The BlackBerry rumour mill is once again turning, with new rumours citing that the Canadian company is up for acquisition. Speculation posits that many tech behemoths are interested in purchasing the company, including major names such as Xiaomi, Lenovo and Huawei.
Interestingly, another certain company – which acquired another famous smartphone marque not too long ago – is also interested: Microsoft.
The company – which, despite its recent woes has returned to profitability as of the last quarter of 2014 – seems to have generated a vast amount of interest in a number of contenders. Reports indicate that Microsoft has commissioned investment companies to evaluate a possible acquisition and that Lenovo, Xiaomi and Huawei have all indicated interest.
Still rather fresh from acquiring Nokia – and using the Lumia line to usher in a new generation of Windows Phone flagships – Microsoft’s interest to acquire BlackBerry seems odd at face value. However, an acquisition could actually represent a strong move by the firm to introduce Windows Phone – or Microsoft services which could remain on the BlackBerry platform – into an enormous enterprise market which BlackBerry still largely clings to.
With both Apple and Samsung making forays into enterprise – the latter using Microsoft’s own services – purchasing BlackBerry might be the fastest route for Microsoft to establish mobile dominance in the office space and quickly integrate their OneDrive and Office for Business suites into an enterprise-focused platform.
Alternatively, the acquisition could see Microsoft take-over several undisclosed patents, as well as co-opt the company’s research divisions.
In comparison, Lenovo, Huawei and Xiaomi could face steep difficulty in negotiating with regulatory agencies in both Europe and the United States – notwithstanding the challenge of possibly re-branding the firm or maintaining the company as a subsidiary.
Neither Microsoft, Lenovo, Huawei, Xiaomi or BlackBerry have commented thus far. More news as the story develops.
Follow Bryan on Twitter: @bryansmith1138
