Dell, the third largest computer maker in the world, has become the subject of private buyout offer today orchestrated by its founder of nearly 30 years ago, Michael Dell.
Mr Dell has been joined by Silver Lake Partners and Microsoft in an investment group which is offering US$13.65 per share for Dell’s stock.
The Financial Times reported shares were halted when trading opened in New York this morning, but had risen by one percent to US$13.40 during early trading.
The computer manufacturer will now be able to entertain competing offers, with any deal now likely to be the biggest private buyout since the global financial crisis of 2008.
Analysts estimate around 70 percent of Dell’s business is dependent on PCs, an industry which is seeing sales reduce as consumers and businesses increasingly turn to tablets.
