The first layoffs related to BlackBerry’s decision to cut some 4,500 jobs by the end of its fiscal year are taking place this week. According to The Financial Post, some 300 employees in the Waterloo region will lose their jobs this week.
BlackBerry confirmed the move in an emailed statement:
“As previously mentioned, we are in a period of transition and we must focus on enhancing our financial results to be in a better position to compete in this current mobile environment. As such, BlackBerry has implemented an ongoing workforce reduction that will impact approximately 4,500 employees globally over the next three quarters. This week’s reduction includes approximately 300 employees in Waterloo.”
While the company revealed no further details, a source said that the cuts affected a number of departments, including enterprise and design.
A number of companies have now expressed interest in acquiring all or portions of BlackBerry. Fairfax Financial Holdings has put forward an offer to take BlackBerry private for US$4.7 billion. It now appears that it may also have other options now or soon. BlackBerry has also held talks with a number of companies including Google, Cisco and SAP. Other parties that could make a bid include Cerberus Capital Management, a private equity firm, as well as Intel, LG and Samsung.
Source : The Financial Post