BlackBerry maker Research In Motion is considering splitting itself in two, separating its handset unit and its messaging business, according to a report.
The struggling RIM, which hired JP Morgan and RBC Capital last month to explore its strategic options, is considering breaking off the handset unit as a separate listed company and then possibly selling it, according to The Sunday Times, which did not cite sources. (Link unavailable.) Among the potential buyers cited in the article: Facebook and Amazon. Selling to Apple and Google is another possibility as is selling a stake to a larger firm like Microsoft.
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Reps from RIM could not be reached for comment on the report.
The report comes as RIM's fortunes have declined as Apple and Google edged it from a leader in the smartphone market to a distant-third competitor. In its last quarter, RIM's revenues fell 19% and the company posted its first loss in seven years. RIM is expected to report its latest quarterly revenues on Thursday.
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Images courtesy of Flickr, miggslives
This story originally published on Mashable here.
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