Dell's EMC acquisition earns significant seal of approval
Global adviser Glass Lewis gives merger the thumbs up, advising shareholders to approve it
Dell's planned merger with EMC has gained the support of a significant shareholder advisory firm, as rumours surface that the deal will close in early August.
In a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dell said that the planned merger has gained the seal of approval from Glass Lewis, a global shareholder advisory firm which works with more than 1,200 investors that collectively manage more than $25tn (£19.2tn) worth of investments.
Glass Lewis recommended that EMC shareholders vote in favour of the proposal to approve the merger agreement, which will see Dell and EMC unite in the biggest tech acquisition ever.
"Overall, we find that the proposed transaction is financially and strategically reasonable from the perspective of EMC and its shareholders," Glass Lewis said. "The proposed consideration represents what is, in our view, an attractive premium to the unaffected closing price of EMC shares and appears generally reasonable in numerous analyses presented by the independent financial advisers.
"The proposed consideration will allow shareholders to realise a substantial portion of their investment in cash and to continue to participate in the future performance of VMware."
Partners were told by Michael Dell at EMC World in May that he was planning to get the acquisition wrapped up by mid-July. But the shareholder vote is not scheduled until 19 July, and certain regulatory approvals still need to be granted, including getting the green light from China.
One source told us that the current timeline would see the deal close in early August.
Once it does close, the umbrella name for the company will be Dell Technologies, with Dell EMC the name for its enterprise arm, and the Dell brand remaining for its devices unit.
In a statement, EMC's chief executive Joe Tucci reiterated his view that the merger is best for both firms and said he is pleased that Glass Lewis agrees.
"I firmly believe, as does EMC's board of directors, that the coming together of EMC and Dell is the best strategic option for all stakeholders," he said. "The new Dell Technologies will be a powerhouse in the technology industry with approximately $74bn in revenues, a complementary product portfolio, and expanded market reach in a number of high-growth areas of the $2tn information technology market."
Ian Parslow, senior vice president for sales at EMC partner MTI, said he remains optimistic about the union.
"We are extremely enthused and excited about the prospect of working with what was originally two titans of the industry coming together as one all-encompassing company. I think the coverage of the offerings between Dell and EMC are going to have a profound impact on our customers."