Michael Dell's $24.4 Billion Deal Hits a Potential Snag
Michael Dell, along with partners Silver Lake Management and Microsoft, are anxious to complete a takeover bid of the world's third largest PC maker, but not everyone involved is gung-ho to get it done. Southeastern Asset Management, Dell's biggest outside shareholder, plans to fight the acquisition on the basis that Mr. Dell's takeover price isn't high enough.
Michael Dell and his investment partners struck an agreement with Dell's board to acquire the company for $13.65 per share, valuing the company at $24.4 billion. However, Southeastern Asset Management wrote in a letter to the board that Dell is worth closer to $24 per share, The New York Times reports.
Dell via Flickr
Southeastern Asset Management called the current proposal an "ill-advised transaction" and has asked the board to look for other proposals, given that Dell has a 45-day window to solicit other bids. Barring a better offer, Southeastern Asset Management says it's ready to wage war via proxy fight and through lawsuits.
Dell has already started laying the groundwork in case things get nasty. The company on Monday said it consulted with advisers before accepting the buyout offers.
"Based on that work, the board concluded that the proposed all-cash transaction is in the best interests of stockholders," said David Frink, a spokesman for Dell. "The transaction offers an attractive and immediate premium for stockholders and shifts the risks facing the business to the buyer group."
Michael Dell and his investment partners struck an agreement with Dell's board to acquire the company for $13.65 per share, valuing the company at $24.4 billion. However, Southeastern Asset Management wrote in a letter to the board that Dell is worth closer to $24 per share, The New York Times reports.
Dell via Flickr
Southeastern Asset Management called the current proposal an "ill-advised transaction" and has asked the board to look for other proposals, given that Dell has a 45-day window to solicit other bids. Barring a better offer, Southeastern Asset Management says it's ready to wage war via proxy fight and through lawsuits.
Dell has already started laying the groundwork in case things get nasty. The company on Monday said it consulted with advisers before accepting the buyout offers.
"Based on that work, the board concluded that the proposed all-cash transaction is in the best interests of stockholders," said David Frink, a spokesman for Dell. "The transaction offers an attractive and immediate premium for stockholders and shifts the risks facing the business to the buyer group."
