RIM’s Botched PlayBook Debut Seen Keeping Acquirers on Sidelines - Businessweek

The tablet that’s also a poison pill

Research In Motion Ltd.’s mishandled debut of its BlackBerry PlayBook has hurt more than just sales of the tablet. It may be turning off possible buyers of the company.

RIM’s shares have dropped 72 percent since April 19, when the Playbook first hit the U.S. market. Countering that trend, the stock has jumped at least 5 percent nine times since July on speculation a bid might come from a larger technology company, such as Microsoft Corp. or Samsung Electronics Co.

RIM’s Botched PlayBook Debut Seen Keeping Acquirers on Sidelines - Businessweek