January 12, 2012 8:28 PM EST
Shares in Research In Motion climbed nearly 4 percent on Thursday on market speculation the BlackBerry maker had hired investment bank Goldman Sachs to explore strategic options.
RIM has been the target of a steady stream of takeover talk as its market valuation has crawled along at multi-year lows amid product delays and profit warnings.
Analysts have largely downplayed the prospects of a sale, saying no natural buyers exist and that current management is focused on turning around the company's fortunes.
"It's up on Goldman, but I wouldn't put too much on that," said one trader who declined to be identified.
RIM stock jumped sharply in September on reports that activist investor Carl Icahn might take a stake, and again a week later on talk it had hired an investment bank.
Follow us
It jumped again in December after Reuters reported that Amazon.com and other potential buyers had considered a bid.
RIM was not immediately available to comment. It typically declines to comment on rumor or speculation. Goldman was also not immediately available.
The stock was steady at $16.05, a 2.8 percent increase, just after midday on Nasdaq. In Toronto, the shares were up 2.7 percent at C$16.35 after rising as high as C$16.63.
The stock has lost 75 percent of its value in the past year.
Curt Schilling Fires Entire Staff in ‘Non-Voluntary’ Layoffs at Video Game Company 38 Studios
Memorial Day Sales 2012: 25 Best Deals, Discounts And Bargains Online And In Stores For MDW Holiday Weekend
Facebook, ‘Titanic' Of IPOs, Could Poison Tech Company Pipeline
Facebook Camera Review: Like Instagram, But More Relevant
HP’s WebOS Enyo Team Leaving Company To Join Google: ReportWe value your privacy. Your email address will not be shared.
