BLACKBERRY EXPLORING SELLING COMPANY DO TO PLUMMETING SALES AND MOBILE MARKET SHARES OF 47% IN 4 YRS

BLACKBERRY

BlackBerry said Monday it has formed a special board committee to explore strategic alternatives that could help accelerate the deployment of BlackBerry 10.
Shares jumped 7.6% to $10.50 in pre-market trading. As of Friday’s close, the stock has slipped about 18% so far this year.

BlackBerry, which once led the smartphone industry, has lost significant market share to Apple (AAPL), Google (GOOG), Samsung and other competitors. According to data released last week by research firm IDC, BlackBerry’s overall market share has fallen from about 50% in 2009 to less than 3%.

Last week, reports surfaced that BlackBerry was open to taking the company private amid a struggle to gain traction with its latest devices.

The Canadian smartphone maker said the committee will explore all options, such as a sale of the company, joint ventures or partnerships. The special committee includes Chairwoman Barbara Stymiest and Chief Executive Thorsten Heins.