RIM reportedly considering handset unit spin-off

BlackBerry-manufacturer Research In Motion (RIM) is reportedly mulling a break-up of the company that could see it spin-off its messaging network from the handset manufacturing division.

The Sunday Times reported that RIM is looking to either list or sell the struggling handset unit – with Amazon and Facebook named as potential suitors. Meanwhile, it said that RIM’s messaging network could also be sold, or opened up to rivals such as Apple and Google.

An alternative option being considered, according to the newspaper, would be to keep the company together but sell a stake to a larger technology firm such as Microsoft.

Last month, RIM said it had enlisted JP Morgan and RBC Capital Markets to help it evaluate various financial strategies, including “opportunities to leverage the BlackBerry platform through partnerships, licensing opportunities and strategic business model alternatives."

RIM will report its latest quarterly earnings (ended June 2) later this week. The firm has already warned it will post an operating loss with “lower volumes and highly competitive pricing dynamics in the marketplace” impacting the business.