RIM snaps up QNX Software Systems

Canadian based BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIM) announced that it has reached an agreement with US based Harman International for RIM to acquire Harman’s Canadian based QNX Software Systems, for an undisclosed amount.
The deal is still awaiting…

Canadian based BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIM) announced that it has reached an agreement with US based Harman International for RIM to acquire Harman’s Canadian based QNX Software Systems, for an undisclosed amount.

The deal is still awaiting regulatory clearance, but is expected to close within 35-45 days.

The companies state that the strategic move is expected to further strengthen QNX’s penetration in the automotive market and foster innovation for markets served by all parties.

RIM president and co-CEO Mike Lazaridis said, “RIM is excited about the planned acquisition of QNX Software Systems and we look forward to ongoing collaboration between Harman, QNX and RIM to further integrate and enhance the user experience between smartphones and in-vehicle audio and infotainment systems. In addition to our interests in expanding the opportunities for QNX in the automotive sector and other markets, we believe the planned acquisition of QNX will also bring other value to RIM in terms of supporting certain unannounced product plans for intelligent peripherals, adding valuable intellectual property to RIM’s portfolio and providing long-term synergies for the companies based on the significant and complementary OS expertise that exists within the RIM and QNX teams today.”

Harman International designs, manufactures and markets audio and infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional markets. QNX Software Systems is based in Ontario, Canada, was founded in 1980 and was acquired by Harman in 2005.