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Is Samsung still eyeing up a deal?
These two are on and off more often than a teenage couple. A new report claims that despite both firms denying it, Samsung is getting ready to take over BlackBerry.
The Toronto-based Financial Post claims it has obtained a Samsung document that outlines the case for, and potential structure of, a possible purchase of BlackBerry. The paper claims the document was prepared for Samsung by New York-based independent investment bank Evercore Partners.
The document isn't brand new, however. It was prepared towards the end of 2014. But the paper quotes a source familiar with the matter as saying that Samsung is still sniffing around.
"I can tell you Samsung is contemplating a purchase," the source said. "It's still being pursued right now. Samsung is still evaluating their options. So it's still very much an open deal."
When the story first broke last week, both firms went on the record saying no takeover was being discussed. Earlier this week, Samsung claimed it was only interested in developing its existing partnership with BlackBerry.
Both firms declined to comment to the Financial Post. We've contacted both and will let you know if we hear back.
Read more: BlackBerry CEO: Apple should be forced to make apps for BlackBerry
Why so coy? The source claims Samsung was caught off guard by the earlier reports, and had hoped it could swoop in and gobble up BlackBerry without a long drawn-out bidding process. BlackBerry found out what price Samsung was going to offer through the media reports, which is "the sort of thing we wanted to avoid", according to the source.
They added that Samsung continued to 'lean towards' a deal with BlackBerry.
Hmm. We'll bring you more as we get it.
