Potential buyers have shown only “tepid” interest in BlackBerry, eyeing parts of the business rather than the company as a whole, according to a Reuters report at the weekend.

It noted that a “handful of potential bidders”, including private equity firms, are set to take a look at the company. But they are looking at assets such as the BlackBerry 10 platform (and presumably its QNX underpinnings) and patents related to keyboard technology.

It has also been suggested that Fairfax Financial Holdings, the single largest shareholder, has approached several Canadian investment funds to explore a deal to take BlackBerry private.

Reuters also said that some large private equity firms and “some of the Asian hardware makers” had decided not to become involved in the process.

With the value of BlackBerry’s assets – including services business, patents, cash and investments – outstripping its market value, there are clearly some parts worth having.

But its handset manufacture unit, which could cost $2 billion to close, provides a drag, and is likely to be the sticking point for potential buyers.

Also concerning is that the recent strategic review announced by BlackBerry is not the first from the company – and its earlier talks did not come to fruition. This means that many potential buyers have already looked at its value, and decided not to strike a deal.

The Wall Street Journal last week said that BlackBerry is looking to complete the sale of parts of its business by November 2013, following a “rapid auction process”.