For beleaguered investors in Research in Motion (RIM), the drastic collapse of the company?s share price through 2011 eventually became a cause for optimism. In December, shares of the company spiked on reports that several technology titans could be suitors. But the optimism has been fleeting; the company has grappled with service failures, weak product introductions and dwindling market share. Shares of RIM have dropped by 75% since February. As the troubles mount, RIM is looking like a strong takeover candidate without suitable prospects. RIM said it does not comment on ?rumours and speculation? as a matter of policy. Even as its market share erodes in North America, the company continues to expand its customer base overseas and now reports almost 75 million users worldwide.
The most obvious suitor for RIM would be a Chinese cellphone manufacturer. Such companies lack a significant presence outside of Asia. ZTE, for example, is small, low-end player in North America and Europe. But it is the fourth-largest handset maker in the world, according to IDC.
