Indecisive Dell unsure on IPO and VMware merger plans

Vendor still pondering IPO and VMware merger, but rules out sale of either vendor to a third party

Dell is still pondering plans to merge with subsidiary VMware or float on the stock exchange, the vendor has revealed in a company filing.

Earlier this year Michael Dell confirmed reports that the vendor was considering a change in ownership structure - claiming that a number of options are on the table, as is the possibility of keeping the current set-up in place.

In an update filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Dell said a final decision has not been made, but ruled out the possibility of Dell or VMware being sold to a third party.

A merger with VMware or listing Dell on the stock exchange are still possibilities.

The filing stated: "Dell has not determined which, if any, potential business opportunity to pursue and there can be no assurance that any potential business opportunity will be pursued...

"Dell is also considering maintaining the status quo. The potential business opportunities currently being evaluated by Dell do not include the sale to a third party of Dell or VMware."

The vendor said that a "special committee" has been formed to oversee the process, comprising independent directors David Dorman and William Green.

Dorman's CV includes a spell as CEO of American comms firm AT&T, while Green was formally CEO of Accenture and was on the board of EMC before its acquisition by Dell.

Wall Street did not respond well when Dell announced the possible changes, with VMware's share price falling as much as 28 per cent in the wake of the announcement and one investor slamming the merger proposal.