Tech firm trio circle ailing BlackBerry - reports

Cisco, SAP and Google reported to be after all or parts of the business

Three top technology firms are reported to be sniffing around ailing phone-maker BlackBerry as it searches for a buyer.

According to Reuters, several sources close to BlackBerry said Cisco, SAP and Google are interested in all or parts of the business.

Last month BlackBerry agreed to a $4.7bn (£2.93bn) sale led by its biggest shareholder Fairfax Financial Holdings, but the terms of the deal stated BlackBerry can still look around for and receive better offers from elsewhere until a cut-off point of 4 November.

The move came after the firm – which has lost considerable market share to Android-based phones and iPhones – had to cut 4,500 staff and posted losses in the region of $1bn.

Reuters added that it is unclear whether SAP, Google or Cisco will place a bid for BlackBerry, but did claim the trio was particularly interested in its secure server network and patent portfolio.

Neither BlackBerry nor SAP were available to comment on the reports when contacted by CRN and Cisco and Google said they do not comment on rumours or speculation.