Analyst report says RIM is reviving partnership talks with Samsung

TORONTO – A report by investment firm Jefferies suggests that Research In Motion Ltd. is trying to revive discussions about a possible partnership with Samsung Electronics Co.

Shares in the troubled Blackberry maker were up 37 cents or about five per cent at $7.69 on the Toronto Stock Exchange after surging more than 10 per cent in early trading.

Jefferies analyst Peter Misek says RIM’s strategic review is likely wrapping up, and he predicts the company will conclude that it needs to license its BlackBerry 10 operating system.

In his report, Misek says the company may finally be realizing what Wall Street has been saying along: that it needs a partner.

He believes Samsung is undecided, but is considering licensing BlackBerry 10 or buying RIM.

He says an acquisition is not likely until after the new operating system launches.