Reports link Microsoft to big RIM investment

More rumours emerge of potential takeover of battered and bruised BlackBerry builder

Industry rumours have linked Microsoft to a major investment in troubled device maker RIM.

The BlackBerry maker recently closed a fiscal year in which sales fell seven per cent, profit was more than cut in half and its share price sank to an eight-year low. The Canadian outfit has been linked to a number of potential suitors in recent months, including Vodafone and Amazon.

Reports earlier this year suggested former RIM co-chief executive Jim Balsillie rebuffed a takeover offer from Samsung. Balsillie and his leadership partner Mike Lazaridis have since been replaced by Thorsten Heins. The new boss has indicated he will look at joint ventures and licensing partnerships and has not ruled out a sale of the company.

According to finance blog Benzinga, Microsoft is now pondering an investment of between $3bn (£1.9bn) and $4bn in RIM.