Samsung is reportedly buying Blackberry. According to sources familiar with the matter who opted remain anonymous, Samsung would be looking to gain access to Blackberry’s patent portfolio. If the deal were to go down, the company would be bought for as much as $7.5 billion. It’ll cost $13.35 to $15.49 per share, or 38-60% over what Blackberry currently trades at.
The executives from Samsung and Blackberry reportedly met last week with advisors to negotiate terms of a potential transaction. Reports say the conversations were to be private.
Having access to Blackberry’s patent portfolio will give Samsung better leverage to develop patent technology that doesn’t interfere with what could be a potential lawsuit.
Blackberry was working with Samsung back in November combining both companies security platforms into a single effort. Blackberry would utilize their enterprise mobility management (EMM) whlie Samsung’s KNOX safeguards your files underneath stacks of hardware and software protection. Samsung has been in talks to acquire Blackberry before.
Lets just hope that if this deal does go through, Samsung won’t be nerfing any of the new potential or classic Blackberry products by adding TouchWiz.
UPDATE: BlackBerry’s official response to the rumored Samsung takeover:
“BlackBerry Limited (NASDAQ:BBRY)(TSX:BB) (“BlackBerry”) is aware of certain press reports published today with respect to a possible offer by Samsung to purchase BlackBerry. BlackBerry has not engaged in discussions with Samsung with respect to any possible offer to purchase BlackBerry. BlackBerry’s policy is not to comment on rumors or speculation, and accordingly it does not intend to comment further.”
SOURCE: Reuters
