Rumours of Samsung acquiring Research In Motion resurfaced today courtesy of a research note from an analyst at Jefferies & Co. Peter Misek suggests that RIM is close to wrapping up its review of its strategic options. He expects that RIM will conclude that it needs to license its BlackBerry 10 operating system to another company with Samsung being the likeliest candidate. According to his research note:
“Given recent management comments in the press, it now appears that RIM is realizing what Wall Street has been saying for some time: they are a subscale manufacturer and desperately need a partner. We believe RIM is attempting to revive discussions with Samsung regarding a BB10 licensing deal.”
Misek expects that Samsung will not move to acquire RIM until after BlackBerry 10 launches.
For its part, Samsung has once again moved to deny such rumours. A company spokesperson told AllThingsD that “Samsung Electronics has not considered the acquisition of Research in Motion or licensing BB10.” It dismissed similar rumours back in January.
Read more: AllThingsD