Shares of Dell (DELL) jumped more than 12% earlier this week following reports that the company was in talks to go private. The talks are now said to be more advanced than previously thought. Private equity firm Silver Lake Partners is reportedly interested in buying Dell at $13 or $14 a share, The Wall Street Journal reported, valuing the company between $22 billion and $25 billion.
In addition to the private equity firm, the buyout group would include at least one other investor such as a pension or sovereign wealth fund, along with founder and CEO Michael Dell. Reuters also reported on Wednesday that at least four major banks have lined up to provide financing for the potential deal.
Analysts believe that by going private, Dell could increase its focus on its business customers and less on consumer sales, while not having to deal with the scrutiny that comes with quarterly earnings reports.
