Dell faces shareholder revolt over plans to go private
Updated: Michael Dell could be forced to up his bid or risk being ousted from the firm he founded.

Michael Dell's attempt take the ailing PC vendor private appears to have hit a major stumbling block as shareholders could reject the proposal.
Dell's plan to pay $13.65 per share was expected to be passed by shareholders during a vote today. However, WSJ sources suggest that a trio of prominent stakeholders in the form of the Vanguard Group, State Street and BlackRock will oppose Dell's offer in an attempt to get him to increase his bid.
There are also concerns over whether existing CEO Michael Dell is the right person to help lead the firm's transformation from a PC vendor to a one-stop shop for enterprises.
The shareholder vote could be adjorned as Dell and his advisers look to convince shareholders to accept his proposal.
Reports suggest Dell is unwilling to increase his offer to retain control of the company he started in his dorm room at the University of Texas.
Meanwhile, Dell's second largest shareholder Carl Icahn claims his bid to buy shares reflects the true value of the company. With a deal involving a share buy-back scheme, Icahn claims his proposal is worth between $15.50 and $18 per share.
If his bid is successful, Icahn will take control of Dell, remove Michael Dell as CEO and also look to replace the board.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
Updated 18/7/2013
Dell has confirmed that the its Special Meeting of Stockholders has been adjourned to "provide additional time to solicit proxies from Dell stockholders".
No vote has been taken and the Special Meeting will reconvene on 24 July, 2013 at 5 p.m. CDT.
-
Third time lucky? Microsoft finally begins roll-out of controversial Recall feature
News The Windows Recall feature has been plagued by setbacks and backlash from security professionals
By Emma Woollacott Published
-
The UK government wants quantum technology out of the lab and in the hands of enterprises
News The UK government has unveiled plans to invest £121 million in quantum computing projects in an effort to drive real-world applications and adoption rates.
By Emma Woollacott Published
-
Scale of Dell job cuts laid bare as firm sheds 10% of staff in a year
News Dell Technologies’ workforce has reduced significantly in recent years, figures show, with headcount at the tech giant dropping by 10% in 2025 alone.
By Nicole Kobie Published
-
Dell Technologies just revamped its Partner Program for 2025 – here's what to expect
News Dell Technologies has unveiled its revamped Partner Program for 2025, offering a range of new incentives for partners.
By Emma Woollacott Published
-
'Nothing is faster than the speed of human interaction': Dell orders staff back into the office as the company shakes up hybrid working practices
News Dell Technologies has ordered staff to return to the office five days a week, according to reports, with some exceptions allowed for staff located too far from physical office sites.
By Emma Woollacott Published
-
Meta layoffs hit staff at WhatsApp, Instagram, and Reality Labs divisions
News The 'year of efficiency' for Mark Zuckerberg continues as Meta layoffs affect staff in key business units
By Ross Kelly Last updated
-
Business execs just said the quiet part out loud on RTO mandates — A quarter admit forcing staff back into the office was meant to make them quit
News Companies know staff don't want to go back to the office, and that may be part of their plan with RTO mandates
By Nicole Kobie Last updated
-
Microsoft tells staff it won’t follow Amazon or Dell on enforcing a return to the office – but there’s a catch
News While other big tech companies are forcing reluctant workforces back into the office, Microsoft isn’t following suit
By George Fitzmaurice Published
-
Amazon workers aren’t happy with the company’s controversial RTO scheme – and they’re making their voices heard
News An internal staff survey at Amazon shows many workers are unhappy about the prospect of a full return to the office
By Ross Kelly Published
-
Predicts 2024: Sustainability reshapes IT sourcing and procurement
whitepaper Take the following actions to realize environmental sustainability
By ITPro Published