BlackBerry denies reported Samsung takeover
By Canadian Press
Electronics Blackberry SamsungCanadian smart phone maker says it has not discussed a $7.5B bid.
TORONTO — BlackBerry is downplaying a report that smartphone maker Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. has approached the Canadian company about a possible takeover.
In a news release, the Waterloo, ON-based technology firm said it “has not engaged in discussions with Samsung with respect to any possible offer.”
The comments follow a report from Reuters news agency which said Samsung has met with executives over the possibility of buying BlackBerry for as much as US$7.5 billion.
The offer would be a premium of 38 to 60 per cent over BlackBerry’s stock price before the report emerged.
BlackBerry shares jumped nearly 30 per cent after the report was released. The company’s stock closed ahead $3.42 to C$15.02 on the Toronto Stock Exchange. In New York, BlackBerry shares closed up $2.89 at US$12.60.
“BlackBerry’s policy is not to comment on rumours or speculation, and accordingly it does not intend to comment further,” the company said in a release.
© 2015 The Canadian Press
