RIM Rumored To Be Talking With Microsoft

 If you can't beat 'em join 'em.

Shares of Research in Motion moved higher on Thursday on renewed market speculation that Microsoft could be interested in buying the BlackBerry maker.

"Microsoft has been mentioned as a possible buyer," said Frederic Ruffy, an analyst at options education firm Optionetics in California.

"According to speculation, the software giant might be interested in RIM in response to recent news that Google is interested in making its own mobile-phone operating system, which would compete with Windows Mobile," he added.

RIM shares were up 3.35 percent at $84.59 in midday trading Thursday after posting a new high of $85 on the Nasdaq.

The Waterloo, Ontario-based company's shares regularly move as much as 5 percent in a single session, even in the absence of news. The Microsoft rumor has surfaced in the past, as well as speculation that Motorola could buy the Canadian company.

Analysts have heaped upgrades and praise on RIM in recent weeks in wake of strong growth, both in profit and in subscribers.

 Full Article | CNet