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BlackBerry could be sold as firm plots 'strategic alternatives'

BlackBerry could be sold, or could partner with another firm, the Z10-maker says.

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Luke Westaway Senior editor
Luke Westaway is a senior editor at CNET and writer/ presenter of Adventures in Tech, a thrilling gadget show produced in our London office. Luke's focus is on keeping you in the loop with a mix of video, features, expert opinion and analysis.
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BlackBerry could be about to be sold, as the ailing firm confirms that it's considering "alternatives" in a bid to stay afloat.

The Z10-maker says it has "formed a special committee" that is dedicated to exploring new ways of making cash.

"Strategic partnerships or alliances, a sale of the company or other possible transactions" are all on the table, according to a BlackBerry statement.

It's no secret that BlackBerry is enduring a tough stint, with Apple and Samsung having stolen the top spot away from the phone-maker. BlackBerry attempted a dramatic comeback with its BlackBerry 10 operating system, but while it showed promise, we've not been too impressed with its frustrating software and chronic lack of apps.

This time last year company boss Thorsten Heins asserted the company would "win" against the iPhone and Android. Heins now sits on the committee that will figure out the firm's next move.

BlackBerry has options. It could flog the business wholesale to someone bold enough to buy it, or it could license little bits of the business -- like BB10, or perhaps the BBM messaging platform -- for cash.

It'll be interesting to see what happens next. What do you think BlackBerry should do? Should it keep making mobiles, or throw in the towel? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook wall.