Billionaire investor Carl Icahn said on Monday that he has entered into a confidentiality agreement with Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) possibly putting an end to an altercation over computer maker’s $24.4 billion sale. The agreement would allow Icahn to have access over Dell’s financial records. Icahn’s company, Icahn Enterprises, has said it holds a substantial stake in the company. However, it still unclear how much stake Icahn holds in Dell.
“(Icahn Enterprises) looks forward to commencing its review of Dell’s confidential information,” said the firm in a brief statement.
Dell’s founder, Michael Dell, who is also company’s CEO, is contemplating a $24.4 billion buyout deal which would make the Round Rock, Texas-based company a privately-owned business. However, many big shareholders including, Southeastern Asset Management Inc. said that the offer price of $13.65 was too low.
After the deal was announced, Icahn had publicly challenged the Board. Icahn said that he expects the company to pay out special dividend of $9 by using existing cash and borrowed money, in case the deal is voted down.
In the same letter, Icahn warned company of a proxy war and “years of litigation” If the board did not give up to his demand for a special dividend of $9 a share in the event the Michael Dell’s deal is disapproved by shareholders,
According to a source familiar with the matter, several rounds of negotiations took place between Icahn and special committee of Dell’s board, following his opposition to the deal. The source said after few days of negotiations, the special committee was able to convince Icahn to sign the confidentiality agreement. The confidentiality agreement may keep Icahn speaking out against founder and Chief Executive, Michael S Dell and investment firm silver Lake over the proposed LBO deal.
According to the Wall Street Journal, sources familiar the matter said that Icahn had earlier been in discussions with Dell’s board about possibly bidding for the computer manufacturer.
Those early rounds of negotiations, which at one point included a preliminary talks of $15 a share, did not turn out into formal bid, according to WSJ.
Recent Comments