RIM to acquire QNX to support ‘unannounced product plans’
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Canadian smartphone developer Research In Motion is to acquire QNX Software Systems. The move is expected to strengthen QNX' penetration in the automotive market and foster innovation in the markets served by both companies.
"RIM is excited about the planned acquisition of QNX 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, RIM's president.
"In addition to our interests in expanding the opportunities for QNX in the automotive sector and other markets, we believe the planned acquisition will also bring other value to RIM in terms of supporting certain unannounced product plans for intelligent peripherals, adding valuable IP 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."
QNX was acquired in 2004 by US company Harman Industries, a specialist in audio entertainment. "We welcome the opportunities that a strengthened relationship with RIM will create, as two innovation leaders collaborate to bring new connectivity solutions to the industry," said Dinesh Paliwal, Harman's chairman, president and ceo. "We expect to maintain our close association with QNX and the cutting edge software solutions it provides to Harman and our customers. We believe our leading customers will fully endorse this move and see it as a major step in advancing seamless connectivity and integration among intelligent devices."
Dan Dodge, QNX' ceo and founder, added: "We are absolutely thrilled with this opportunity. RIM will give us the best of all possible mandates: to continue on our innovation path and to increase investment in our core products, professional services and go to market channels."
