Ailing Dell on track for £15bn buyout

Dell, the once-mighty PC giant that has been struggling as consumers switch to smartphones and tablets, could within days be the subject of a management buyout aimed taking it private as its founder, Michael Dell, seeks to reposition the ailing business.

Rumours of a buyout worth up to $24bn (£15bn) have gathered pace, with Mr Dell and the private equity firm Silver Lake Partners said to be putting the finishing touches to a deal that could be announced within days.

Microsoft, whose Windows operating system has long powered Dell's range of laptops and desktops, is also said to be involved, with earlier reports indicating that it could contribute $2bn in equity to seal what would be the largest buyout deal since the financial crisis.