SAN FRANCISCO -- Michael Dell is about to find out whether other bidders think his company is worth more than he does.
The answer could come today, the end of the 45-day window set by Dell's board to allow for offers that might top a Feb. 5 agreement to sell the computer maker to CEO Michael Dell and a group of investors for $24.4 billion. Buyout specialist Blackstone Group is emerging as the likeliest candidate to trump the current bid of $13.65 per share.Blackstone is so intrigued by the prospect of owning Dell that the firm has been courting former Hewlett-Packard CEO Mark Hurd to run Dell if it decides to mount a hostile takeover attempt, according to a person familiar with the situation.The person asked not to be identified because the discussions between Blackstone and Hurd are considered confidential.Several other buyout scenarios tying Blackstone to Dell have been leaked to the media, another indication that the New York firm is mulling a bid that could scuttle the debt-laden deal that the company reached with Michael Dell and Silver Lake Partners.Dell Inc., based in Round Rock, says the deadline for competing offers could be extended if its board believes that other suitors would benefit from more time to examine Dell's books.Although there is much rumor and speculation, many investors are convinced that a higher bid is in the works.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
