Battle for Dell continues as shareholders Icahn, Southeastern partner on an offer

Michael Dell’s deal with Microsoft to buy back the computer company bearing his name hasn’t gone through yet, and tonight two of its largest shareholders joined forces on another option. Carl Icahn and Southeastern Asset Management have both opposed the $24.4 billion / $13.65 per share buyout proposal from the start and have an alternative proposal: a $12 per share dividend, funded by Dell’s $9 billion in cash and $5.2 billion in new debt. If that’s not accepted, the two also claim to be ready to put up a slate of 12 directors ahead of Dell’s annual shareholder meeting, or take their challenge to the courts. Even with the reported withdrawal of a counter offer from Blackstone Group, things remain complicated — we’ll wait and see if any of these threats go through, or if they successfully wrangle a better buyout offer from Dell, Microsoft & Co.

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Source: Wall Street Journal

Potential Dell bidding war afoot as Blackstone Group and Carl Icahn reportedly making offers

Potential Dell bidding war afoot as Blackstone Group and Carl Ichan reportedly making offers

Thought that Dell buy out was a done deal? Well, the Blackstone Group and investor Carl Icahn clearly don’t think so, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that both have contacted the committee of Dell’s board just before Friday’s shutoff deadline. The would-be bidders are reported to be working on their actual offer amounts, and in the process buying them four more days thinking time. Reuters reports that Blackstone’s tentative offer is already in, according to sources, but at this time the company is yet to comment. Despite a recent slump in profits, Michael Dell surprised many when he announced his intention to buy back the eponymous firm in a deal with Microsoft for $24.4 billion. So, if the founder thought he had the keys to the old estate back, he might just have to wait a little longer.

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Source: The Wall Street Journal, Reuters