Microsoft, Xiaomi, Others Eyeing BlackBerry Acquisition: Report

BlackBerry is reportedly being eyed by several major companies again. The report’s claim comes as a surprise as nearly two months ago, BlackBerry reported better-than-expected quarterly earnings, giving the first hint of the company’s turning fortunes.

The report emerging out from Taiwan cites industry sources and claims that Microsoft and several China-based handset brands including Xiaomi, Lenovo, and Huawei are lined up to be “potential investors.”

Microsoft has appointed investment companies to evaluate the possibility of BlackBerry acquisition, Digitimes reports. The Redmond giant with the acquisition is reportedly aiming to enhance its business mobile solution alongside patent portfolio for Internet of Vehicles (IoV), mobile platform and communications sectors.

Considering Microsoft and BlackBerry both have shifted focus to software products, it is not unreasonable to expect the Redmond giant to benefit from the acquisition. Microsoft is also set to launch its anticipated Windows 10 for PCs this summer followed by versions for mobiles and tablets.

The China-based companies, on the other hand, are said to intend buying BlackBerry with the aim of improving their presence in more markets (business) including Europe and the US as well as expand their current patent portfolio.

The report however speculates that China-based companies will face some issues in the scrutiny of regulatory agencies on concerns of national security in BlackBerry acquisition.

A report earlier this year claimed that Samsung offered to buy BlackBerry for as much as $7.5 billion (roughly Rs. 46,632 crores). The report however was denied by both the parties later.

Rumours of a possible Lenovo buyout bid for BlackBerry have been in reports previously as well. An earlier report even claimed that senior Lenovo executives were interested in BlackBerry targeting to strengthen the handset business.