In a bid to establish stronger footing in the technology market, Blackberry earlier announced the company's consideration of joint ventures, partnerships or a possible sale of company operations. The special committee which Blackberry Chief Executive Thorsten Heins is a member is open to the idea of making the company go private. The move will allow them leeway to make strategic changes that are out of the public eye.
The committee chaired by Former Golden Sachs executive Timothy Dattels promised, through a released statement to the media, that whatever actions they decide on will include customer and shareholder considerations. "Given the importance and strength of our technology, and the evolving industry and competitive landscape, we believe that now is the right time to explore strategic alternatives," he added.
It was the right time indeed. Although shareholder trade was 9% higher pre-market, it still wasn't a confidence booster to investors. Share price is currently 18% down at USD9.76.
However, the committee will be facing internal opposition. CNet reports that Heins is still optimistic about their Blackberry 10-operated smartphones, which didn't bode well against Apple or Samsung. Major shareholder Prem Watsa, who incidentally is in the special committee, isn't keen to the idea of selling shares and is no longer board director.
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