http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking...uyout-20130123

Microsoft in talks with investers on Dell buyout

NEW YORK* (AFP) - Microsoft is in talks with private equity investors on a possible buyout of United States (US) computer giant Dell, the Wall Street Journal and cable news channel CNBC reported on Tuesday.

The reports, citing sources close to the discussions, said Microsoft was considering investing US$2 billion (S$2.5 million) to US$3 billion.

Dell has not commented on reports circulating since last week which said the popular computer maker, which has slipped from its number one position and has struggled amid a shift to mobile devices, was preparing to go private.

The move, which would delist the company from stock markets, could ease some of the pressure on Dell, which is cash-rich but has been seeing profits slump.