Reports: Dell board ponders rival bids

Michael Dell's planned private takeover hits more obstacles as billionaire investor joins line of would-be buyers

According to Reuters, a special committee of Dell’s Board is evaluating two separate takeover proposals to see whether either can beat the existing $24.4bn (£16bn) takeover proposed by Michael Dell and private equity firm Silver Lake.

The report states that billionaire Carl Icahn has stepped into the fray, offering $15 per share for 58 per cent of Dell, while private Equity firm Blackstone Group is offering more than $14.25 per share.

Both are higher than Dell’s $13.65-per-share offer for the whole company, but neither would mean the company is 100 per cent private, raising questions about how it would be valued.

Michael Dell has faced increased opposition for his plan, coming under fire from several major Dell shareholders, including Southeastern Asset Management, which asked recently to take another look at the books.

Feelings are high that Dell’s offer undervalues the company and some have pledged to vote against the deal which needs a majority, excluding the founder, to be successful.