Research In Motion (RIM), the maker of BlackBerry is considering splitting its business in two, separating its down slopping handset manufacturing division from its messaging network, reports The Sunday Times.

Without citing any sources, the British newspaper mentioned Facebook and Amazon as two of the potential buyers who are interested in buying RIM. RIM's messaging network could also be sold, or opened up to rivals such as Apple and Google.

RIM said in a statement that it continued to believe the best way to drive shareholder value was to execute its turnaround plan.

RIM virtually invented the concept of on-your-hip email with its first BlackBerry devices, but now finds itself struggling badly in the rising competition of smartphone market.