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Rumours: Samsung to license BB10 or buying RIM. RIM shares jumped.
Shares of struggling BlackBerry maker Research in Motion Ltd. jumped Wednesday after Jefferies analyst Peter Misek said Samsung could be interested in licensing RIM's new BlackBerry 10 software or even buying the company.
Samsung Electronics Co., the world's largest mobile phone maker, currently relies on Android software made by Google Inc. for its smartphones. But the company may be concerned that Google will make better versions of Android for its own smartphones or stop licensing its Android software to other handset makers. The online search giant bought phone maker Motorola this year.
So Misek believes Samsung is examining possible backup software options. He thinks the Korean company recognizes the increasing importance of software and the danger in not owning the software on its phones.
Meanwhile, RIM is reviewing options as it tries to turn around its business. The Canadian company's BlackBerry has lost market share to Apple Inc.'s iPhone and phones that run Android, including Samsung's devices.
RIM has hired J.P. Morgan and RBC Capital Markets to help it evaluate strategies, including possibilities of partnering with other companies and licensing software.
Samsung said in January it wasn't interested in buying RIM. RIM's software has fallen behind flashier phones like the iPhone and phones running Android. However, RIM says its much-delayed new BlackBerry 10 software will be thoroughly redesigned for the new multimedia, Internet browsing and apps experience that customers are now demanding.
Misek believes Samsung could pursue a licensing deal with the BlackBerry maker, but said Samsung will wait to see how the BlackBerry 10 software is received before negotiating a licensing agreement or possibly buying RIM. RIM says BlackBerry 10 will be released in early 2013.
Samsung didn't immediately return a message seeking comment on Wednesday. A RIM spokesman said their policy is to decline comment on rumors and speculation.
RIM shares gained 44 cents, or 6 percent, to $7.75 in early afternoon trading on the Nasdaq. Shares have lost half their value this year, and the company's market capitalization has shrunk to about $4 billion from more than $89 billion in 2008.
Source: AP.
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