Cerberus Capital Management wants to look at BlackBerry’s books, the New York Times reports.

Read: BlackBerry faces heavy cost burden

It wants a confidentiality agreement so it can look at the smartphone maker’s finances and operations.

Looking at BlackBerry’s accounts could be a precursor to putting in an offer to buy the firm.

BlackBerry and Fairfax Financial Holdings have already agreed on a conditional offer.

If the tech company were to accept a bid from another firm before Nov. 4, it would have to pay $157 million, reports the Times.

Read more here.

Also read:

Mixed bag for smartphone makers

BlackBerry revenue declines 45% in Q2