The Blog Rumor Moving BlackBerry (Hint: It's About Microsoft M&A)

BlackBerry LtdBBRYblog post on "Betaville" which suggested that Microsoft Corporation MSFT hired investment bankers to evaluate a takeover of BlackBerry. "To be clear, my source said Microsoft has not yet made an approach for BlackBerry and is still in the very early stages of looking into buying the business," the blog noted. "It's quite possible the technology group may decide against pursuing BlackBerry." The blog continued that "it is not clear" why Microsoft is showing interest in BlackBerry, but another source suggested that BlackBerry's patents are of value and would command a $6 billion to $7 billion price tag to buy the company and all of its asset. Following the uptick in BlackBerry's stock, shares were valued at $5.55 billion. The blog also added that BlackBerry has not responded to a request for comment. Microsoft responded to a similar request and answered "unfortunately we do not comment on rumor or speculation." BlackBerry's name has been thrown around recently as a potential acquisition target. Most recently, Apple Inc. AAPL was rumored to be interested in acquiring BlackBerry. Fittingly, the Betaville blog concluded by stating that it Microsoft's interest in BlackBerry could prove to be untrue and that it is reporting "market gossip that hasn't been tested through all formal journalistic channels (public relations executives, bankers etc). The rumour might be total codswallop but then again there may be something in it, so it's worth airing on Betaville."