RIM, RBC and Thomson Reuters unveil plans to introduce BlackBerry Partners Fund

Telecomworldwire, May 12, 2008

TELECOMWORLDWIRE-12 May 2008-RIM, RBC and Thomson Reuters unveil plans to introduce BlackBerry Partners Fund(C)1994-2008 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com

Plans to introduce a new BlackBerry Partners Fund, a USD150m venture capital fund which will invest in mobile applications and services for the BlackBerry platform and other mobile platforms, have been unveiled by wireless solutions provider Research In Motion (RIM) (TSX:RIM) (Nasdaq:RIMM), Canadian bank RBC (TSX:RY) (NYSE:RY) and Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI) (TSX:TRI) (LSE:TRIL) (Nasdaq:TRIN), a provider of intelligent information for businesses and professionals.

The companies said the fund is to be co-managed by JLA Ventures and RBC Venture Partners and will not restrict the development of mobile applications and services to any single mobile platform or specific industry segment. They confirmed the fund is intended to foster development and drive entrepreneurial spirit to create new mobile offerings for customers, helping to advance the industry.

JLA Ventures claimed the fund will focus on evaluating companies around the world and investing in the long term success of those demonstrating differentiation and market leadership, funding companies which drive adoption and enriching the mobile experience.

Thomson Reuters confirmed its commitment to supporting the development of next generation mobile applications which will provide anywhere, anytime capabilities for its professional and business customers. It claimed providing intelligent information on mobile devices will allow its customers to make business critical decisions and gain a competitive advantage.

According to RIM, the companies believe mobile applications and services will drive the industry forward, with the fund being established to fuel innovation and activity in the mobile ecosystem.

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