Dell and Cyprus…. what do they have in common? Two months ago no one could care less about either. Now suddenly everyone wants a piece of the action. Specifically on this point, one man comes to mind who hypothetically could attempt to buy both the company and the island country, Steve Ballmer. This weekend once again the biggest topics in financial news are Dell Inc. (NASDAQ:DELL) and Cyprus. Since the news about Cyprus has been changing at least every hour while Dell only once every couple of days, its easier to write about the latter without the risk of the piece being totally outdated by the time its posted.
The latest news about Dell Inc. (NASDAQ:DELL) is in regards to the entry of a new buyer, The Blackstone Group L.P. (NYSE:BX). There had been rumors all week that Blackstone would make a bid for the tech company, however, the deadline for the bid was Friday night.
Late Friday, The Blackstone Group L.P. (NYSE:BX) and activist investor Carl Icahn submitted proposals to buy Dell Inc. (DELL) that would rival a $24.4 billion buyout offer from Silver Lake Management LLC and company founder Michael Dell, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
Blackstone, the world’s biggest private-equity firm, outlined an offer valued at $13.65 to $14.50 a share, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the process is private. Carl Icahn said he’d pay $15 a share, with a cap on the amount of cash used in the deal, two people said.
There is still no word from Mason Hawkin’s Southeastern Asset Management. The value oriented firm is the company’s second largest shareholder with a 7% stake. Southeastern Asset Management had opposed the original Silver Lake and Michael Dell buyout plan. The firm has been selling shares in recent weeks.
For the fiscal year ended 01 February 2013, Dell Inc. revenues decreased 8% to $56.94B. Net income decreased 32% to $2.37B. Revenues reflect Consumer segment decrease of 20% to $10.92B, Public segment decrease of 8% to $14.83B, Large Enterprise segment decrease of 5% to $17.78B, Foreign Countries segment decrease of 9% to $28.71B, United States segment decrease of 7% to $28.23B.
