You can add Microsoft and Nokia to the list of suitors looking at RIM. A Wall Street Journal report indicates that the two companies also considered making a bid for the beleaguered Canadian company.It’s not clear how far the talks went but reinforces the fact that RIM’s sagging share price is making it a more interesting takeover target.
According to sources, Co-CEO Jim Balsillie prefers that RIM wait until the launch of its BlackBerry 10 devices before deciding whether to pursue a buyout or merger.
One option that RIM could consider before a buyout is licensing its software. RIM has apparently held discussions with both HTC and Samsung about this topic (on top of buyout talks?). RIM would continue to sell its BlackBerry smartphones, setting the stage for some interesting competition should this ever happen.
Needless to say, Microsoft, Nokia and RIM all declined to comment on the rumours.
2012 will definitely be an interesting year for RIM…