RIM, Apple May Gain From Motorola Split

Motorola's (MOT Quote) decision to splinter off its handset unit has come far too late, and it will actually provide a spark for smart-phone makers Research In Motion (RIMM Quote) and Apple (AAPL Quote), according to an analyst.

On Wednesday, Motorola announced it will divide its operations into two separate publicly traded companies, one for its mobile phones and the other for network gear and TV set-top boxes. The company expects that the separation of its businesses, if completed, would take place in 2009.

According to RBC Capital's Mike Abramsky, other smart-phone makers will see a hefty gain in market share as Motorola's for-the-moment leaderless and long-struggling handset unit is separated from the remainder of the company. ...