BlackBerry owner RIM to buy QNX to add mobile technology for cars

Research in Motion, the maker of BlackBerry, announced today that it has teamed up with Harman International to acquire QNX Software Systems to gain technology for wireless connections in cars. The move is expected to help RIM into new markets as sales growth slows due to falling prices and competition from Apple’s iPhone.

“RIM is excited about the planned acquisition of QNX Software Systems and we look forward to ongoing collaboration between Harman, QNX and RIM to further integrate and enhance the user experience between smartphones and in-vehicle audio and infotainment systems,” said Mike Lazaridis, President and Co-CEO at RIM. “In addition to our interests in expanding the opportunities for QNX in the automotive sector and other markets, we believe the planned acquisition of QNX will also bring other value to RIM in terms of supporting certain unannounced product plans for intelligent peripherals, adding valuable intellectual property to RIM’s portfolio and providing long-term synergies for the companies based on the significant and complementary OS expertise that exists within the RIM and QNX teams today.”

RIM said that the deal is subject to regulatory approval and is anticipated to close within 35-45 days.

– By: Omar Rana