US-listed shares of BlackBerry, which earlier rose about 17% on the news, closed at $5.23, giving the company a market capitalization of $3.1 billion.
Veritas has made an offer for the entire company, the source said, adding that BlackBerry is also in talks with other potential buyers. Founded in 1984, the company currently makes software for cars and cybersecurity. It became popular for its ubiquitous business smartphones, toted by executives, politicians and legions of fans in the early 2000s.
In May, BlackBerry said it will continue with the previously announced sale of the patents related to its mobile devices to Malikie Innovations Limited for up to $900 million. A prior deal to sell those patents to Catapult IP Innovations Inc for $600 million fell through as it took longer than usual to close.