RIM shares gain on speculation of IBM interest

Shares in Research In Motion Ltd. rose almost five per cent on Friday after a report that technology giant IBM may be interested in acquiring the company’s lucrative enterprise-services business.

Bloomberg reported Friday that IBM has approached the Waterloo, Ont.-based BlackBerry maker about acquiring the division, which operates a network of secure servers that support RIM’s BlackBerry devices. The financial news agency cited two unnamed sources with knowledge of the situation.

When asked for comment, RIM spokesperson Nick Manning said the company does not comment on rumours and speculation.

RIM shares gained 37 cents, or almost five per cent, to $8.09 in early Toronto trading.

RIM shares have been hit hard this year, but the company insists that if consumers and investors wait for the release of their new BlackBerry 10 smartphones next year, their patience will be rewarded.

Earlier this week, RIM shares saw a bump after an analyst report speculated Korean electronics giant Samsung might be interested in acquiring the company. Samsung quickly denied that suggestion, but the shares steadily gained following the release of the report.

This time last week, RIM shares were trading below $7.

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