BlackBerry considers going private, reports say

BlackBerry shares rose in pre-market trading amid reports that its chief executive officer and board of directors are warming to the idea of taking the company private.

The Nasdaq-listed shares were above US$10 at times, gaining more than eight per cent since the close of trading on Thursday.

The stock has been hovering just above and below the $10 level all week.

News agency Reutersreported earlier that several sources, which it didn't identify, said Thursday the going-private idea was being considered, but no deal is imminent.

Still, BlackBerry shares were up 77 cents from US$9.23 at Nasdaq's close on Thursday. The Toronto-listed shares closed at $9.58.

The shares have been on a roller-coaster, rising to as high as C$18.49 in February to a recent low of $8.80 at the end of July.

As of the close of trading Thursday, the company had a total market value of about $5 billion.