Research In Motion Changes Its Name to BlackBerry
Company adopts globally recognized brand, consolidates to single brand identity
WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 30, 2013) - Research In Motion (RIM) (NASDAQ:RIMM)(TSX:RIM) has announced that it will now operate around the world under the iconic name BlackBerry, effective immediately.
The Company will adopt the name of its revolutionary BlackBerry smartphone to coincide with the launch of its new mobile computing platform, BlackBerry 10. The move consolidates the company's brand into a single cohesive global presence.
"This change from Research In Motion to BlackBerry comes at a defining moment in our company's history," said Thorsten Heins, President and CEO. "RIM created the first BlackBerry smartphone and changed the way millions of people around the world stay connected. We have used that same ingenuity and innovation to redefine mobile computing with BlackBerry 10. As we launch BlackBerry 10 around the world, now is the right time to adopt the iconic BlackBerry name."
As part of the move, the Company will now trade as "BB" on the Toronto Stock Exchange and "BBRY" on the NASDAQ. The changes to the company's ticker symbols will be effective at the start of trading on Monday, February 4, 2013. The company's website (www.rim.com) has changed to www.blackberry.com and soon company email addresses will migrate to @blackberry.com suffix.
BlackBerry's reinvigorated marketing efforts will now consistently represent the BlackBerry brand.
"Outside of North America, we are known solely as BlackBerry and the strength of the brand has opened doors in new and emerging markets. We now represent a company with a clear global brand and cohesive global marketing approach," said Frank Boulben, Chief Marketing Officer, BlackBerry.
"The BlackBerry name is synonymous with the company and its products and this move is a logical step forward as the company launches new devices and the BlackBerry 10 platform," said Danielle Levitas, Group Vice President of IDC's Consumer, Clients & New Media Research.
About BlackBerry
A global leader in wireless innovation, BlackBerry® revolutionized the mobile industry when it was introduced in 1999. Today, BlackBerry aims to inspire the success of our millions of customers around the world by continuously pushing the boundaries of mobile experiences. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, BlackBerry operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. BlackBerry is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ:BBRY) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:BB). For more information, visit www.blackberry.com.
Forward-looking statements in this news release are made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used herein, words such as "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend," "believe", and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by RIM in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that RIM believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause RIM's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of RIM's Annual Information Form, which is included in its Annual Report on Form 40-F (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on RIM's forward-looking statements. RIM has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
BlackBerry, RIM, Research In Motion and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used in the U.S. and countries around the world. All other brands, names and marks are the property of their respective owners. RIM is not responsible for any third party products or services.
BlackBerry Media Relations
Crystal Roberts
519-888-7465 x77273
mediarelations@rim.com
www.blackberry.com