investcorrectly.com/20150114/...rry-ltd-bbry-google-inc-googl/
by Steve Vrionis · January 14, 2015 01:40 PM PST
samsung SSNLF
According to Reuters, SAMSUNG ELECT LTD(F) (OTCMKTS:SSNLF) has made a takeover approach to
BlackBerry Ltd (NASDAQ:BBRY)(TSE:BB), in a price range of $13.35 to $15.49 per share. The offer would value BlackBerry at $6 billion to $7.5 billion, assuming a conversion of $1.25 billion in convertible debt.
According to sources which asked not to be identified to Reuters, Executives from the two companies are working with advisers and met last week to discuss a potential transaction. Neither BlackBerry nor Samsung could be immediately reached for comment.
Could this mean replacement of Android?
While the conversations are private and not indicative of a deal at this point, It’s interesting to speculate as to what Samsung would be interested in. It would seem Samsung would be interested in BlackBerry for its enterprise connections, BBM messenging software, and BB OS operating system along with QNX which powers embedded systems. Samsung whom is a close partner with Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) could be looking for better solution than Tizen to replace Android, and see the BlackBerry OS as a legitimate replacement.
BlackBerry’s Operating System which supports Android applications has an excellent reputation for security and is powered by QNX, an embedded real time operating system, which could be highly desirable as the world shifts to an Internet of Things.
QNX powers devices ranging from smartphones, air traffic control systems, surgical equipment, to nuclear power plants and car infotainment systems.
Regulatory Approval would be necessary
In the past CEO, John Chen has stated that he would not be allowed to sell BlackBerry to a Chinese bidder, and while Samsung is a Korean company there still may be security concerns given BlackBerry’s usage in high security scenarios including governments around the world.
We’ll have to see if this developers further, or proves to be another BlackBerry rumor that goes no where.