Struggling smartphone maker BlackBerry may put itself up for sale

Struggling smartphone maker BlackBerry on Monday nearly confirmed that it may consider selling itself, saying the company's board has formed a special committee to explore "strategic alternatives" in hopes of boosting the adoption of its BlackBerry 10 smartphone.

The company says its options could also include joint ventures, partnerships, or other moves.

BlackBerry has been hammered by increased competition from its Apple and Android-based rivals.

In January, the company unveiled new phones running a revamped operating system called BlackBerry 10 designed to better compete, but its market share continues to lag.

The Canadian company's shares had risen on Friday on reports that it might be warming up to the idea of someone taking it private.