited by Reuters.
The news agency said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer contacted…
Research in Motion (RIM) was approached by Microsoft earlier this year for a potential partnership including a potential stake sale to Microsoft, according to unnamed sources cited by Reuters.
The news agency said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer contacted the struggling Canadian handset maker following the departure of former co-CEOs Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie, who were in March replaced by Thorsten Heins. Ballmer suggested a partnership similar to the deal Microsoft has with Nokia, including RIM using the Windows operating system, the article states, referring to three sources.
According to the report RIM’s board would prefer to continue to develop its own operating system and wants to keep the company’s technology independence. RIM’s patent portfolio could also attract Microsoft, the sources said.
In its Q1 earnings call last week, RIM revealed a delay of the launch of its Blackberry 10 handset to early 2013.
Following Thursday’s disappointing results, RIM’s stock price plunged 20.3% on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).
Earlier reports suggested that RIM may consider either selling or licensing-out its proprietary network. In April it was reported that former co-CEO Jim Balsillie had pushed for RIM to allow major wireless operators to use its technology.
RIM hired JP Morgan and RBC Capital Markets in May to explore strategic alternatives to arrest its slump, but as yet there has been no change in direction announced by the Ontario-based firm.
