Private equity firm reportedly interested in last-minute bid to take Dell private

Private equity firm Blackstone (BX) may be considering a last-minute bid to buy Dell (DELL), according to Bloomberg. Michael Dell and Silver Lake Management have already proposed a $24.4 billion buyout to take the company private, however the deal has been met with backlash from shareholders. Blackstone is said to be considering an offer for Dell higher than the current $13.65 per share offer. Blackstone, Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) and Lenovo (LNVGY) have all reportedly conducted due diligence on Dell, however Blackstone is said to be the only serious contender to counter Silver Lake’s bid. Dell’s board has until March 22nd to examine other options and is allowed to negotiate beyond that date if it receives a “serious” offer. Blackstone has not yet submitted a proposal to the board.