BlackBerry to weigh putting itself up for sale

ABOVE: Queen’s University professor Dr. John Pliniussen discusses the options troubled Canadian tech giant Blackberry now faces

NEW YORK – Struggling smartphone maker BlackBerry will consider selling itself.

The company said Monday that its board has formed a special committee to explore “strategic alternatives” in hopes of boosting the adoption of its BlackBerry 10 smartphone.

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READ MORE: BlackBerry investor leaves board as review launched

The company says its options could also include joint ventures, partnerships, or other moves.

The Canadian company’s shares had risen Friday on reports that it might be warming up to the idea of someone taking it private.

READ MORE: BlackBerry going private not a viable option, say experts

BlackBerry Ltd. has been hammered by increased competition from its Apple and Android-based rivals.

In January, BlackBerry unveiled new phones running a revamped operating system called BlackBerry 10 designed to better compete, but its market share continues to lag.