Many industry observers looked at Palm’s rollout of the Pre, and later the Pixi, as a Hail Mary for the company as it struggled to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive smartphone market.
When those campaigns fell short of their promise, rumors began to swirl that the end might be near for the handset pioneer. Now, Palm has reportedly enlisted the services of two investment banks as it mulls its next options, which could include an outright sale of the company.
But who would be interested? Several companies, as it turns out.
Enterprise Mobile Today reports on the rumors of Palm’s plans for a sale, and takes a look at the list of likely suitors.
After a few disappointing quarters and a shrinking sales base, Palm has reportedly retained the services of two investment bankers to help it explore several options for survival, including sale of the company.
The company has been haunted by flagging sales in an increasingly crowded market for smartphones. With Apple’s iPhone, multiple Android phones, BlackBerry and Windows Phone, Palm (NASDAQ: PALM) has found itself under increasing pressure.
The Pre and later Pixi phones were very highly praised when they were announced, but Palm allowed too much time to pass between the announcement and launch, and then it was tied exclusively with Sprint, the nation’s No. 4 wireless provider in terms of consumer reach.
